Faces of Mt. Apo

 Mt. Apo is the tallest mountain in the Philippines, 2,956 MASL. It was a tough journey, but absolutely a life changing experience for us. Despite of its technical factors like the assault and steep trails, extreme coldness, tiring hike and etc. that measured my strength, I was able to conquer my own fears. It's hard to tell and explain, so these photos below will explain more.

Ortigas Center, Pasig City

When  I was still in Romblon, I didn't  expect that my career will boost here in Metro Manila, particularly in Ortigas Center, Pasig City. It was in 2008 when I started working in a BPO but it's my first time to add this area in SirangLente or TravellingCup. Ortigas Center has a lot to offer, from the five star hotels with world class facilities, restaurants serving mouth water delicacies made by the people from different parts of the world, call center companies serving different languages and many others.

Featuring Cebu (Tourist Spots + Guide)

1. Magellan's Cross

Magellan's Cross is a historical landmark and the most visited tourist spot in Cebu City. It is a Christian Cross made of wood erected by Ferdinand Magellan (a Portuguese explorer) during his exploration in Cebu, Philippines, on April 21, 1521. This Cross can be found inside an octagonal chapel in front of Cebu City Hall and beside Basilica Minore del Santo Niño. This is one of the most prominent tourist spots in Cebu. But, the current Cross is a tindalo wood where the splinters of the original Cross were encased. The wood of the original Cross deteriorated because the people were chipping some parts and making it as a souvenir in the belief that it was miraculous.

Getting a Copy of NSO Birth Certificate at SM

NSO or PSA Certified Birth Certificate  is one of the most important documents that you should furnish from the government. Birth certificates are needed for employment, school, and for requesting other ID's. So, to get 1 valid ID, you should submit 2 valid IDs. Hahaha. Despite of the fast technology, let's accept the reality that requesting documents from the government agencies needs more time and effort. To resolve this old problem, government agencies like NBI, SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-ibig, DFA, and other offices placed their kiosk inside the SM Supermalls and Robinsons nationwide.

Featuring Cavite (Attractions, Itinerary, Guide)

Photo of Paragliding in Cavite.

About Cavite

The Province of Cavite is situated in Region 4 - A, commonly known as CALABARZON. It is a province where rich history and modernity beautifully collide. It was here where the Philippine Independence was declared in 1898, making it the "Historic Capital of the Philippines." In relation to that, Cavite is one of eight rays of the sun on Philippine Flag that symbolize the first eight provinces that revolted against the Spanish rule. Today, with its strategic location near Metro Manila, it is a hub for trade, education, and tourism, making it an attractive destination for residents and visitors alike.

Memories of my Olympus Tough Camera

My Olympus Tough digital camera is now five years. With this span of years I was able to capture beautiful, stunning, and vibrant memories because of its lens. Regardless of scenes, either mountains, historical sites, beaches, underwater, nature, and many others, Olympus Tough is really strong in bringing a great outcome. Photos below are just some of the dramatic images taken outdoors using my Olympus Tough TG-320.

5 Days Backpacking in Mindanao (Surigao, Agusan, Camiguin)

Stunning photo of Hagonoy Island.

Our original plan was to hike Mt. Dulang-dulang and Mt. Kitanglad, but because of the question: “gusto nyo ba?” it was changed to backpacking in Northern Mindanao. It happened for a very, very short time. So from Malaybalay, Bukidnon, we rode on a bus with a Cagayan signboard and alighted at Agora Terminal. At the terminal, we rode in a bus with a Butuan signboard and alighted at Butuan Terminal. Then, another bus ride to Mangahoy, Bislig, Surigao del Sur. Our first destinations are the majestic tourist spots in Surigao del Sur.

A Portrait of Love in Romblon

My plan for the first week of January 2017 was to travel and visit all the islands of Romblon, capture stunningly gorgeous photos and publish them. What a good coincidence, my first photo for 2017 is not about gorgeous tourist spot or historical landmark – it is about love. These photos were taken when I was en-route to Romblon, inside a RoRo vessel, traveling on Romblon straight, with a not so calm weather.

Old Churches in Bicol - a Must Visit

Naga City is famous in terms of religious fluvial procession that usually starts and ends to a church. Speaking of which, did you know that Bicol region also has their own historical and heritage churches? Let’s start with the San Francisco Church in Naga City. I wasn’t able to touch or enter this old structure because we literally passed by this church. Good thing that my shutter was quick and was able to capture this gorgeous church. I did a research online and found out that this church was erected in 1578. Same as with the other old church in the Philippines, it was made up of bamboo, wood then reconstructed into a brick in 17th century. The structure that we are seeing today was constructed in 1957, after  the Second World War. Historically speaking, the church’s parish served as the interrogration and persecution site during the Spanish colonization in the Philippines.

Waiting for the Supermoon

Two days ago when I noticed that the moon has extraordinary brilliance and just today, I accidentally saw Supermoon article online. So I searched and here's what I found on Wikipedia. A Supermoon is the coincidence of a full moon or a new moon with the closest approach the Moon makes to the Earth on its elliptical orbit, resulting in the largest apparent size of the lunar disk as seen from Earth. According to NASA: "When a full moon makes its closest pass to Earth in its orbit it appears up to 14 percent bigger and 30 percent brighter, making it a supermoon." The next Beaver Supermoon that's this close and full will be on Nov. 25, 2034.