Negros Oriental - Land of the Gentle People

Negros Oriental (or “Oriental Negros” as some may call it), is a province located in the Central Visayas (Region VII). When you look at a map of the Philippines, Negros Island can be easily spotted as it is the only one that looks like a sock. However, in most cases, when “Negros” is being talked about, people pretty much assume that it is Negros Occidental. Actually, Negros is divided into two provinces - Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental whereas Negros Occidental has Bacolod City as its capital, Negros Oriental has Dumaguete City. Negros Oriental’s capital is known as the “City of Gentle People” mainly due to its hospitable and kind inhabitants. Of course, the whole country is known for the trademark hospitality, but Dumaguete City pretty much stands out from the rest.

Aside from being known as the “City of Gentle People,” Dumaguete is also known as a “University Town” as the rather quaint city has a number of colleges and universities, one of which is the well-known Silliman University. The said university is the first Protestant school in the Philippines, and the oldest American university in the whole of Asia. It also holds the distinction of becoming one of the 30 private higher institutions that have been granted autonomy by CHED (Commission on Higher Education) in the Philippines.

Negros Oriental not only boasts of its great educational atmosphere, but also of its lush forests, mountains, and beautiful and unexploited beaches. There are a lot of all over the province, and these are located in the towns and localities that compose the province. In fact, one of the tourist spots is the white sand beaches of that are usually coupled with trips that allow the tourists to watch dolphins along the strait.

The province’s climate is between 26 and 30 degrees Celsius all the year round, and the wet season is from June to November. Since Negros island is located to the West, Negros Oriental stays protected from the numerous typhoons that traverse the country every year. Although not widely publicized, Negros Oriental holds some of the some alluring and relaxing nature sights in the country. Some of these include the Casaroro Falls, which is a tall waterfall amid a lush virgin forest. It is a good place for the young and old who love good climbs and exhilarating views. Another place to visit is the twin lakes, Balinsasayaw and Danao. This place is good for the more adventurous people who want to go trekking. The lakes are serene and have fish stock, and are surrounded by giant ferns and greenery with breathtaking sceneries. The annual festival of Buglasan is the province pride with fireworks display and an all night partying. If you want a fine relaxing time, there is definitely no other place like Negros Oriental.

More information about the province, its many other sights and scenery, projects such as Walang Iwanan sa Bayan ni Juan that go hand in hand in promoting the Philippines for tourism will be able to provide you with more than just the basics. This is in line with the campaign to boost tourism, with the motto “Tourism Pinas 2009“. Start with Negros Oriental, and one will see that it is the best way to Experience Philippines.

View the Department of Tourism Video on Central Visayas and capture its breathtaking sceneries of nature below.

This article was prepared by a graduate of Silliman University Lorselle Ann Tecson with the recommendation of another Silliman University graduate who is now in California preparing to take the Nursing Board Review Ezrah Lasola.

Christmas Season in the Philippines is not the one to miss. It is by far the most celebrated of all festivities in the country. As early as the BER months of September, October and November, Christmas music can be heard sporadically played in every busy streets of Metro Manila especially in the malls, department stores, radio stations or any business establishment. But one of the signs that Christmas is around the corner is the Parol or Christmas Lanterns. As early as December 1, people hang their lanterns already, but traditionally it starts at December 16 during which starts also the Misa de Gallos and the street caroling by groups or individual people of all ages, hopping from one house to another.

-History-

During the birth of Jesus Christ in the manger, there was a shining star that shined so bright and was followed by the shepherds and 3 Kings. The parol now symbolizes that bright star in houses. The word parol came from the Spanish word lantern and according to history archives in the Philippines, the parol was first introduced by the Spanish from the traditional Mexican Pinata (traditionally from Italy to Spain went to Mexico and brought by the Spaniards who spread Christianity in the Philippines). According also from the archives, the parol was used to light the way to churches for the Misas de Aguinaldo. The early church also played a big part in the encouragement of parol making in the Philippines. The Spanish priests encouraged the locals to display these lanterns hanging on their window houses with incentives.

Theres no greater symbol, mascot or whatever one might call it but it really does symbolizes the true spirit of the Filipinos who celebrate the Christmas season. A star shaped ornament made out of bamboo sticks, Japanese rice paper, crepe paper and a candle or coconut oil for illumination (traditional style). The present day parols are made out of glorious lighting with a more sophisticated and modern materials. All over the country and especially in the cities such as Metro Manila, spectacular lightings can be found in houses with parols as the main symbol. Some has as big as a 20 foot tall ornament with beautiful illuminated lights or some has even has kaleidescope of neon lights wrap around it. To view the peak of its beauty with glorious and modern craftsmanship, one has to travel around Metro Manila at night.

I don’t really know what kind of magic the Christmas Season brings into our lives but what I do know that it changes a lot with its time of sharing, a time of happiness for the children and old alike, a time of no fighting, a time of giving and almost everything good that comes from our hearts.

Article Contributed by Michelle Cortez-Carvalho of Etc-Atbp

The Whale Shark Capital of The World
You might be wondering what Dagos Tabi means. Well, it is a warm and friendly Bikol greeting, which means, Please come in, you are most welcome! Sorsogon Tourism, the official tourism site of the Province of Sorsogon and their people is very much pleasured to welcome their guests. Located at the southern most tip of Luzon, it is one of the six provinces of the Bicol Region that serves as the gateway to Visayas and Mindanao and opens into both the Pacific Ocean and the China Sea. It is a 10 to 11-hour bus ride from Metro Manila to Sorsogon City, the capital of Sorsogon. On the last quarter of this year, Sorsogon City Domestic Airport will be their newest doorway and will eventually boost their tourism industry, a very nice project by the local government.

Pili Festival is Sorsogon City’s premier annual festival, and the Kasanggayahan Festival, which is recognized by the Department of Tourism as one of the annual festivals of the country. Pili tree is also called by the locals as the Majestic Tree due to its many uses from its roots to fruits, while the Kasanggayahan (an agricultural-related word) Festival, is highlighted by the Pantomina (pantomime), a traditional Bicol dance, which is also known as a dance of love and courtship.

Sorsogon City is famous for their beautiful beaches in which the majority is found at the Bacon District. The most famous attraction of their place is the Whale Shark or the “Butanding” that is commonly found at Donsol, Sorsogon. These Butandings are tagged as the “magnets of the tourists” for they are the major reasons why the tourists keep on coming back to Donsol. There are about 40 Butandings, the largest fish in the world that can be seen during their season, which is from March-May. Because it is considered as a delicacy and an aphrodisiac, many foreigners are eager to buy it for as much as P400, 000.00 each. This is why the Philippine government declared this specie to be endangered. View the Butanding Video below.

Aside from the Butanding, the city also showcases breathtaking beaches, especially the Paguriran Island. This beach is famous for its powder-white sand and crystal clear water. Moreover, there are also caves and waterfalls that are found in the Sorsogon City. Bacon District, a- 20 minute drive from the City, is a great place to visit if you are an eco-tourism enthusiast. Limestone caves, lakes and marine sanctuary are also the main attractions of the district; the most legendary of these are the Tolonggapo in Caricaran and the Bato Limestone Caves where prehistoric artifacts were once found.

You don’t need to go far to appreciate the splendor of the place’s natural attraction. The Rompeolas, with its walkway that serves as promenade, provides a spectacular view of the Bulusan Volcano, as well as the good sight of the Paroja Hill and Grotto, which overlooks Sorsogon Bay. A boulevard for the locals and the tourists, as well, Rompeolas and the neighboring Pinaculan Island are being geared up for tourism development, because of the sunset cruises and ecotourism that they offer, which can serve as the place’s primary selling points. And talking about tourist attractions here in Sorsogon, the tour is never complete without tasting their special delicacies. You should never leave without savoring the sizzling their legendary “Bicol express”, a spicy concoction of sautéed pork, fish or shrimp; chili pepper; a generous dash of herbs and simmered in coconut milk. Already drooling? Oooops, not yet, try their pungent and delicious “kinilaw na sira”, raw fish fillets soaked in vinegar and chili. What is also good with this place is that you can buy fresh caught crabs and lobsters from local seafood stalls or you may ask the resorts. What’s tastier than eating fresh foods?

Good news for our fellow citizens. The Philippine government, especially the Department of Foreign Affairs ( DFA ), National Statistics Office ( NSO ) and the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration ( POEA ) has upgraded their services. A hassle free online service has been added that would eliminate long lines of waiting and scalpels who prey on people. Citizen Services is the online service made available for every Filipino citizen especially the Overseas Foreign Workers ( OFW )seeking documents with the respective departments that includes the rundown of fees and payment centers.

Passport - Department of Foreign Affairs

Fee - PHP 1,300.00

Birth Certificate - National Statistics Office

Fee PHP 330.00
New Registrations Call (02) 737-1111
Returning Customers - Online Applications
Payment Centers - Metrobank and Bayad Centers

Overseas Exit Clearances - Philippine Overseas Employment Administration

POEA Processing Fees PHP 100.00
OWWA Membership* P 1,121.00
Philhealth* PHP 900.00
2GO / ABoitiz Courier Fee PHP 160.00
Teleserv Service Fee PHP 369.00
Total PHP 2,650.00

For more information and other questions:

Citizen Services Contact Details:
• DFA Express Passport Delivery - (02) 737-1000
dfa@citizenservices.com.ph
• NSO Birth Certificate Delivery - (02) 737-1111
nso@citizenservices.com.ph
• POEA Balik Manggagawa OEC Delivery - (02) 737-7777
poea@citizenservices.com.ph
Note : POEA Balik Manggagawa OEC Delivery service is only available Mondays to Saturdays from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.

Aurora is a province that can be found in Region III which is generally mountainous with only 30% coastal flatlands. This makes the place a good venue for mountain climbing and trekking. Surfing, snorkeling and scuba diving are also some of the activities a tourist can enjoy in this place. Although seldom heard and promoted as one of the best tourist spots in the country, this place is blessed with vast numbers of tourist attractions. Here we can find the famous Sierra Madre Mountains, a place where flora and fauna are mostly concentrated. Different body of waters, like the waterfalls and rivers of varying sizes, are located within, or near, the area of Sierra Madre Mountains.

If you have a passion for nature tripping, you won’t regret coming to this place. Aside from mountain climbing, Aurora is also a good place for safari, bird watching, ecological studies or picnics, which, amazingly, you can do all at the same time. You can view some of these at TFC too where they promote provinces in the Philippines for tourism with also projects such as Walang Iwanan sa Bayan ni Juan.

I have been talking of the abundance of tourist spots in Aurora and I’m sure that many are interested to know what this place has to offer, right? But I must say that in order to really appreciate the beauty of a certain place, we must first know a little bit of its history. For how can we market our product if we don’t know what it is, isn’t it ? This is part of our campaign to boost tourism in our country and Paraiso Philippines motto Tourism Pinas 2009. For just a brief retrospect, the province of Aurora was named after the wife of the late first Commonwealth President Manuel L. Quezon. She was known for her tireless endeavor in providing social welfare services, especially to the people of her place. Based on August 1, 2007 census, the total population of Aurora is 187,802, where mostly are Filipino and Ilokano- speaking inhabitants.

Historical Attractions:
Of course, the President Quezon Memorial Park, which serves as a landmark of Baler, the capital of Aurora. Then Lt. Commander James Gilmore Marker, the commander of US Gunboat “Yorktown,” who was captured along with all his men when he came to Baler in April 1899 to relieve the Spanish soldiers besieged in the church of Baler. The Aurora Quezon Marker, I think there is no need to elaborate this one. And lastly, the President Quezon’s House and Rest house; today, only the remains of the house and the cement staircase are left standing after it was severely struck by a super typhoon.

Natural Attractions:
Ditumabo Falls, Bane Spring, NIA (National Irrigation Administration) Watershed and Cunayan Falls are located at San Luis, Aurora. They also have the Cemento Beach Reef, Dimadimalang Islet and Digisit Beach, found at Baler. Furthermore, the province likewise has Balete Park, Tariktik Point, Pagkain ng Bayan Plateau, Casiguran Sound and Sierra Madre Mountains, among others.

For religious attractions, of course, the place has the Santo Entierro, a glass casket encasing the lying statue of Jesus Christ, where the local claimed it to be miraculous and; Baler Catholic Church, where the La Campana de Baler, an ancient high quality bell, was used and later stored as a relic.

One of the most famous festivals in Aurora is the Moro-Moro Festival. The interplay of drama and dance, the “Zarzuela” is an interesting form of theater, taking three days to complete. And lastly, special interest tours include surfing, mountain climbing and snorkeling, among others.

Experience Aurora, Experience Philippines !!!