The Adventures of Charmaine

The Venetian Macau-Resort-Hotel is named as the Las Vegas of Asia.

Going to The Venetian is very easy. Since there are lot of shuttles and cabs from the city area to the resort.

The place is splendid not only for its casino and its Grand Canal Shoppes but its overall design concept.

The Venetian is a Mega Resort, with so many shops and things to see.

The resort itself is a destination.

The Venetian is such a fancy place, the aura is Gold.

Everything is Gold.

To most Filipinos, a visit to Macau is not complete without a visit to The Venetian.

Happy Holidays!!!

Magpupungko’s Tidal pools and lagoon, a tranquil place to reflect and relax.

Located at the Municipality of Pilar, Siargao Island on the northeastern point of Mindanao, you can see the natural pool formation which appears during low tide only. Therefore, you have to check the low tide schedule before going there.

The area is surrounded by granite sculptures and limestones. During lowtide, it’s pockmarked limestone floor uncover pools of various sizes and figures similar to ponds, tubs and basins.

You can swim in the marvelous crystal-clear pool with brilliant rock formations during low tides.

The best natural saltwater pool!

Magpupungko’s rock pool is really perfect for a good soak!

The deepest part of this crystal-clear natural saltwater pool is about 18 feet deep during low tide and is originally part of Magpupungko beach.

After a couple of times that I had visited the place, I realized that Magpupungko tidal pool and lagoon is an example of a natural infinity pool.

Magpupongko is truly a place where you can see nature at its best.

Dreaming of Surfing at Night in the Philippines? Join us in the countdown to the opening of the first ever Night Surfing in the Philippines at Cloud 9, General Luna, Siargao Island Philippines.

A 50-foot tower with 10 x 1,000 watt lights was built at Cloud 9 for the Night Surfing.

The last year’s main electricity transformer damaged at Surigao City made the delay of the opening because there is no enough power supply to support the Cloud Nine Night Surfing.The opening will be postponed next month at the most.

The Balete Park. A perfect haven for nature lovers.

I was really in fear when I saw the tree. At first, I had this creepy feeling but the tree’s grandness and largeness did not fail to strike and fascinate me.

I was dwarfed by the gigantic 600-year old Balete Tree.

The 600-year-old balete tree that was designated the official “Millennium Tree” of The Philippines. It is the largest tree of its kind in Asia.

When you’re in Baler, never miss the enchanting Balete Park located in Barangay Quirino, Maria Aurora, Aurora Province.

I have always described Disneyland as the “Happiest Place on Earth. A place usually associated with kids, also a place for adults who grew up with Disney cartoons. It’s hard to resist the Disney magic that you feel as soon as you step unto the resort grounds.

Disneyland’s Inspiration Lake and welcome arch were familiar sights that greeted me as we walked to the park.

When we got there, the first thing we got distracted with was shopping for souvenirs and other Disney merchandise.

The full force of the Disney magic hits you when you go through the park’s entrance. Disneyland is exactly how you’d imagine it to be: grand, whimsical and full of small details that’s distinctly Disney.

After the photo opp, we explored the 4 theme park of Disneyland : The Main Street, U.S.A., The Adventureland, The Fantasyland and Tomorrowland.

The Main Street USA

The Adventureland

The Fantasyland

The Tomorrowland

This post would be too long if I have to write all the fun and experiences we had but Disneyland is indeed a great place to be.  Everything about Disneyland is just awesome from the stage shows, to the rides, the parades, the characters, the design and the fireworks at night was just breathtaking!

First impressions lasts, thats what people say. That is why i would like to share this experience and hope that this will not happen to you.

I was unhappy with the staff’s uncoordinated action at the newly opened Jonie’s sizzlers and roast, Cagayan de Oro City.

Firstly, the staff portrayed a large amount of incompetence towards customers.

Secondly, the service was very slow. It took nearly an hour for our first dish to be fully prepared.

Lastly, what made matters go from bad to worse was after the long wait we were offered to change our minds and ask for another order because our second dish was no longer available.

Thus if we did not ask them to follow up our order we could have waited for much longer, which is really what is going to happen if we did not notice the time. Nobody informed us that our order is unavailable and instead they let us wait for another half hour only to find out that it is not available.

I was extremely disappointed with the service I received that day. I will no longer go back to the newly opened Jonie’s Sizzlers and Roast located at Plaza Divisoria, Cagayan de Oro City.

PRESS RELEASE
Siargao’s 2011 international game fishing tournament sets on April 28 to May 01
Contact Person:  Zeny C. Pallugna, Philippine Surfing Federation
Email address: psftour@gmail.com / www.siargaogamefishing.com
Mobile number:

Pilar, Siargao Island, Philippines —- Five of the leading sport fishing clubs in the country together with the Department of Tourism, Provincial Government of Surigao del Norte, House of Representatives for the First District of Surigao del Norte and the Philippine Surfing Federation convened recently in Manila to officially announce the 4th Siargao International Game Fishing Tournament, which is annually held in the town of Pilar in Siargao Island from April 28 to May 01 next year.

The first-ever champion of the Billfish Category of this annual game fishing tournament, Marfin Tan of General Santos City,  expressed his full support for next year’s event and committed to bring more anglers from the cities of  General Santos and Davao.  His group also committed to donate one unit of Honda Marine engine for the local fisherman who will obtain the highest catch in the Billfish Category.

Other leading clubs in the country such as Silver Jack, Cebu Anglers Association, Philippine Sports Fishing Club and Philippine Game Fishing Federation represented by their presidents Peter Lu, Exequel Vergara, Richard Sharp, Bong Castillo, Daniel Lu and Atty. Gordo Uy (the Tournament Director) have also demonstrated their support to this biggest game fishing tournament in the country.

Team Nonino, headed by Noli Manas,  is  thrilled to be once again participating in this prestigious international tournament and pledged to give two units of 12-footer  or 14-footer sports boat to the municipality of Pilar while the two units Honda marine engine will be donated by Congressman Francisco Matugas. The boat will be used to monitor the illegal fishing activities in the municipal waters of Pilar and  General Luna where the tournament will be held.

Meanwhile, Congressman Matugas, together with Surigao del Norte Governor Sol Matugas guaranteed to give a total prize money of  Php350,000 or more than US$8000 for the tournament.

The four-day tournament, which will start on April 28 and ends on May 01, is expected to be attended by around 100 anglers from  United States, Australia, Japan, Taiwan, China, United Kingdom, Singapore, Malaysia, Russia, and Philippines. The anglers will be vying for the following categories, namely:

1.    Main Category (Using outrigger boat)
a.    Biggest Billfish Category
b.    Biggest Wahoo/Tanguigue
c.    Biggest Talakitok
d.    Biggest Dorado
e.    Biggest Others except shark, stingrays, puffer fish, dolphin and turtles

2.    Open Category (Using private yacht or any fishing boat)
a.    Biggest Catch
b.    Highest Total Catch

Each entry should have a minimum size of 15 kilogram.

Congressman Matugas claimed that Siargao is always hosting teams of experienced big game fishermen for these exciting events, but novice competitors who just want to experience the thrill and camaraderie of sea fishing tournaments are welcome, too.

Governor Matugas is then inviting everyone to get a group of friends or business associates to visit Siargao, The Game Fishing Mecca of the Philippines, and join this fun-filled annual game fishing tournament!

This 4th Siargao International Game Fishing Tournament is the largest and only game fishing event in the Philippines that is being organized and supported by the government.

Siargao can be reached direct by plane from Manila via Cebu through Cebu Pacific every Fridays and Mondays. There is also a daily flight either from Manila to Butuan or Manila to Surigao via Philippine Airlines or Cebu Pacific. The Department of Tourism will be providing a shuttle from Butuan/Surigao airport to Surigao City seaport. From there, you can hop-on to a passenger ferryboat to Siargao Island, which has an approximate travel time of two-hours.

Registration fee is Php1000 or US$22 per participant plus Php3,600 for boat rental with boatman for 3-days fishing excluding gasoline. The participants will be housed at the “Homestay” program or “Bed and Breakfast” concept offered by the Department of Tourism.  Participants are enjoined to register online at www.siargaogamefishing.com. Deadline of registration is set on 01 April 2011.

For more information or any queries or clarification regarding this tournament, please free to get in touch with Ms. Zeny Pallugna, the Tournament Organizer, through her mobile number or email: + 639296721508 and psftour@gmail.com or zenpallugna@yahoo.com.ph.

Surfer’s get ready for the 2010 Lanuza Surfing Festival!

Lanuza, Surigao del Sur —- The Local Government of Lanuza, the Philippine Surfing Federation (PSF), the Office of the Congressman for the 1st District of Surigao del Sur in cooperation with the Department of Tourism and the Provincial Government of Surigao del Sur will be staging the Lanuza Surfing Festival from November 16 to 21 at the quaint but scenic coastal town of Surigao del Sur, Lanuza.

Around 100 men and women surfers are invited to compete in this prestigious tournament in one of country’s hottest surfing destinations and win a total prize money of Php300,000 (approximately US$6,900) with trophies.

The event will be held on the best 5 days of conditions from Tuesday, November 16 to Saturday, November 11. The opening ceremony will be staged on the afternoon of Tuesday, November 15 with the competition commencing on the 16th.

Leading the charge of the prestigious tournament will be the 12-strong field of the Philippines’ best surfers. The tournament contest site is Lanuza’s Doot Poktoy, a powerful right hander with long ride (300 meters rolling, mellow waves 3-4 feet) and strong current inside that has been hailed as one of the best waves by Australian long boarders and short boarders who joined in the first Lanuza International Surfing Tournament that was held in 2006.

PSF Secretary General, Zeny Pallugna, disclosed that the surfing tournament has four divisions, namely: Men’s Open (18 years old and above), Wahine or Women’s Division, Junior Division (14-18 years old), and Grommets Division (9-13 years old). This tournament is open to both local and foreign surfers with an entry of Php200 per participant.

Aside from the surfing tournament, Mayor Salvacion Azarcon reveals that the festival will also be featuring various activities such as Panaw Sa Kinaijahan (Walk for the environment, Hip-hop Dance Contests, Coastal Clean-up, Volleyball Games, Agro-Agri Ecotourism Trade, Bayway Cultural Show, nightly live band entertainment, Motocross, Search for Ms. Surfin’ Lanuza, and Tobias (Mangrove). Surfing Clinic is also being offered by the Philippine Surfing Federation to those who are interested to try or learn surfing in Lanuza.

The Lanuza Surfing Festival 2010 is proudly supported by Fluid Surf, Brick, San Miguel Corporation, Congressman Philip Pichay, Sr., Mayor Salvacion Azarcon, Governor Johnny Pimentel and Surigao Development Corporation.

Lanuza can be reached by plane (1 hour) from Manila or Cebu via Butuan or Surigao City. From Butuan or Surigao Surigao hop-on to a passenger bus to Lanuza, which is approximately 3-hour bus ride from Surigao City or 5-hour ride from Butuan City. Lanuza is also served daily from 6a.m to 8p.m. by a passenger van from Surigao City bus terminal.

Should you have queries or more information, feel free to get in touch with Zeny Pallugna, PSF Secretary General at +63 929 6721508 or send her email zenpallugna@yahoo.com.ph or Don Pallugna, PSF Surfing Coordinator, at +63 927 8458874 or send him email at psftour@gmail.com or visit Philippine Surfing Federation facebook account.

Ormoc City, baptized as the “beauty by the bay” is a great spot to visit for a vacation. It is the most Business-Friendly City in Visayas on 2005, and it was also recognized as the country’s Cleanest and Greenest Cities. The City of Ormoc is the first capital city in the Philippines which is non-provincial, and is the center for commerce and industry located west part of Leyte.

Our trip started at 4P.M when we boarded a supercat heading to ormoc.

Our first stop was Don Felipe Hotel situated along Bonifacio Street in the City of Ormoc.

I was awed by serenity of the place and the beautiful views surrounding it.

• Ormoc Bus Terminal

• A night in Ormoc City

• Souvenir shop and mall in the area

Lake Apo is a circular rift lake found in Barangay Guinoyoran, Valencia City, Bukidnon province in the Philippines.

It is dubbed as cleanest and greenest inland body of water in Northern Mindanao.