Banner

Battery Way Corregidor. The abandoned cannons are a grim reminder of the May 6, 1942  surrender of US forces to the Japanese. Corregidor became the headquarters for US Naval Defense forces in 1941.  In the middle of Japanese assault on nearby Bataan, General Macarthur left the island by PT Boat on March 11, 1942 and flew to Australia. He later returned to the island in February 1945. His famous words to Colonel George M. Jones, the paratrooper commander were "I see the old flagpole still stands. Have your troops hoist the colors to its peak, and let no enemy ever haul them down."

Batan, Batanes. Batan is one of the three islands that comprise Batanes, the smallest, northernmost and most sparsely populated province of the Philippines. This island has a lush jungle that surrounds the dormant Iriya volcano, 3300 ft high. Basco, the provicial capital, is located in Batan. It has a Mediterranean air, narrow streets and alleyways, an 18th century church and houses adorned with white balconies.

 

Patapat Viaduct. This viaduct connects Ilocos Norte and Cagayan provinces. It is an elevated concrete highway constructed along winding/rocky headlands. It was constructed to solve the problem of landslides in the area which have caused so many vehicular accidents in the past.  Footed on the rocky seashore just several meters from the mountain side it gives motorists a spectacular view of Pasaleng Bay. The Patapat viaduct is more than 16 kilometers from Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte. 

 

Bantayan Island. Bantayan Island is located at the northern tip of Cebu. Its beaches are well known for its fine white sand. It is one of the major tourist destinations in the Philippines. It is popular among Europeans. Aside from tourism, Bantayan is also known as the "Egg Basket of Visayas". Bantayan produces more than 100 tons of eggs per day, which are distributed throughout the Visayas.

Rizal Monument. The Rizal Monument lies at the center of Rizal Park, commonly called Luneta, in Manila City. The monument is a tribute to the country's national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. It marks the spot where Rizal, accused by the Spanish authorities of leading the insurrection, was executed in 1898 by a firing squad. Luneta is a refuge for early morning jogger and tai-chi practitioners. At night, the park is transformed into a romantic rendezvous for lovers.

Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine. The walls of this mansion in Kawit, Cavite witnessed in 1869 the birth of Emilio Aguinaldo. Twenty-nine years later, on June 12, 1898 to be exact, Aguinaldo declared on its porch (as shown) the independence of the Philippines from Spain. The mansion became a national shrine in 1964. Built in 1845 from wood and thatch materials and reconstructed twice in 1849 and in the 1920s, its secret passages, compartments and shelves reflect the revolutionary spirit of those times.

 

Dinagyang Festival. Iloilo City. Frenetic stomping of feet, drumbeating, colorful and unique costumes, all-day and all-night dancing. That's Dinagyang Festival of Iloilo City every 4th weekend of January. The Festival began in 1969, a year after Fr. Sulpicio Ebderes brought a replica of the Sto Nino from Cebu to Iloilo City. A fluvial procession culminated the nine-day Novena to celebrate the first Feast of the Sto Nino. The celebration gradually evolved into what it is now: a period of thanksgiving and offering, as well as fun and laughter. Hala Bira!

Pinabenga Flower Festival. Baguio City.  Parade floats disguised as blooming flowers. That's Pinagbenga, otherwise known as the Baguio Flower Festival. Held in Baguio City in February, the Festival projects the Summer Capital not just as the City of Pines but also as the City of Flowers. Began in 1995, it also celebrates the city's recovery from the devastating earthquake that hit it in 1990. The Festival features multi-colored costumes and floats representing the different highland flowers. It also features garden shows, exhibits, lectures, contests, and performances.

Maskara Festival. Bacolod City.  When the sugar industry of Negros Occidental dived in the 1980s, economy was in bad shape and people were seriously dislocated. People raised their spirits by encouraging people to smile. The Maskara became the symbol of their unswerving smile. The Maskara Festival was born. Celebrated every 3rd weekend of October, the Festival features food fairs, mask-making contests, brass band competitions, beauty pageants, a windsurfing regatta, drinking and eating contests, trade fairs, exhibits and a mardi-gras parade.

Moriones Festival - Marinduque.  According to Legend, Longinus, a fierce Roman Centurion, pierced the side of Christ. When Christ's blood cured his blind eye, he converted to Christianity to the ire of his fellow centurions. The Moriones Festival re-enacts the search and beheading of Longinus by his fellow Centurions for betraying Pagan Rome. Morion means mask, which was part of the Centurion's helmet. Celebrated during the Holy Week, the Festival features colorful Roman costumes, painted masks and helmets, and brightly-colored tunics.

Vintas of SouthWestern Philippines. Thanks to the Mindanaoan's extravagance on their textiles and the Badjao's passion for living in the sea, one can enjoy the beautiful sight of colorful sails dotting the Mindanao seas these days, especially in Zamboanga. The best time to watch vintas is during the 9-day La Hermosa Festival of Zambaonga City that ends October 12. The Festival is most unique because of its Regatta de Zamboanga, a race among vintas using nothing but the wind and their sails to propel them.

 

© Philippine Copyright 2005 by In-A-Jiffy Enterprises

Email: sales@magicmic.com  
Tel. No: (632) 288-9242, (632) 285-5649
Fax No: (632) 285-9973