Have you seen the James Bond movie “Tomorrow Never Dies”? Were you mesmerized by the clear azure blue water that incessantly caresses the powder white sandy beaches? Didn’t the wide expanse of underwater garden with its variedly colored coral reefs and myriads of swimming fish entice you to be there… to actually feel the water and the sand on your feet and to be able to feel the “butterfly kisses” of the countless differently colored fish on your face?
The movie was shot in Palawan, the untouched island in the south-west part of the Philippines. Palawan is dubbed as the last ecological frontier of the Philippines and considered as one of Pacific’s last unexplored islands.

If you want to get away from the hurly burly of city life, Palawan is the prefect hideaway for you. There will be no neon lights, no blaring sounds as all the entertainments will be derived from nature. You can take a guided hiking trip to the rain forest where you can stay the night and be serenaded by the white noises of the crickets; be awakened by the chirping birds in time to see the rosy tinge of the sky that heralds a new day.

Diving, snorkeling, island hoping or watching the death defying antics of local people as they harvest the world famous edible bird’s nest from the rock indentations of dizzying cliffs are only some of the nature derived entertainments offered by Palawan to the world weary tourists.

The Calauit Wildife Reserve Sanctuary, the El Nido Marine Reserve and the Tubbataha Reef are all world renowned Palawan tourist destinations. Also gaining much popularity is the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. This underground river that was declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage site in 1999 is reputed to be the longest and largest underground river in the world. The subterranean river is located in the Saint Paul Mountain range, about 60 kilometers north of Puerto Princesa, the largest city in the Philippines.

From the Puerto Princesa downtown, a tourist would have to take a 2 to 3 hours land trip in one of the colorful jeepneys (public transportation vehicle) native only to the Philippines to reach the town of Sabang, the entrance to the underground river. The underground river is over 8 kilometers long and navigable by seemingly unsteady but actually well balanced small boats.

Giant ancient trees are standing sentinel like at the mouth of the cave. At the entrance of the huge and cavernous mysterious cave, you will be subjected to the incessant sound of pouring water. And once inside you will be awed by stalagmites and stalactite formations. Giant mushrooms, animals, fruits and religious icon formations would make you wonder at the marvels of nature.

The distinguishing feature of this underground river is that it meanders through a cave and empties into the South China Sea. The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River is considered to be the most beautiful in the world as evidenced by the fact that it is nominated in the New 7 Wonders of the World. Definitely a must see place!

Vote Now !! for Tubbataha Reef, Puerto Princesa Subtarerranean River, Mayon Volcano, Chocolate Hills for the New 7 Wonders of Nature.

Tags: Calauit Wildife Reserve Sanctuary, El Nido Marine Reserve, Palawan, Puerto Princesa, Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, Tubbataha Reef

This an amazing find and news. For the very first time Filipino Movie Entertainment have come up with an animated film of our very own. Children really do love to watch animation and that is a fact, because I do remember myself watching a lot and kids really sit down for hours watching animated TV series and sci-fi pics. Doing a film like this would not just be an animation film alone but would surely be an educational influence and at the same time a historical reference of the Philippines. The producers of this film have come up with a good idea and it is by far the best in animation on local productions. The very first Urduja film was released in 1942 and stars Fernando Poe Sr. and Luningning. It was also re-released in the late 70’s through LVN Pictures and stars Amalia Fuentes. Though the film was patterned after Disney’s Pocahantas and Mulan, it depicts the Filipinos talent on creating animation and putting it to work. This isn’t bad at all as it will be a start of a more creative filming’s in the movie industry and more educational local animation from the Philippines. Urduja is a legendary warrior princess and a recognized popular heroine from Pangasinan. Much of her story are included on Philippine textbooks, archived as one of the greatest heroines and she also have a statue at the Hundred islands National Park with the capitol building in Lingayen named after her as Urduja Palace.

The new Urduja animated film will soon be released in local cinemas and with fine local actors and actresses representing the voices of the characters in the film. Produced by Antonio Tuviera of APT Entertainment, who originally planned to release the animated film in 1977 as a TV series but backed out due to high production cost then moved it 3 decades later as a full length movie. Watch the animated film’s movie teaser below with the cast listed who performed the voice.

• Regine Velazquez as Urduja
• Cezar Montano as Lim Hang
• Eddie Garcia as Lakanpati
• Jay Manalo as Simakwel
• Michael V. as Kukut
• Johnny Delgado as Wang
• Jeffrey Quizon as Daisuke
• Ruby Rodriguez as Mayumi
• Allan K. as Tarsir
  

Tags: cesar montano, film animation, regine velasquez, urduja

Ati-Atihan Festival

Ati-Atihan is a popular yearly festival in the Philippines. Traditional and widely known, it is considered as the grandest of all festivities in the Philippines. It is a very colorful popular summer festival similar to that of Mardi Gras in New Orleans and with a rhythm of monotonous drum beatings and rhythmic tinkling of metals. Participants wear brandish, colorful costumes and paint their faces with soot and the festivity continues for up to 3 weeks of dancing, procession and parades.

History:
In the 13th century, A group of Malay Datus who fled Borneo and landed in Panay Islands bought lands from its original dwellers, The Ati. To celebrate of the new pact and land ownership both the Malay Datus and the Atis held a celebration to commemorate the new pact. In order to show gratitude to the original dwellers, the Malay Datus painted their faces and bodies to look like the Atis.

Origin: Kalibo, Aklan

Festival Date: Event is usually held in January and lasts until the third Sunday.

Accommodations are abundant in Aklan and is close by to Boracay. We advise to book your reservations before the festivity and check local travel agents for travel plans and accommodation availability. This an exciting and wonderful experience of a historical Fiesta.

Tags: aklan, ati-atihan, feast, fiesta, kalibo, mardi gras