It has been a week now and I can still vividly remember how my recent trip to Balicasag Island ended. It was pitch black, the wind was howling like a danger is coming after us and the thick darker clouds were hovering above us like we can't escape it anymore. Our boatmen had to kill the motor of our boat so as not to hit the corals below - yes, it was low tide too. And though, our boat was moving, I can sense the tension in the sealed mouth of ours. This is not how I dreamed of my first-ever Balicasag Island trip, this is not a dream to start with, it was some sort of a nightmare.
To most of us when we heard of Balicasag, the first thing that comes right up in to our minds is its pristine white beach barely touched or abused by people. Considered as a Panglao, Bohol's pride, my recent trip to this paradise has almost turned differently if not for the determined Panglaoanon guides who tried all their best to bring back us to the Panglaoshore safe and sound.
On the second day of my coverage of Panglao International Dive Fiesta, we were invited by our host - the Panglao Tourism Board - to see and experience one of the hottest dive sites in the country, the Balicasag Island. Boasting with rich marine life that has been attracting foreign divers, Balicasag is actually in my must-visit list here in Bohol.
Running from November 20 to January 5, 2014 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., the most awaited Ayala Triangle Gardens' Enchanting Lights and Sound Show has finally come to life again giving delight and amazement to all visitors of the country's leading city, Makati City. But if you think that this one is just all about glitz and glam, witness as the shows opens up a noble cause for the survivors of Super Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda, local name).
Making this year's show more meaningful and in respect for those who have lost almost everything in life, Makati City, primarily Ayala Triangle Gardens, made this year's show comes with a spark hope for those affected by the calamity in the Visayas region.
Launching "Bulig Bisaya" campaign, Ayala’s response in the aftermath of the typhoon, along with this year's Enchanting Light and Sound Show, donation boxes have been positioned around the Ayala Triangle Gardens and Tower One & Exchange Plaza fountain area where people can drop cash donations of any amount.
More than it's world-class Boracay and scenic Caticlan, Aklan also holds a stunning and very inspiring history that the country should be proud of. And from its tribal roots to its loving people now, Aklan presented its most priced possessions in a small box called Museo It Akean.
A collection of its famous crafts and artifacts, Museo It Akean or the Museum of Aklan tells the story of this province once part of Capiz.
For those who are wondering what does Akean means, according to this museum, the name Akean came from the Aklanon word akean, which means the warbling of the water. And Aklan having this Amazon River like sight called Aklan River, I think we can assume that their old folks got it from the sound of the river during rainy season where the river possesses full powers.
I had a chance to spend some leisure time here during my visit to this humble province, and despite of it being small and modern, I find the place presentable and really informative. This is my second Visayan museum, albeit I don't wanna compare this to the first one I've visited months ago, Museo It Akean gave me a homey feel that made me appreciate the province more.
