2009 Backpacking to Philippines (7 days) 30 Jan to 5 Feb 2009

L-R: Ching Neng Bin, Monica Foong Sui Oi, Catherine Oon, Kok Lai Khim, Mike Khaw Eng Aun, Helen Chok Yuen Lee, Albert Chong Kee Wah, Lee Kar Heng, Song Poh, Chan Nam Hong, Ng Siew Lian, Tan Di Mal, Chan Kang Fei at Manila Aquino Airport in Manila, Philippines.

Day 1 (30.01.2009) Kuala Lumpur to Manila, Philippines

Mabuhay! Greetings from Philippines. The adventure began at 5am when Mike Khaw drove from Sitiawan to my Ipoh house and together in my son’s car we arrived 9.30am at KLIA. Here we met the other 11 team members from KL and then proceed to a common check-in so as to be able to carry 15 boxes of 5kg each of new and used clothing for distribution to the fire victim of Gawad Kalinga project. Thanks to Albert Chong for the collection of clothing and the arrangement with Gawad Kalinga.

Flying at 12.00 noon by MAS MH704 and arriving at Ninoy Aquino International Airport at 3.50pm. Bro.Roger from Gawad Kalinga met us at the airport to collect the boxes.

Two vans which were booked earlier for the 7days trip by Mr. Chan Kang Fei came to pick us up. In Manila Malate area we checked in to Hostel 1632 at Peso1,900 a room – small and expensive. Hostel 1632 is about forty-five minutes away from the International Airport, located at the heart of Malate city and is accessible to the nearest shopping centers, tourist spots and golf course. It is very close to the famous Robinson’s Place Manila.

Hostel 1632 @ P1,900 a room for two with A/C & breakfast for 2. (Rm146).
Renting of 2 vans for 7days at P50,000 (Rm3,846) or Rm296 per person.

Manila City > Pagsanjan Fall > Taal Volcano > Talisay > Tagaytay City > Matabungkay Beach > Manila

Ching Neng Bin and Catherine Oon walking out of Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila, Philippines.

Evening was spent walking along Manila Bay and also inside Robinson’s Place where we had our first taste of Filipino food. The food court at Robinson is strongly recommended for its cheap and good food at about P60 to P90 (RM5 to RM7).

Catherine Oon and Ching Neng Bin walking around Robinson’s Place in Manila, Philippines.

Dinner at Robinson's Place Manila. Chan Kang Fei enjoying delicious dinner with fantastic company.

Dinner at Robinson's Place in Manila, Philippines.

Ching Neng Bin and Catherine Oon looking for food at Robinsons food court in Manila, Philippines.

The food court at Manila Robinson is strongly recommended for its cheap and good food at P60 to 90 (RM5 to 7).

Hostel 1632 @ P1,900 (Rm146) a room for two with A/C and breakfast in Manila, Philippines.

Sleeping in Hostel 1632 @ P1,900 (Rm146) a room for two with A/C and breakfast.

Day 2 (31.01.2009) Manila to Pagsanjan Waterfalls

After breakfast at Hostel, we drove for about 2 hours (102km) to Pagsanjan (pronounced “pag-san-han”), south-east of Manila in Laguna Province via the South Super Highway. Driving through rice fields and coconut plantations and towns like, San Pedro, Carmona, Calamba and Santa Cruz before reaching Pagsanjan – the site of Coppola’s “Apocalypse Now”. Along the way we stopped to buy the popular coconut candy and pineapple pie for lunch. Check in at Tropical Inn @ P1100 a room.

Tropical Inn Pagsanjan @ P1100 (RM85) a room for two
River boating fee @ P800 pp (RM62)
Dinner @ P248 pp (RM19)

The comon cycle-home for the poor in Manila, Philippines.

Ching Neng Bin and Mike Khaw checking out of Hostel 1632 in Manila, Philippines.

Checking out of Hostel 1632 in Manila, Philippines.

Coffee and toilet stop here on the way to Pagsanjan in the province of Laguna, Philippines.

We bought some of the best coconut, apple & pineapple pie here in Philippines.

Along the way we stopped to buy the popular coconut candy and pineapple pie for lunch.

We are now in Laguna province just southeast of Manila and Laguna de Bay, in the Philippines.

Jeepneys are buses and the most popular means of public transportation in the Philippines. They are known for their crowded seating and decorations, which have become a wide spread symbol of Philippine culture and art.

Tropical Inn Pagsanjan @ P1100 (RM85) a room for two.

Catherine and Ching Neng Bin getting ready for boating - boating fee @ P800pp (RM62).

We took the boating trip operated by Tropical Inn at P800 p.p. (RM62).

We took the boating trip operated by Tropical Inn at P800pp. (RM62). We walked a short distant behind the Inn to the Pagsanjan River. A canoe can carry up to 3 passengers. The canoe ride to the Waterfalls was about 1 hour upstream to the top of gorge, rowed by two men. As the boatman rowed upstream, the wonders of nature unfolded before our eyes as the sight of lush greenery and 400ft cliffs thrilled us endlessly. When we got to the falls, we took a ride on a bamboo raft to go directly below the very strong falls to experience the thunderous downpour of water from 70ft above. That’s another P90 (RM7) per person but worth the money.

There were at least 16 rapids (turbulent waters) that the boat has to go through. Going upstream, the boatmen will get down at these rapids and push the boat or use their feet to kick the rocks and propel the boat upstream. At places where the rocks are too many and the water is too shallow, steel pipes were placed transversely at proper intervals so that the boat can be slid over these pipes.

The real excitement was on the boat's return trip. This is what was dubbed "Shooting the Rapids". See how skillfully the boatmen maneuvered the boat between rocks, alternately using their paddle or their feet. There are places that the rapids are on a curve but the boatmen would guide the boat through it. If the paddle is not enough to steer, the boat-men's feet surely will. We really enjoyed ourselves and the thrill of shooting rapids.

We were informed that the current standard rate was P800 fixed by the town boat operators association, up from P650 as mentioned in the Internet. The town has 2000 boatmen and each take turns rowing tourist to the waterfall once or twice a week. Tourist numbered 800 per day during our visit.

Mike Khaw Eng Aun, Catherine Oon and Ching Neng Bin sitting at the back on the Pagsanjan River boat trip.

Helen Chok Yuen Lee and Albert Chong Kee Wah on the Pagsanjan River boat trip.

Tan Di Mal, Helen Chok Yuen Lee and Albert Chong Kee Wah on the Pagsanjan River boat trip.

Ching Neng Bin, Catherine Oon and Mike Khaw Eng Aun on the Pagsanjan River boat trip.

Going upstream, the boatmen will get down at these rapids and push the boat or use their feet to kick the rocks and propel the boat on the Pagsanjan River.

As the boatman rowed upstream on the Pagsanjan River, the wonders of nature unfolded before our eyes as the sight of lush greenery and 400ft cliffs thrilled us endlessly.

There were at least 16 rapids (turbulent waters) that the boat has to go through on the Pagsanjan River.

Chan Kang Fei and Kok Lai Khim on the Pagsanjan River boat trip.

As the boatman rowed upstream on the Pagsanjan River, the wonders of nature unfolded before our eyes as the sight of lush greenery and 400ft cliffs thrilled us endlessly.

Going upstream, the boatmen will get down at these rapids and push the boat or use their feet to kick the rocks and propel the boat on the Pagsanjan River.

At places on the Pagsanjan River where the rocks are too many and the water is too shallow, steel pipes were placed transversely at proper intervals so that the boat can be slid over these pipes.

The end of Pagsanjan River.

L-R: Tan Di Mal, Helen Chok Yuen Lee, Ng Siew Lian and Catherine Oon Siew Ngoh at Pagsanjan waterfall.

L-R: Chan Nam Hong, Tan Di Mal, Helen Chok Yuen Lee, Albert Chong Kee Wah, Ng Siew Lian, Catherine Oon Siew Ngoh, Ching Neng Bin and Mike Khaw Eng Aun at Pagsanjan great waterfall.

When we got to the falls, we took a ride on a bamboo raft to go directly below the very strong falls to experience the thunderous downpour of water from 70ft above. That’s another P90 (RM7) per person but worth the money.

The thunderous downpour of Pagsanjan waterfall from 70ft above.

Afternoon was driving along the Laguna Lake and took pictures at the Pagsanjan Arch or Old Gate. This historic town gate was built in 1878-1880. It has three Roman style arches topped by two lions, guarding the royal Spanish emblem. Along Rizal Street, near the gate, some old houses survived, holding memories of the past Filipino architecture.

Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish Church (Pagsanjan), Philippines.

Laguna de Baý is the largest freshwater lake in the Philippines located east of Metro Manila between the provinces of Laguna to the south and Rizal to the north.

The freshwater Laguna lake has a surface area of 911–949 km², with an average depth of about 2.8 metres and an elevation of about 1 metre above sea level.

The beautiful sunset view at Laguna Lake in Philippines.

The beautiful sunset view at the Laguna Lake in Philippines.

The car covered with snake skin at the visitor centre in Laguna Lake area.

A large python snake at the visitor centre in Laguna Lake area.

The 2nd day dinner at Calle Arco Restaurant was delicious with fantastic company.

We had good home cooked dinner in Calle Arco Restaurant recommended by our driver Jay. Later in the evening we sat at the veranda of our guesthouse drinking whisky bought earlier by Mr Lee at the airport. It was story and jokes telling throughout the night until bed time at 11.30pm.

We had good home cooked dinner in Calle Arco Restaurant recommended by our driver Jay.

Day 3 (1.02.2009) Pagsanjan to San Pablo to Talisay City

The morning was a country side drive to San Pablo City. The City of San Pablo in the province of Laguna is one of the country's oldest cities. It lies in the southern portion of Laguna province. This city is otherwise known as the "City of Seven Lakes" - Sampalok, Palakpakin, Yambo, Bunot, Pandin, Muhikap, and Calibato. We drove round the Sampaloc Lake.

We drove to the Hidden Valley Spring Resort but did not go in as the entrance fee was too expensive at P1,800 p.p. which includes lunch. Hidden Valley Spring Resort is privately run, located at a volcano with hot springs and full facilities.

We then continued our drive to Talisay City in the province of Batangas. Talisay is located in the north-central area of Batangas, which is located southwest of the island of Luzon, approximately 84 kilometers south from Metro Manila. It is bordered by Tagaytay City in the north, the municipality of Laurel to the west, Tanauan City to the east, and a vast volcanic lake called Taal Lake to the south. Talisay has recently reinvented itself into a resort town, making use of the superb view and access that they have to Taal Volcano and Taal Lake. Many resorts that fit a wide range of budgets have sprouted along the town.

Natalia’s Taal Lake Guest House @ P1000 a room with A/C & 2x double mattress.
Access to the waterfall cost P50 p.p collected by the villagers. Guide fee was P200
Lunch @ P130pp (RM13)
Dinner @ P215pp (RM16)

The Church of Pila, also known as the San Antonio de Padua Parish Church, is a church dedicated to St. Anthony of Padua in the Philippines in 1578 and the first Antonine parish church in the Philippines in 1581 and probably in Asia.

Pila Municipal Center in Laguna built in 1931.

We had coffee and pau for breakfast nearby our hotel at Plaza Delights beside Church of Pila. The lady owner of the shop took us upstairs to look at her antique collection of furniture said to be more than 100 years old. Besides being a restaurant, Plaza Delights is also a mini market. We also changed USD to Pesos at the shop.

A group photo wih the lady owner of Plaza Delights who took us upstairs to look at her antique collection.

The beautiful view of Iglesia Ni Cristo church in San Pablo City across Sampaloc Lake.

Lake Sampaloc is an inactive volcanic located in San Pablo City Laguna. It is the largest of the Seven Lakes of San Pablo, Laguna. Nearly half of the lake's depth has a shallow depression at the bottom, indicating its volcanic origin.

Rotary Club of San Pablo City Laguna.

The Saint Augustine Church in Bay founded in 1571 by the Augustinians, is considered to be the oldest Roman Catholic church in the province. It was later transferred to Franciscans. Location:17 A Bonifacio St, Bay, Laguna

The Saint Augustine Church in Bay founded in 1571 by the Augustinians

A beautiful 4x4 vehicle at the Saint Augustine Church in Bay.

We finally found our rooms at Natalia’s Taal Guest House at P1000 a room by the Taal Lake. We had expensive lunch and dinner here.

We finally found our rooms at Natalia’s Taal Guest House at P1000 a room by the Taal Lake.

We had expensive lunch and dinner at Natalia’s Taal Guest House.

After lunch, we walked to a nearby waterfall for a swim at P50 pp. While walking through the village to the waterfall, we noted that the soil all around us were rich dark volcano soil. The same type of dark rich soil was also at the waterfall making the water dark as we swam in the pool.

After lunch, we walked to a nearby waterfall for a swim at P50 pp.

Tan Di Mal, Catherine Oon and Monica Foong Sui Oi at the waterfall near to Natalia’s Taal Guest House.

Helen Chok Yuen Lee, Monica Foong Sui Oi and Catherine Oon at the waterfall near to Natalia’s Taal Guest House.

The waterfall near to Natalia’s Taal Guest House.

A small crab at the waterfall near to Natalia’s Taal Guest House.

The dogs at the waterfall near to Natalia’s Taal Guest House.

Taal Lake is a freshwater volcanic crater lake in the province of Batangas, on the island of Luzon in the Philippines. The lake fills Taal Volcano, a large volcanic caldera formed by very large eruptions between 500,000 and 100,000 years ago.

Fish farm at Taal Lake near Natalia’s Taal Guest House.

Catherine drawing groundwater by hand pump at Natalia’s Taal Guest House.

After the swim we went to town for the night-market and witnessed a school band before returning to the guesthouse for dinner. It was karaoke throughout the night with Mr. Lee, KF Chan, Kim, and Helen singing till 12midnight. As usual, we had the half bottle of whisky and a bottle of local wine to boost our singing.

We had expensive dinner at Natalia’s Taal Guest House.

Balut is a fertilized bird egg (usually a duck) which is incubated for a period of 14 to 21 days depending on the local culture and then boiled or steamed. Well eaten by some asian countries.

It was karaoke throughout the night with Lee Kar Heng, Chan Kang Fei, Kok Lai Khim and Helen Chok Yuen Lee singing till 12midnight. As usual, we had the half bottle of whisky and a bottle of local wine to boost our singing. As usual, we had the half bottle of whisky and a bottle of local wine to boost our singing.

In view of the beautiful weather, Mike Khaw, Lee Kar Heng and Ching Neng Bin slept in “a thousand stars hut” free of charge at the guesthouse.

Day 4 (2 Feb.2009) Taal Volcano Trekking to Tagaytay City to Matabungkay Beach

We had an early breakfast at the guest house and then on the motorized ‘bangka’ outrigger boat to the Taal Island and Volcano for P1500 a boat. The boat ride was exciting with the strong wind raising the waves up to a meter high. Most of us got quite wet from the water spray. At the island we had to trek up 2250 feet to view the caldera from the rim of crater while Mr. Lee Kah Heng engaged a horse ‘Patricia” for P500.

After the lake/volcano trip, we checked out of the Guesthouse and travelled to the Tagaytay City in the highlands. We had lunch near a market in Tagaytay City and bought vegetables for dinner. We then drove to Matabungkay beach to check in at Casa Verde Guesthouse as recommended by Jay the driver.

Cost of one boat is P1500 for 6-7 pax each,
Trek guide fee was P50 pp. Fee for getting on/off boat on walkway was P5 pp.
Nuestra Senora Horseback Riding is P500 pp.
Casa Verde Guest House at P800 a room for 2 with A/C
Lunch at Tagaytay City Market eating stalls cost about P80 -150 each c/w drinks.
Dinner at Guesthouse @ P100pp (RM8)

We had an early breakfast at the guest house and then on the motorized ‘bangka’ outrigger boat to the Taal Island and Volcano for P1500 a boat.

Taal Lake is a freshwater lake in the province of Batangas, on the island of Luzon. The lake is situated within a caldera formed by very large eruptions between 500,000 and 100,000 years ago. It is the country's third largest lake (the largest being Laguna de Bay). The active Taal Volcano, which is the one responsible for the lake's sulfuric content, lies on an island in the center of the lake, called Volcano Island. The island is called pulo or islet by the locals.

We were on the motorized ‘bangka’ outrigger boat to the Taal Island and Volcano for P1500 a boat. The boat ride was exciting with the strong wind raising the waves up to a meter high. Most of us got quite wet from the water spray.

Once you reach the island which is Taal Volcano Island, you will see houses all around you, which means there are people living in this volcano island. At the island we had to trek 4km up 2250 feet to view the caldera from the rim of crater while Mr. Lee Kah Heng engaged a horse ‘Patricia” for P500.

Hiking 4km up to the Taal Volcano caldera crater lake is easy. The path is straight and you’ll see a lot of people walking to and fro anyway. No need to get a guide, but you do have to pay Php100 per person for hiking. You have two options on how you can go up: go by foot or by horse.

The Taal Volcano crater lake trail can get really dusty too. This is due to loose volcanic ash, so it’s best that you bring something that covers your mouth and nose.

The deeply eroded Taal Volcano trail caused by wind.

Another 1km up to the Taal Volcano crater lake.

A good place to take photos of the Taal Volcano lake.

There is a hole where hot air blowing out on the Taal Volcano trail. So the ground is ‘warm’ and steam vents from rocks here and there can be seen.

So many horses at the Taal Volcano crater lake area.

A group photo at the Taal Volcano crater lake.

Catherine at the Taal Volcano crater lake.

Ching Neng Bin and Catherine at the Taal Volcano crater lake.

Catherine at the Taal Volcano crater lake.

Kok Lai Khim at the Taal Volcano crater lake.

Taal Volcano has been called the smallest active volcano in the world. It is located about 70-km south of Manila in the middle of a lake called Taal Lake. What makes Taal Volcano unique is the fact that the volcano itself forms an island that has a lake of its own inside its crater which is called the "Crater Lake", thus, it is a lake within a lake.

Topographic view of Taal Volcano Lake

Tagaytay City is in the province of Cavite. Tagaytay City provides a good view of the Taal Volcano. The city is a popular summer tourist destination because of its cool climate due to its high altitude. Tagaytay City lies on top of the Tagaytay Ridge, which, at 640 m (2,100 ft) above sea level, is the highest point in Cavite. The ridge provides a spectacular view of Taal Lake and Taal Volcano in Batangas.

After the lake/volcano trip, we checked out of the Guesthouse and travelled to the Tagaytay City in the highlands. We had lunch near a market in Tagaytay City and bought vegetables for dinner. We then drove to Matabungkay beach to check in at Casa Verde Guesthouse as recommended by Jay the driver.

Beautiful sunset view at Matabungkay beach. Matabungkay Beach is a white sand beach reasonably accessible to Manila (120 km or so) that was originally 'discovered' to be a great weekend or daytrip destination in the early 1950's, allegedly by sun starved German residents of Manila. It has a small coral reef about 50 meters from the low tide mark in the center of the cove which diverts the incoming waves beautifully and creates some that on good days you could body surf on.

Beautiful sunset view at Matabungkay beach. Aside from cottages and houses, there are small sheds of bamboo construction one could rent for a day built in some places almost to the high tide mark.

Dinner at Casa Verde Guesthouse in Matabungkay beach @ P100pp (RM8).

It was karaoke throughout the night with Lee Kar Heng and Song Poh singing till 12midnight. As usual, we had the half bottle of whisky and a bottle of local wine to boost our singing.

Day 5 (3 Feb.2009) Matabungkay Beach to Tagaytay City to Manila

Morning was spent swimming at the beach and the paddle boat. We had lunch at the number one fast-food chain “Jollibee”, in Tagaytay City. After lunch in town we drove all the way to Manila and visited the American Cemetery and War Memorial.

We stayed at Four Seasons Inn for P600 a room. Four Seasons Inn, 111-B Scout Lozano St. Tomas Morato, Quezon City @ P600 a room for 2 with A/C and common bathrooms. This is the most suitable backpackers accommodation as the price is reasonable with clean rooms/beds and bathrooms. 6 of us had dinner at a local restaurant at P39 per dish, fresh coconuts are P18 each. Fried noodles were P80 per dish for two. We had some roadside stalls siewmai(dim sum) at P5 each while walking through the local community. A whole roasted chicken was priced at P220 each but it was takeaway only.

Morning sea view at Matabungkay beach, Batangas. The small sheds of bamboo construction hut for rent.

The different types of beer in Philippines - San Miguel Pale Pilsen, Red Horse Beer, Gold Eagle Beer, Beer Na Beer Pale Pilsen, San Mig Light, San Miguel Premium All-Malt Beer, Cerveza Negra and Brew Kettle.

Cottages and houses along the Matabungkay beach, Batangas.

Morning sea view at Matabungkay beach, Batangas. The small sheds of bamboo construction hut for rent.

Albert Chong Kee Wah went on a paddle boat at Matabungkay beach, Batangas.

Catherine went on a paddle boat at Matabungkay beach, Batangas.

Ching Neng Bin went on a paddle boat at Matabungkay beach, Batangas.

Fisherman at Matabungkay beach, Batangas.

Chan Kang Fei and a little girl at Casa Verde Guest House along Matabungkay beach, Batangas.

Kok Lai Khim getting ready to move on from Matabungkay beach, Batangas.

We had lunch at the number one fast-food chain “Jollibee”, in Tagaytay City.

Tagaytay is a tourist destinations because of its outstanding scenery and cooler climate provided by its high altitude.

Sugarcane being carried by lorry in Tagaytay.

Tagaytay overlooks Taal Lake in Batangas and provides one of the iconic views of the Philippines, the view of Taal Volcano Island in the middle of the lake, viewable from several vantage points in the city.

After lunch in town we drove all the way to Manila and visited the American Cemetery and War Memorial. Memorial operations map during Luzon Campaign and Reoccupation of Manila.

The chapel, a white masonry building enriched with sculpture and mosaic, stands near the center of the cemetery. In front of it on a wide terrace are two large hemicycles. Twenty-five mosaic maps recall the achievements of the American armed forces in the Pacific, China, India and Burma. On rectangular Trani limestone piers within the hemicycles are inscribed the Tablets of the Missing containing 36,285 names. Rosettes mark the names of those since recovered and identified. Carved in the floors are the seals of the American states and its territories. From the memorial and other points within the cemetery there are impressive views over the lowlands to Laguna de Bay and towards the distant mountains.

The Manila American Cemetery and Memorial in the Philippines occupies 152 acres on a prominent plateau, visible at a distance from the east, south and west. It contains the largest number of graves of military dead of World War II, a total of 17,202, most of whom lost their lives in operations in New Guinea and the Philippines. The headstones are aligned in 11 plots forming a generally circular pattern, set among masses of a wide variety of tropical trees and shrubbery.

Limestone walls within the two hemicycles list 36,285 names that constitute the Pacific theater's missing in action at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial.

Chan Nam Hong and Ching Neng Bin at Manila American Cemetery.

The Manila American Cemetery and Memorial in the Philippines occupies 152 acres on a prominent plateau.

We stayed at Four Seasons Inn for P600 a room. Four Seasons Inn, 111-B Scout Lozano St. Tomas Morato, Quezon City @ P600 a room for 2 with A/C and common bathrooms. This is the most suitable backpackers accommodation as the price is reasonable with clean rooms/beds and bathrooms. 6 of us had dinner at a local restaurant at P39 per dish, fresh coconuts are P18 each. Fried noodles were P80 per dish for two. We had some roadside stalls siewmai(dim sum) at P5 each while walking through the local community. A whole roasted chicken was priced at P220 each but it was takeaway only.

Dinner was by the five-foot way outside our Four Seasons Inn in Manila.

Day 6 (4 Feb.2009) Manila

Morning was visiting a charitable institution called Gawad Kalinga Espiritu Santo Village, Sitio Pajo, Baesa, Quezon City. Had an orientation program and site tour for our Malaysian group conducted by Bro. Roger & Bro. Gunny. We donated some cash to them and the 15 boxes of 5kg each of new and used clothing for distribution to the fire victim of Gawad Kalinga project. Thanks to Albert Chong for the collection of clothing and the arrangement with Gawad Kalinga charitable institution.

We then visited Intramuros - known as the "Walled City" for its ancient walls and ruins dating back to the Conquistadores, Intramuros is home to San Agustin Church, the oldest stone church in the country, and Manila Cathedral. San Agustín Church is a Roman Catholic Church under the auspices of The Order of St. Augustine, located inside the historic walled city of Intramuros in Manila. Completed by 1607, it is the oldest church currently standing in the Philippines. No other surviving building in the Philippines has been claimed to pre-date San Agustin Church.

Mr. Lee Kar Heng visited Bahay Tsinoy a museum of Chinese in Philippines. If you trace back history, you will find that the intermingling of the Chinese and Filipino culture can be dated back to centuries of trade surging with heavy influx of Chinese population in Manila. Bahay Tsinoy in Philippines treasures relics of this Chinese heritage blended into Filipino lives. Interestingly enough, the Chinese-Filipinos offspring today prefer to call themselves Tsinoys. This museum is located on the Kaisa Heritage Center, a 3-storied building, which too preserves remnants, artifacts and antiquities of Chinese–Filipino cultural exchange.

We then drove to China town for lunch. Manila's Chinatown is one of the oldest in Asia, established sometime in the late 17th century. It is home to many ethnic Chinese who left the Chinese mainland for a home in the Philippines. Binondo is a stone's throw away from the District of Intramuros, which was the Philippine's administrative capital under Spanish rule. The district was within the range of Intramuros' canons to quell any uprising the Chinese could have started. Binondo became a center of commerce during the American colonial era of the Philippines, since the Chinese were known to be experts in trading and finance.

Afternoon was visiting the preserved former Spanish walled city: Fort Santiago and the shrine dedicated to Philippine revolutionary hero Dr. Jose Rizal. Fort Santiago is a defense fortress built for Spanish conquistador, Miguel López de Legazpi. The fort is part of the structures of the walled city of Intramuros, in Manila, Philippines. The location of Fort Santiago was once the site of the palace and kingdom of Rajah Sulayman, a Muslim chieftain of pre-Hispanic Manila. It was destroyed by the conquistadors upon arriving in 1570, encountering several battles with the Islamic natives. The Spaniards destroyed the native settlements and erected Fuerza de Santiago in 1571.

We had the best ever dinner at Market-Market, Serendra Mall at the port of Taguig Town, hosted by Maria and Roda the colleagues of Mr. Chan Kang Fei. Ms. Maria and Roda managed the Philippines branch of Integrated Group. Many thanks to Chan Kang Fei for the arrangement.

Four Seasons Inn @ P600 a room for 2 with A/C and common shared bathroom.

We had kopiroti breakfast beside the Maybank in Manila.

Morning was visiting a charitable institution called Gawad Kalinga Espiritu Santo Village, Sitio Pajo, Baesa, Quezon City. Had an orientation program and site tour for our Malaysian group conducted by Bro. Roger & Bro. Gunny. We donated some cash to them and the 15 boxes of 5kg each of new and used clothing for distribution to the fire victim of Gawad Kalinga project. Thanks to Albert Chong for the collection of clothing and the arrangement with Gawad Kalinga charitable institution.

Had a group photo at Gawad Kalinga Espiritu Santo Village, Sitio Pajo, Baesa, Quezon City.

Had an orientation program and site tour for our Malaysian group conducted by Bro. Roger & Bro. Gunny. Gawad Kalinga (GK) translated in English means to “to give care”, and it is an alternative solution to the blatant problem of poverty in Philippines. GK’s vision is a slum-free, squatter-free nation through a simple strategy of providing land for the landless, homes for the homeless, food for the hungry and as a result providing dignity and peace for every Filipino.

Had an orientation program and site tour for our Malaysian group conducted by Bro. Roger & Bro. Gunny. What started in 1995 as a daring initiative by Couples for Christ to rehabilitate juvenile gang members and help out-of-school youth in Bagong Silang, Caloocan City, then the biggest squatters’ relocation area in the Philippines, has now evolved into a movement for nation-building. Together with its partners, Gawad Kalinga is now in the process of transforming poverty stricken areas with the goal of building 7,000 houses in 7 years.

The houses at Gawad Kalinga Espiritu Santo Village, Sitio Pajo, Baesa, Quezon City.

Gawad Kalinga (GK) translated in English means to “to give care”, and it is an alternative solution to the blatant problem of poverty in Philippines. GK’s vision is a slum-free, squatter-free nation through a simple strategy of providing land for the landless, homes for the homeless, food for the hungry and as a result providing dignity and peace for every Filipino.

What started in 1995 as a daring initiative by Couples for Christ to rehabilitate juvenile gang members and help out-of-school youth in Bagong Silang, Caloocan City, then the biggest squatters’ relocation area in the Philippines, has now evolved into a movement for nation-building. Together with its partners, Gawad Kalinga is now in the process of transforming poverty stricken areas with the goal of building 7,000 houses in 7 years.

The dirty river at Gawad Kalinga Espiritu Santo Village, Sitio Pajo, Baesa, Quezon City.

The new water pipes for Gawad Kalinga Espiritu Santo Village, Sitio Pajo, Baesa, Quezon City.

Albert Chong Kee Wah distributing color pencils to the children of Gawad Kalinga Espiritu Santo Village.

We donated some cash to them and the 15 boxes of 5kg each of new and used clothing for distribution to the fire victim of Gawad Kalinga project.

We then visited Intramuros - known as the "Walled City" for its ancient walls and ruins dating back to the Conquistadores, Intramuros is home to San Agustin Church, the oldest stone church in the country, and Manila Cathedral.

The Minor Basilica and Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, also known as the Manila Cathedral, is the cathedral of Manila and basilica located in Intramuros, the historic walled city within today's modern city of Manila. Established in 1571 by a secular priest, Fray Juan de Vivero, who arrived in 1566.

The former palace of the governors general at Intramuros in Manila.

You can hire a carriage pulled by a horse around intramuros.

The Aduana Building, also known as the Intendencia, was a Spanish colonial structure in Manila, Philippines that housed several government offices through the years. It is located in front of the BPI Intramuros at Plaza España, Soriano Ave. corner Muralla St. in Intramuros.

TheRotary Club of Intramuros meets at Illustrado Restaurant, Intramuros Manila every 2nd & 4th Thursdays at 12 noon located along Gen. Luna St. Intramuros, Manila

The world’s first China Town is located in Manila is a maze of hustle and bustle, tradition, food, vendors, and businesses by people in all walks of life. Established in 1594 Chinatown is a cultural throwback with the mixture of Chinese, Filipino, and Spanish cultures blending together.

The world’s first China Town is located in Manila.

L-R: Helen Chok Yuen Lee, Tan Di Mal, Monica Foong Sui Oi, Kok Lai Khim at Fort Santiago in Manila.

Ching Neng Bin testing the Spanish cannon at Fort Santiago in Manila. The fort is shielded by 22 feet (6.7 m)-high walls, with a thickness of 8 feet (2.4 m) and an entrance measuring 40 feet (12 m) high. It is located at the mouth of the Pasig River and it was once the premier defense fortress of the Spanish Government in the Philippines. During World War II it was captured by the Japanese, and sustained heavy damage from American & Filipino bombs during the Battle of Manila in February 1945. It was later restored by the Intramuros Administration during the 1980s. Today the fort serves as a museum which houses well-preserved legacies of the Spanish government, José Rizal, Rizal Shrine, and the prison dungeons for criminals used by the Spanish officials.

Club Intramuros at Fort Santiago in Manila.

A giant ship anchor in Fort Santiago in Manila.

Fort Santiago in Manila.

A group photo at Fort Santiago in Manila.

Fort Santiago in Manila.

Manila city and Pasig River view from Fort Santiago in Manila.

Ching Neng Bin and Mike Khaw with an armed security guard at Fort Santiago in Manila.

Fort Santiago in Manila.

This Fort Santiago dungeon was used by the Japanese occupation force to imprison Allied POW's, resistance fighters and political prisoners. Many died during the occupation. Fort Santiago in Manila like Fort Stotsenbergh in Northern Luzon was already a military camp of the 26th Cavalry U.S. Regiment also known as Philippine Scouts. This camp was under Lt. Moses B. Mohammed, U.S. Army. When the Japanese attacked the Pearl Harbor in Hawaii, the Japanese subsequently attacked Manila, occupying most of the buildings in the city of Manila. Fort Santiago was then abandoned by the 26th Cavalry U.S. Regiment officers and men. Then most of them found refuge in Northern Luzon and engaged as guerrillas. Major Edwin Price Ramsey, also of the 26th Cavalry U.S Regiment was also dispersed from Stotsenbergh and then like the rest, also engaged in guerrilla warfare against the Japanese.

Rizal was arrested en route to Cuba via Spain and was imprisoned in Barcelona on October 6, 1896. He was sent back the same day to Manila to stand trial as he was implicated in the revolution through his association with members of the Katipunan. José Rizal, the Philippine's national hero, was imprisoned in the fort before his execution in 1896; the site features, embedded onto the ground in bronze, his final footsteps representing the walk from his cell to the location of the actual execution.

Kok Lai Khim the photographer in action.

At Market-Market, Serendra Mall at the port of Taguig Town.

We had the best ever dinner at Market-Market, Serendra Mall at the port of Taguig Town, hosted by Maria and Roda the colleagues of Mr. Chan Kang Fei. Ms. Maria and Roda managed the Philippines branch of Integrated Group. Many thanks to Ms. Maria and Roda for the sumptuous dinner.

A group photo at Market-Market, Serendra Mall at the port of Taguig Town.

Ms. Maria and Roda managed the Philippines branch of Integrated Group. Many thanks to Ms. Maria and Roda for the sumptuous dinner.

Day 7 (5 Feb.2009) Manila to KLIA

Morning was driving to Green Hill shopping centre famous for its imitation goods and later went to SM Megamall the largest in Asia and 3rd largest in the world. We all had lunch there and last minute shopping. Transfer to airport at 1.30pm. Depart Manila Airport by MAS at 4.50 pm and reached KLIA at 8.30 pm.

The airport tax is P750 p.p. inclusive of P200 for airport security services.
All transactions were carried out in Pesos, The best rates we obtained was P47.27 for USD1

Morning was driving to Green Hill shopping centre famous for its imitation goods and later went to SM Megamall the largest in Asia and 3rd largest in the world. We all had lunch there and last minute shopping.

A nice chapel at Green Hill shopping centre in Manila.

Manila airport police with Song Poh and Lee Kar Heng.

Depart Manila Airport by MAS at 4.50 pm and reached KLIA at 8.30 pm.

Beautifully well written words and comments by team members as follows:

2009/2/6 Albert Chong <albertchongmy@gmail.com>

Dearest friends;
Philippines may not be among the most beautiful country to visit, but she charms us with the humility, grace and love. The trip may not be the cheapest, but it gives memorable occasions money can't buy. Our journey may not be the most exciting trip, but it is certainly excite me to see:
- how each one of us can come together to solve difficult situations without so much a fuss
- loving one another despite our different preferences, age and backgrounds
- caring and become friends-for-life within the short 7 days’ time

Thank you for being such a wonderful time and if there is any shortcoming on my side, please accept my humble apology. Interested for another holiday, please see attach. Adios, see you all again shortly, perhaps in Setiawan at Ching's house!

Albert Chong

***********************

On Fri, Feb 6, 2009 at 9:09 PM, namhong chan <cnamhong@gmail.com> wrote:

Hi Albert
Nicely said, I like the way you put it.
I'm glad to have met all new friends.
Many thanks for the wonderful arrangements you have done.
We have also learned from the GK trip on what it can do.
We are already planning the next trip.
Suggestions are Myanmar, Magasa?

Have a nice weekend.

Rdgs
CNH

***********************

On Fri, Feb 6, 2009 at 10:23 PM, Helen Chok <helenchok1@gmail.com> wrote:

Hello Albert,
Wah! Your words are so touch, now I know you are talented & can become a poem creator.... :)
Yep, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you guys for giving me an opportunity and trust in handling your money. By the way, I did enjoyed the moment with you guys have shared your valuable experiences. Guess you guys were happy and bought some of the souvenirs back to Malaysia......and still manage to enjoy CNY...ha-ha

~GONG XI FA CAI~

Cheers,
Helen Chok

***********************

On Sat, 7/2/09, Mike Khaw <khawea@gmail.com> wrote:

Dear All,
I must agree that all of us had lots of fun. Solving the problems only brought us closer. Must thank Albert & Co. for organizing the trip and to Helen for keeping us solvent.

Albert's suggestions may not agree with those of us with weak hearts, his last suggestion is more appropriate - come to Sitiawan and we'll let you know what REAL fish tastes like! It is also a good place for all of to learn how to relax (see pix)

Have a nice day. Regards.
Mike Khaw

///

3 comments:

shayra coser31 May, 2012
Hi guys, lovely to read about your trip! It seems lots of fun! I wanna know more about Matabungkay. Is it nice there? Beautiful? Cheap?Clean? Do you know the names of the guesthouses and prices? Cause I just find the expensives hotels in the internet... please answer me shacoser@gmail.com thanks very much, shayra coser
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Anonymous14 February, 2014
I wonder if you have ever been back to the Philippines again? There are plenty of places to visit in the country, specially in the Visayas and Mindanao region. I noted that the places you visited were mostly two hours drive from Manila. I think you would be charmed by the number of beaches and mountains you can explore here.

Anyway, I would be happy to point you in the right direction should you need it.

PS. I've been reading your blog and I hope to travel as much as you do in the future. Thanks!
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Anonymous09 August, 2014
It was nice that you visited the philippines despite of not so good publicity from the media. The above comment is correct you should visit the visayas and mindanao region namely bohol (chocolate hills) , boracay , camiguin, cebu . The places you visited is good but for me no the best of the best the philippines can offer. Don't forget the northern most region of luzon where you can see baguio , sagada and banaue where you can see the famous rice terraces.
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