Welcome To My World!

Ceramics / Pottery
The province is noted for finely crafted jars and pottery from the municipality of Tiwi.

Hand-Made Paper
Also of note are the fine-quality hand-made paper products from the municipality of Sto. Domingo.

Pili Nuts
The stinging taste of Bicolano cuisine is neutralized by the sweetness of pili, a nut which is made into various confections.

Mayon Volcano
One’s visit to the Bicolandia is not complete without catching a captivating view of Mayon Volcano, the world’s most perfect cone and Bicol’s fiery maiden. Her name was derived from the Bikol word “Magayon,” which literally means beautiful. The peak, likened to the legendary beauty Daragang Magayon, is often concealed by clouds urging first-time visitors to stay longer to admire her charm. Despite her enigma which has left a trail of death and destruction brought about by her 15 eruptions, her tantrums have become spectacular fireworks displays to behold.

Cagsawa Ruins
One of the most visited places in the province, Cagsawa Ruins Park in Daraga affords tourists an unhampered vista of majestic Mayon Volcano. Standing prominently are the ruins of Cagsawa Church, which was buried by molten lava when it erupted on February 1, 1814, killing some 1,200 persons who converged inside it for safety.

Gastronomic Delights
Relish Bicolandia’s mouth-watering indigenous cuisine, notably, Bicol Express (spicy pork and shrimp concoction), cosido (fish soup), balaw (small shrimps), natong, candingga, and pinangat. These are made more flavorful by the Bicolano’s penchant for spice.

Abaca Products
Albay’s prime souvenirs are abaca products creatively crafted into infinite creations such as home decor, office and personal paraphernalia and exported worldwide. Abaca is considered the world’s strongest fiber. These souvenirs are abundant in Daraga and Tabaco.

Albay Park and Wildlife
A picnic grove and a park all rolled into one, this place is the best way to commune with nature. Have a satisfying get-together with your family and friends while roaming the park, which houses 347 animals belonging to 75 species. The children can enjoy boat and bike rides, too. The park is situated near the foot of Albay’s famous Mayon Volcano.

Albay / Bicol Trekking
The Bicol region, a narrow trail of land running south from Manila, is studded with volcanoes, and offers a different and exciting experience for mountain climbers. Popular climbs in the area include Mt. Bulusan, Mt. Isarog, and the perfect towering cone of Mt. Mayon, which has one of the finest summit views in the country. However, Mayon is definitely active – it erupted in 1968, 1978, 1984 and 1993. It is constantly monitored by geologists who post warnings of imminent danger. You should consult the local authorities before trekking here.

President Ramon Magsaysay
Zambales is the home province of the seventh and most beloved president of the Philippine Republic, Ramon Magsaysay, who hailed from Castillejos. The Magsaysay Ancestral House can be found in the

Hermana Mayor Island
Located in Sta. Cruz, Hermana Mayor is an island in the middle of the sea. It is popularly known as Ms. Universe Island.

Subic Bay Freeport Zone
Once the site of the biggest U.S. naval base in Asia, Olongapo is fast developing into an industrial and tourism destination through the Subic Bay Freeport Zone under the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority. An educational tour to the rainforest within the Zone is available, which includes a guided tour of the JEST Forest Trails, a rolling tour of Subic Bay Freeport, and duty free shopping. During the tour, Aeta guides provide an outdoor orientation on basic mountaineering, fire building, trap making, wildlife identification, and other wilderness survival techniques.

Mangoes
Zambales mangoes are considered as the sweetest mangoes in the Philippine archipelago. A celebration that revolves around the mangoes of Zambales is the Dinamulag-Mango Festival held every April in Iba.

Fine Beaches
Definitely the best all-around diving along the coast, Subic Bay in Olongapo also has the best infrastructure and facilities, with the major pull being the wrecks. The star attraction is the USS New York, a battleship scuttled during World War II, to keep her 17in main guns from falling into the hands of the Japanese. A rare, fine example of an 1899 dreadnought, she lies on her port side in 27m of water, cannons intact.

Another great dive, the El Capitan is a 130m-long, 3000-ton freighter that went down in the mouth of Ilanin Bay. As the top of the wreck is just 12m below the surface, it is an easy dive. Marvel at the incredible array of marine life, and a swim-through amid shafts of light beaming down through gaping holes in the side.

The San Quentin is the oldest known wreck in Subic. This wooden gunboat was scuttled in the Spanish-American War in 1898 in a futile attempt to prevent the US Navy from entering the channel between the Grande and Chiquita islands. It is one of the more popular dives because of the wreck's historical past. Among the many others worth seeing is the Oryoku Maru, the "Hell Ship" that sunk in an air attack, with more than 1600 American POWs on board.

Subic also has some good coral dives. Grande Island, formerly an exclusive US military R&R resort, has some worthwhile wall diving, and Triboa Bay has a good coral garden at Nabasan Point. The best time to dive is between February and June. Accommodations are plentiful between Olongapo City and Barrio Barretto, a popular laid-back tourist retreat. Subic has the country’s oldest established recompression chamber, one of only three available to sport divers.

JULY 30
ST. PETER CHRYSOLOGUS

Peter was born in the small town of Imola, Italy. He lived in the fifth century. Bishop Cornelius of Imola educated him and ordained him a deacon. Even as a boy, Peter understood that a person is truly great only if he can control his passions and put on the spirit of Christ.

When the archbishop of Ravenna, Italy, died, Peter was appointed by Pope St. Leo the Great to succeed him. This was around 433. As a priest and bishop, St. Peter was effective. He worked hard to wipe out the paganism still practiced in his diocese. He helped his people grow in faith.

It was as a preacher that St. Peter became famous. Indeed, "Chrysologus" means "golden word." Yet his sermons or homilies were all short. He was afraid his audience would get bored. Besides that, these sermons were not especially unusual or beautiful. But St. Peter's message was more valuable than gold. He preached with such enthusiasm and fire that people listened to him breathlessly. In his sermons, St. Peter urged everyone to receive Jesus often in Holy Communion. He wanted people to realize that the Body of the Lord should be the daily food for their souls.

This good archbishop also worked for the unity of all the members of the Catholic Church. He tried to prevent people from getting confused about what Catholics believe. He also tried to keep peace. St. Peter Chrysologus died on December 2, 450, in his hometown of Imola, Italy. For his wonderful sermons, so rich in teaching, Pope Benedict XIII declared St. Peter to be a Doctor of the Church in 1729.

Daily Reading & Meditation

Sunday (7/30): "They saw the signs which Jesus did"

Scripture: John 6:1-15

1 After this Jesus went to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, which is the Sea of Tiber'i-as. 2 And a multitude followed him, because they saw the signs which he did on those who were diseased. 3 Jesus went up on the mountain, and there sat down with his disciples. 4 Now the Passover, the feast of the Jews, was at hand. 5 Lifting up his eyes, then, and seeing that a multitude was coming to him, Jesus said to Philip, "How are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat?" 6 This he said to test him, for he himself knew what he would do. 7 Philip answered him, "Two hundred denarii would not buy enough bread for each of them to get a little." 8 One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, said to him, 9 "There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two fish; but what are they among so many?" 10 Jesus said, "Make the people sit down." Now there was much grass in the place; so the men sat down, in number about five thousand. 11 Jesus then took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated; so also the fish, as much as they wanted. 12 And when they had eaten their fill, he told his disciples, "Gather up the fragments left over, that nothing may be lost." 13 So they gathered them up and filled twelve baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves, left by those who had eaten. 14 When the people saw the sign which he had done, they said, "This is indeed the prophet who is to come into the world!" 15 Perceiving then that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, Jesus withdrew again to the mountain by himself.

Meditation: Can anything on this earth truly satisfy the deepest longing and hunger we experience? A great multitude had gathered to hear Jesus, no doubt because they were hungry for the word of life. Jesus’ disciples wanted to send them away at the end of the day because they did not have the resources to feed them. They even complained how much money it would take to feed such a crowd -- at least six month’s wages! Jesus, the Bread of Life, took the little they had -- five loaves and two fish -- and giving thanks to his heavenly Father, distributed to all until they were satisfied of their hunger. The people of Israel had been waiting for the prophet whom Moses had promised: The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your brethren -- him shall you heed (Deuteronomy 18:15). The signs which Jesus did, including the miraculous feeding of the five thousand signified that God has indeed sent him as anointed Prophet and King. Jesus' feeding of the five thousand is the only miracle recorded in all four gospels. What is the significance of this miracle? The miraculous feeding of such a great multitude pointed to God's provision of manna in the wilderness for the people of Israel under Moses' leadership. This food foreshadowed the true heavenly bread which Jesus would offer his followers.

Jesus makes a claim only God can make: He is the true bread of heaven that can satisfy the deepest hunger we experience. The feeding of the five thousand shows the remarkable generosity of God and his great kindness towards us. When God gives, he gives abundantly. He gives more than we need for ourselves that we may have something to share with others, especially those who lack what they need. God takes the little we have and multiplies it for the good of others.

What Life is All About?

When we look at lives in any places in this world, we may come to the similar red line. Those lives consist of phases that take living creature from a step to a further one. Be it human or plants or animals, their lives are all the same. It's a growth from youth to old then die.

As for human life, we grow from infants to a cute little baby, from teenager to adult and then old. In between the phases we are expected to live the life at the fullest. In other words, we spend the days with expectation of having improvement and development.

We learn, and are taught to learn every single step so that we become better and better. When things go on as we want them to be, we would feel content and happy. Knowing that we have achieved something and that we move on to a better situation. But sometimes, we have to deal with something that we wouldn't want nor expect. Something that makes us down and sad. When such thing happens, we usually come to an unpleasant situation that often makes us not knowing what to do.

However, do we really ever notice that everything happens is only a scene that put us on a temporary condition?

Just picture this life as a journey?

We understand that every trip has a final destination which takes us to a journey that passes many scenes of places. Suppose we are going to Rome from London by car. When we go through the way we may find that not all the road is good, and not all places we go by has beautiful view. Not to mention that we may get stuck in a traffic jam somewhere along the way. But of course we may find beautiful places that tempt us to stop by. All the things we see and find all through the way can give effect to our trip duration. They can enhance the speed, delay or even cancel the trip. It depends on us. Are we going to let ourselves get carried away by the temptation or get defeated by the hardship we find that we forget our final destination? Will we also let the obstacles take our time and focus that they cause delay to our trip?

Only WE know the answer, for only WE know the destination.

Therefore, don't let good things that happen in our lives makes us blind to move on. Always be alert that things change. Get anticipated for the changes.

But if we face bad scenes, don't let ourselves down for too long. Raise head up. See far ahead. Think of the final goal so that we can pull ourselves together to deal with the situation. Keep in mind that it was just one of the parts we surely go by.

So when we are fully aware that any kind of things may happen, we'll have more self-control and we know that those things are lessons for us to be better. Coz even when we get struck in a hindrance, we'll know that it was only something that makes ourselves improved. For the way we handle the situation will teach us to be more creative in thinking.

In other words, self-improvement can be gained either through happiness or sadness, through good or bad times, through ease or hardship. The main thing is, everything happens for a reason?..a reason for our own goodness.

So, let's keep on moving? Go through all the way until we reach our own destination.

BEST FRIENDS

Do you ever need to have your batteries "re-charged", or you may need a boost to your self-confidence. You might be facing a very scary situation--like turning another year older with a BIG zero behind the number--and need a strong and reasurring presence.

How about having a totally attentive ear to vent your troubles to and get feedback, but only if it is requested. On a more enjoyable note, you may want to take a fun filled vacation and spend countless hours talking, watching the birds and catching up on life. Wouldn't it be wonderful to find--and then hold on to--that special person, the one that fits these needs, plus many more!

If you are paying attention, we're talking about best friends here! It is all so important to identify and cherish one of the greatest gifts on this earth--best friends! They are truly invaluable and can save you literally hundreds of dollars in a psychologist's office. Once identified, this person can serve as "counselor" on everything from children, spouses, religion and political issues.

Now, it is also important to realize that these best friends are a valuable tool and resource, and not something to be taken for granted. You have a responsibility to guard and protect them.

Make sure to respect not only their time, but also their point of view when you ask for their opinion. Treat your best friends like the priceless gem they are, and insure their protection. After all, it's difficult enough to find and keep good friends--much less best friends.

Sugar Mills
Begun almost a century ago, the sugar industry is a recognized top dollar earner for Negros. Central Azucarera de Bais was established in 1918 as the first sugar central of the Compania General de Tabacos de Filipinas SA, or Tabacalera, in the country. Located in Bais City, CAB propelled the province’s sugar industry and pioneered in the manufacture of paper from bagasse.

Sinulog de Tanjay
Celebrated every June 24 in Tanjay City, this is an old tradition that began with old men engaged in swordplay and dancing from house to house. Today, Sinulog de Tanjay is highlighted by street dancing and a mock battle between the Moros and Christians, followed by their reconciliation through the intercession of town patron Señor Santiago, held on the eve of the patron’s feast day.

Apo Island
The island offers the best diving around. On the southeast, the sanctuary is a gradual slope with a shallow wall. Thousands of tiny fish cluster around the bushes of black corals in crevices, and there are lapu-lapus, surgeons, some beautiful stony corals, and a collection of various species of clownfishes and anemones. Apo island is accessible by a 35-minute boat ride from Zamboanguita.

Apo Island Beach Resort, formerly Kan-Upe Cove Resort, is an internationally acclaimed dive site. The 12-hectare island has eight regular and honeymoon cottages. Located in Dauin, it has a hilly terrain and white-pebbled lagoon. Nestled within, the Balwarte Rocks and Negros Oriental Marine Conservation Park, with its spectacular coral gardens and marvelous marine life, are consistent crowd drawers.

PNOC Geothermal Power Plant
Nestled among mountains that spout steam from vents, set amidst a lush landscape at cool altitudes, is the power plant situated in Ticala, Valencia. The Palimpinon Power Plant is the centerpiece of the geothermal reserve in the care of the Philippine National Oil Company, which generates and supplies power to Negros, Panay, and Cebu.

Dolphin and Whale Watching
Regular cruises can take visitors out to Tañon Strait and Bais Bay to view playful dolphins and pygmy sperm whales, which surface from their natural habitat to put up an acrobatic show for enthusiasts. Visits are ideal between May and September. Spectacular underwater scenes reward snorkelers and divers.

Canlaon Volcano
One of the tallest peaks in the Visayas, the volcano raised Canlaon City’s skyline to 8,085 feet above sea level. The still active volcano is a favorite spot of intrepid mountain climbers. It can be accessed from Canlaon City, 165.7 kilometers from Dumaguete City.

Silliman University
Comprising 35 hectares adjacent to downtown Dumaguete, the university has been declared a bird sanctuary and is noted for its olden trees and cottage residences. Its major buildings, among them, the Guy Hall, Channon Hall, Oriental Hall, and Occidental Hall, had once been used by the Japanese Occupation forces for administrative and penal activities. Silliman University is located in Dumaguete City.

Bird Sanctuary and Mangrove Park
It is a 400-hectare protected mangrove forest which is a natural habitat and nesting place of birds and other wildlife. The park is located in Bais City. It is accessible by boat and then a walking distance through a 5,968 bamboo-split boardwalk.

Apo Island Rockclimbing
This tiny island off the coast of Dumaguete is almost completely ringed with 20m cliffs of stable limestone, offering fascinating climbing in a stunning setting. The island is surrounded by crystal water and extensive reefs, ideal for post-climb diving expeditions. Truly fearless (or perhaps foolhardy) climbers can cap off their ascent with a 12m dive into the ocean below. There are five established routes, ranging from 5.6 to 5.10, and the potential is there for many others. The island is a 30-minute boat ride from shore, and it is worth seeking the help of local climbers – contact the Dumaguete-based Cuernos de Negros Mountaineering Club, who can also arrange mountain treks into the interior of southern Negros.

Puerto Galera.
The foremost asset of Oriental Mindoro, Puerto Galera is blessed with one of the world’s most beautiful natural harbors. Known as the Pearl of Mindoro, it is world-famous for splendid beaches, coral reefs, and exquisite dive sites for new and experienced divers alike. There are shallow coral gardens, interesting rock formations, and colorful species to watch, like crabs, shrimps, sea anemones, moray, and trumpet fishes.

Mangyan Tribes.
The province’s existing ethnic tribal groups, the Mangyans, are gentle and withdrawn people but many of them have managed to integrate into the cultural mainstream, largely in the municipalities of Mansalay, Baco, Puerto Galera, Roxas, and Bongabong. The Mangyan tribe consists of various smaller tribes like the Iraya, Alangan, and Tadwanan. They are skilled weavers and craftsmen, producing intricate tribal finery, including baskets, mats, and other items, both functional and aesthetic.

Mt. Halcon.
Towering 8,488 feet above sea level, Mt. Halcon is the country's third highest peak. It is a favourite destination for nature tripping and mountain climbing. Mt. Halcon is located in Baco. It is accessible in two hours, by taking a jeepney to Baco, the jump-off point.

Tamaraw Falls.
The 423-foot waterfalls, situated alongside the road, is actually a series of asymmetrical falls, leading to the grand one, dropping to a frothy waterbed below. The cascading waterfalls is a great attraction to passers-by. Tamaraw Falls is located in Barangay Villaflor, Puerto Galera. It can be reached in two hours by taking a jeepney bound for Barangay Villaflor from Puerto Galera, or Calapan.

Beaches.
In nature-blessed Oriental Mindoro, you can choose your own beach among the many that abound, from fawn beige to powdery white. To name a notable few, there are the beaches of Sabang, Suqui, Banilad, Bongol, La Laguna, Small La Laguna, Talipanan, Melco, Punta Guarda, and White Sand, drawing local and foreign water enthusiasts alike with majestic sites ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving.

Sabang Beach.
The beach is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. A cluster of nightspots abound in the area, which make it popular for evening socials. Cottages with entertainment facilities stand close to each other. Low-budget accommodations are available. Sabang Beach is located east of Puerto Galera. It can be reached in 15 minutes from the Puerto Galera pier by taking a jeepney or an outrigger banca.

Banana Festival
Held every March 18 to 19 in Baco, Mindoro Oriental, the festival is a celebration of the abundance of bananas. It features a banana cookfest and a "saba"-(type of banana)-inspired street dancing competition and beauty pageant. Festivities coincide with the town fiesta held in honor of the patron, St. Joseph.

Oriental Mindoro Trekking
The large, wild island of Mindoro, easily accessible from Manila, offers some magnificent trekking experiences. Try ascending Mt. Halcon (2586m), a challenging four-day trek through old-growth rain-forest. Or brave the rugged journey south to the Mt. Iglit-Baco National Park, one of the last homes of the tamaraw, the endangered wild buffalo of the Philppines. Park rangers monitor the tamaraw population carefully, and with their help, trekkers have a good chance of seeing these elusive animals.

JULY 29
ST. MARTHA

Martha was the sister of Mary and Lazarus. They lived in the little town of Bethany near Jerusalem. They were dear friends of Jesus, and he often came to visit them. In fact, the Gospel tells us: "Jesus loved Martha, and her sister Mary and Lazarus." It was St. Martha who lovingly served the Lord when he visited them. One day, she was preparing a meal for Jesus and his disciples. She realized that the task would be easier if her sister would help. She watched Mary sitting quietly at Jesus' feet, listening to him. "Lord, tell my sister to help me," Martha suggested. Jesus was very pleased with Martha's loving service. However, he wanted her to know that listening to God's Word and praying is even more important. So he said gently, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious about many things, but only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the better part."

St. Martha's great faith in Jesus was seen when her brother Lazarus died. As soon as she heard that Jesus was coming to Bethany, Martha went to meet him. She trusted Jesus and felt the freedom to say: "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died." Then Jesus told her that Lazarus would rise. He said, "He who believes in me, even if he die, shall live. Do you believe this?" And Martha answered, "Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who has come into the world." Jesus worked a great miracle and raised Lazarus from the dead!

Later, Jesus came again to have supper with Lazarus, Martha and Mary. St. Martha served them at table as always. This time, though, Martha had a much more loving attitude. She served with a joyful heart.

Daily Reading & Meditation

Saturday (7/29): Martha said to Jesus, "I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day"

Scripture: John 11:19-27

19 many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them concerning their brother. 20 When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, while Mary sat in the house. 21 Martha said to Jesus, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 And even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you." 23 Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again." 24 Martha said to him, "I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day." 25 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, 26 and whoever lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?" 27 She said to him, "Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, he who is coming into the world."

Meditation: What gives us hope and joy in the face of death? The loss of a loved one naturally produces grief and anguish of heart. When Martha, the sister of Lazarus and a close friend of Jesus, heard that Jesus was coming to pay respects for the loss of Lazarus, she immediately went out to meet him before he could get to her house. What impelled her to leave the funeral party in order to seek Jesus out? Was it simply the companionship and consolation of a friend who loved her brother deeply? Or did she recognize in Jesus the hope that God would restore life? Martha, like many Orthodox Jews, believed in the life to come. The loss of her brother did not diminish her hope in the resurrection. She even gently chides Jesus for not coming soon enough to save Lazarus from an untimely death. Jesus does something unexpected and remarkable both to strengthen her faith and hope in the life to come and to give her a sign of what he was to accomplish in his own death and resurrection. Jesus gave to her belief a new and profound meaning: He came from the Father to defeat sin and death for us and to restore life to those who believe in him. Jesus states unequivocally the he himself is the Resurrection and the Life. The life he offers is abundant life– life which issues from God himself. And eternal life– the fulness of life which knows no end.