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Sunday, April 25, 2021

Long Beach, San Vicente Palawan: The Longest White Beach in the Philippines

 

The serene shore of the Long Beach in the afternoon.

Having visited some popular shores in the Philippines, the Long Beach found in San Vicente Palawan was one of my lifetime favorites. The province is renowned for its world class tourism showcasing the very famous El-Nido, Coron, the luxurious Amanpulo or the far Balabac but this beach has a lot to offer just like the other beaches of the province. My visit last 2018 was unforgettable. I was invited as one of the bloggers to feature the very first Palawan International Film Festival spearheaded by our very own Director Dante Nico Garcia, the head behind the world class film Ploning. The festival not only gave us a glimpse of the movie entries but also of nature unspoiled in the quiet town of San Vicente. We reached the town after more than three hours from the provincial capital of Puerto Princesa via private van. Another method is through plane as San Vicente has its own airport catering direct flights for different airlines.


Look at those gorgeous colors of the sand and the sea.

The great Long Beach of San Vicente Palawan is the longest white sand beach in the Philippines. The sand is not as total white like Boracay’s, it is more of light beige and the texture is fine just like in some islands in El-Nido. It is one of the most promising tourist destinations that are predicted to rival the mainstream beaches in the Philippines although deep inside me, I hope that it could be preserved just as it is because of its virginity to commercial tourism and that its local residents will continue to take care of the beach for generations to come. The beachfront of 14.7 kilometers spans in four barangays that you can tour by a motorcycle or a car, those barangays are Poblacion, New Agutaya, San Isidro and Alimanguan.


This is me falling in love at the first sight of the beach!

Strolling through the expanse of the long beach gives you a relaxing vibe that could release all your stress and worries if you want to refresh your mental health and take a break as there are no huge crowds along the area. Those coconut trees along the Rocky Mountains surrounding the sea are just so divine and truly worth the travel. The sea is perfect as waves were high the afternoon. The color of the beach water is greenish blue turquoise, an eye candy for beach lovers.

Tropical vibes!

If you plan for more adventures to do in the town, you can try Island Hopping in Port Barton and nearby Islands and visit Bato ni Ningning, the landmark that will give you a full view of the long beach up high.


Look at those waves!

Sunset at GaStation. #InternationalPalawanFilmFestival

Priceless Sunset.

Serenity.


Thursday, April 22, 2021

Turkish Food Delight: Tolie Restaurant in Abha, Saudi Arabia



Tolie Restaurant is a Turkish Specialty Restaurant located in King Faisal Street, Abha 62521. If you are craving for authentic quality Turkish delicacy while enjoying the great city view of Abha then this restaurant is a must try. After a day tour in the Saudi Arabia’s summer capital our group decided to have a dinner, to try some Turkish food and it did not disappoint. The price may be slightly hefty, hence considering the overall cuisine, staff service and great ambiance it would be all totally worth it.






For a group of six persons, we ordered Chicken Wings, Humus, Mix Grill and Chicken Belen Tava, Muttabal for the main dish added by Fattoush Salad as side dish. They also served us Fresh Orange, Fresh Lemonade and Watermelon Juice.

My personal favorite is the Mix Grill, composed different kinds of meat; it is a delight for meat lovers out there. The grill is so tender and flavorful.  The Humus is great for dipping some breads and mixing with rice or meat. The drinks are refreshing and very natural in taste. They also serve complimentary Turkish sweets and tea after the meal.







Staff service was also great. The personnel were always quick to help if we need something or answer inquiries regarding the menu. They were also friendly and accessible with smiles on their faces.



The ambiance is one of the great things we enjoyed; looking through the night lights of the city of Abha gives off a warm feel with all the nature decorations and fancy lights all over the place. The aesthetic is good for your social media sites and group pictures.

 You may reach out their site for the menu: https://www.overmenu.store/tolie

Instagram:  http://www.instagram.com/tolie_restorant

Tuesday, April 20, 2021

Rijal Almaa Royal Heritage Village in Asir Region, Saudi Arabia


Rijal Almaa, also known as Royal Heritage Village is a historical tourism destination located in Asir Region, Saudi Arabia. It is 45 km far from the regional capital Abha. Rich in historical significance, the village consists of 60 tall buildings made from clay, wood and stone that are conserved for today’s generation. It is also a landmark connecting passage to other provinces and cities like Gizan, Makkah, Madinah and the country of Yemen. The architectural designs of the old fortresses are so unique as well as its historical significance being a center of trace during the ancient times. It is so photogenic that it will give off great pictures for your social media and learn about history at the same time.



Also found inside the village is a museum that exhibits a collection of interesting archeological pieces like ancient manuscripts, tools, clothing and weapons. Feeding your history geek self is a library inside the complex showcasing a huge variety of religious manuscripts.


Last 2007, Rijal Almaa was given the Prince Sultan Bin Salman Award for Urban Heritage. It has been announced that the government is on application for the site to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Truly, an important tourist spot to visit in Saudi Arabia.




Photo Credits to Ms. Rachelle Jane Lagura and Ms. Arnella Bontong.

Wednesday, April 14, 2021

Visiting Al-Soudah National Park in Abha


Al Soudah National Part is a part of a tourism village in Abha, Asir Region in Saudi Arabia. A vast place surrounded by huge mountain ranges you will enjoy sightseeing if you want a good joyride. Some do trekking and mountaineering within the terrains. Visitors enjoy the cool and humid climate due to its high altitude, a perfect summer destination.

We left Abha, City at evening then arrived on the mountains before twilight. We were amused by the geographical mountain structures surrounding the place with all the Juniper trees. Those rocky roads gave wonder on how they were formed.  It feels like a slow roller coaster ride while the sunset was approaching. There were fogs all over. One thing I love were the baboons, a huge number of these monkeys were playing and running around the edges of the mountainsides. Be sure to lock up your car window of they might go inside. You can bring bananas if you consider feeding them.












I advise you to visit the place before sunrise so that you can enjoy a clear view of the mountains as well as appreciate the setting sun. Truly, Al Soudah is a wonderful attraction worth visiting.

Photo Credits to Ms. Mei-Ye Madarimot and Ms. Rachelle Lagura.

Sunday, December 06, 2020

Makan Indian Fine Dining Restaurant - Najran City

If you are looking for good quality fine dining Indian Restaurant in Najran City, Maka Indian Fine Dining Restaurant is perfect for you Indian Cuisine cravings. Situated in 4447 Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq Street, Najran, Saudi Arabia, they offer a wide range of Indian Cuisine in their menu. The ambiance is great with decorations and artworks depicting Indian Culture. Staff service is excellent and friendly. We enjoyed the Buttered Chiken and Masala, as Filipinos we requested for a less spicy taste so they adjusted the spiciness for us. All dishes were tasty from the appetizer to the main menu.












Credits to Ms. Ma. Catherine Sunico for most of the Photos.

Saturday, December 05, 2020

Four Words to describe Boracay’s Famous Sunset


It is no surprise that from the discovery of Boracay Island in the 70s to being a multi-awarded world-class destination, the island’s fame rose to the pedestal putting the biodiversity and its environment at risk from overcrowding of tourists. After its six months rehabilitation last 2018, it remains glorious as one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Who would not be captivated of its powdery white sand, clear waters and one of a kind sunset? As we had this Paraw (double outrigger sailboats) Sailing Tour, I dared to take hold of my camera along with the heavy flashes of water as we sail in the middle of the sea. There would be no exact definitive word to describe the feeling of facing the sunset while you are in a boat but here are the five words I could give after witnessing this majestic nature spectacle.

UNIQUE. They say that Boracay’s Sunsets are not the same day after day. This might be literally true; hence, in my four days stay in the island watching sunsets every dawn, there are different forms. In the first day, it was fiery red orange while in the second day it was yellowish-pink and so on. It was like looking on a different artwork day after day.

ENCHANTING. Watching the beautiful Boracay Sunset makes you feel like you were being enchanted by Mother Nature. There is some kind of a magical feeling making you feel like you were in a different world.

BREATHTAKING. The moment the sun start to set is a show like no other. It will surely take your breath away.

PHOTOGENIC. For sure you want to put your memories on photos. Taking photos of the sunset in Boracay does not need to you to out on filters. The natural colors of the sky is enough to put away picture-editing tools to enhance it. It is must in your travel goals to take good photos of you with the island’s sunset when visiting.

 

I have been blessed to have taken good shots while we are on a Paraw. I was a beginner in using a DSLR back then but here are the settings:

Camera: Canon 600D

Lense: 35-55 mm

ISO: 400

Aperture: f5-22

Shutter Speed: 1/200 sec

Boracay Station 1
















Monday, November 16, 2020

Flood in a Lifetime By: Jonas Hapinat


A Guest Blog by Mr. Jonas A. Hapinat

Can it be the worst year ever? People were flabbergasted with unexpected turns of events which wreaked havoc to the human civilization. This has been the year which hope is far from reach and disasters are agonizing the lives of every individual whose lives are already miserable--but made more miserable instead.

I was clueless at first, I never thought that something terrifying is meant to come my way. I have grown too complacent of the things that I thought is impossible of happening. As the flood submerged our houses in a knee-high level and it continuously increases in a short-period of time, I was left wondering in fear. Are we hounded by nightmares? That in every month of this year is the prevalence of different suffering which draws tears among our countrymen.

It was 12 midnight when I was startled by mother's panicking voice. She spoke a thunderous voice which lingers upon my ears until now. "The water is here," she shouted with an echoing blast, but behind the loudness is the sound of a mother being terrified of her children's safety. We hurriedly packed our clothes and brought the necessary things above the drawer where the water might not able to reach it.



The entire neighborhood is engulfed with the spirit of 'bayanihan' as everyone extended their hands in carrying each other's refrigerators, televisions and other electronic appliances. We carefully watched the water submerging the floors of our houses into a pool of mud and dirt. When the water reached a knee-high level, we evacuated immediately into my aunt' house, as their house is built significantly higher than the average houses in our neighbourhood. It was in the afternoon that we realized that the water is not yet subsiding, forcing us to evacuate immediately into a 2-storey building where we can have a peace of mind while sleeping the night away.

In the evening, I was forced to sleep in the rooftop, alongside with my cousins, for the 2nd storey house of my aunt is over-occupied by children and aged people. The electricity was shut down and the only source of light we had is the candle that brightened the dimming hope of the quiet night. I run out of battery so I borrowed the phone of my cousin to browse the Internet and update myself with the current situation of my town. It was heartbreaking to see people from different places in Cagayan Valley who were asking for immediate rescue after getting stucked on their rooftops without nothing to eat and drink. I thought that our situation is no better compared to others, but I was wrong, we are much better than them.



It was in the night that a surreal moment in my life happened in the midst of a disaster. I was sleeping with the stars, carefully watching them one by one. I can see them twinkling from up above, telling me that at the hour of darkness, there is a ray of light. I felt like I was in the middle of the universe. As I closed my eyes, I can see them sparkle with glittering hope and resiliency.

It was a flood in a lifetime, a moment that I will remember forever.


- Jonas Hapinat