10 Famous Foods to Die for in MIMAROPA

By Phoebea Co and Ally Dizon

The Philippines is famous for its "Lutong Bahay" (home-made) cuisine (Image Source)

The Filipino culture is very well-acquainted with different types of cuisines, indeed. Every province has its distinct and particular tastes, and still have their similarities in style, finesse, and delivery. You'll be surprised what this country has in store with your stomachs! Because we all know one thing: it's that Filipinos take utter delight in eating!

Now if you're up for a diverse and eccentric food adventure, Region 4-B has a wide galore of dishes and treats for you! Read along and -try- not to get too hungry for these upcoming scrumptious dishes.

Are your tissues (you know, to wipe off the drool off your face) ready for this? Then let's go!

5 Best Things to Do in ORIENTAL MINDORO

(Image Source: comtech-tricks.blogspot.com)

Looking for a place to travel and visit? Are you itching for the beach vibe? Yearning for an exotic place for a nightlife? Or are your soles ready for the next big hike? Yes! Travel is so exciting and fun! BUT... you're worried that you'll never find a place that has it all; or worse, it might be too far and too expensive.

WORRY NO MORE for Oriental Mindoro is just six to eight hours away from Metro Manila! From Private Transporation to buses to Ro-Ro's, Oriental Mindoro is very accessible. It is a favorite for most weekend travelers who desires for the beach that's close enough to the city, of course with the right amenities for the ideal beach destination: 1) Food Adventure; 2) Parties and Nightlife; 3) A Cultural Impact; and 4) Nature Experience, whether it's a waterfall or a mountain. Oriental Mindoro surely has what you seek for!

Here are five places and activities that any thrill-seeking, adventurous kind of tourist can explore and indulge in while in Oriental Mindoro:

1. MT. MALASIMBO: Trekking and Hiking

(Image Source: Pinoy Mountaineer)

Mt. Malasimbo is located in Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro. The days required for this activity are 1-2 days and hours to Summit is 4-5 hours. According to pinoymountaineer.com, the Puerto Galera Mountain Trail cuts along these mountains, making it the most exciting climb in Puerto Galera. The hike to this amazing and thrilling place is best when accompanied with a beach trip, and traditionally, it is seen as a destination in itself.

Malasimbo has a dome-shaped summit, which is another sight to see. The trails go steep initially and beyond the watersource; otherwise there are no major obstacles in the climb.

When reaching the summit, Puerto Galera coast and Verde Island can be seen as a whole. Also, Batangas' mountains and southern coastlines can be seen whilst on top.

And unlike other descents from other mountains, going down from Malasimbo is quite a breeze! Puerto Galera's beach and nightlife awaits!

2. GO BEACH HOPPING!

(Images Source: ivanhenares.com)

There are so many beaches to choose from: Sabang Beach, White Beach, Aninuan Beach, Bulabod, Aplayang Munti, Bayanan, Haligi Beach on Boquete Island, and Long Beach on San Antonio Island. Where can we even start?!

The Sabang beach is teeming with dive resorts, and it is tourists' favorite for it serves as a jump-off point from the numerous dive areas along the coast of Mindoro. White beach is the most popular--many accommodations and restaurants, and a teeming and active nightlife. There are so many beaches to choose from, you won't even know where to start! Good thing there are available beach hopping tours around the area. They are available at Minolo Port.

3. TAMARAW FALLS: Fall in Love with Nature

(Image Source: wowmindoro.com)

(Image Source: lalamercado.wordpress.com)

There are plenty of natural landscapes in Oriental Mindoro. The most popular waterfall, being that it is the most accessible, is Tamaraw Falls. It is located in Barangay Villaflor, Puerto Galera. It is covered with lush green plants which adds an aura of freshness and naturalness to the area.

Taking pictures along the bridge is for free, although there are other amenities besides that. There are man-made pools below the bridge where the water from the falls cascades on. The pools are not as developed and is divided into 3-4 layers of different water levels. The water is also tinted greenish due to the moss, but as sources say, it is very refreshing to swim in these pools. The entrance fee is at 30php for adults. There are cottages (140 php) and tables (30php) that are also available for rental. (Geejay Geologo, March 2014)

If you'd like, you could also visit Tukuran, Aninuan and Talipanan Falls as well. They are also some beautiful recommended waterfalls found in the area.

4. MALASIMBO ARTS AND MUSIC FESTIVAL: Let's Party!

(Image Source: interaksyon.com)

(Image Source: practicalpinay.blogspot.com)

The Malasimbo Arts and Music Festival is a DOT-certified yearly event held at the foot of Mt. Malasimbo, Puerto Galera. It's a celebration of music, arts, and of nature in the outdoor natural ampitheater in the area. It is held every Black Saturday and offers a night or nights of reggae music.

Malasimbo has gained popularity since the first installment back in 2011. It also reached full capacity a year later in 2012, boasting a mountaintop with 3,000 people who are having fun and are unified by good vibes and party spirits.

Many festival-goers says: "It is life changing!"

The festival plans to promote adventure, ecotourism and harmony, in the music of amazing local and international music acts.

5. MT. HALCON: Trekking, Hiking, and Shopping

Mt Halcon is 2505 m in height and is considered by many to be the most challenging big peak in the Philippines. It stands over Calapan from the west. Authorities frequently close access into the mountain because of environmental concerns, but it was open at the time of research.

There is also a shop nearby called the Apâk Outdoor Shop. The owner of the small shop is a member of the Mt. Halcon Mountaineering Association and can give you tips in trekking along the mountain.

The basic things that you’ll need are 1) to secure a tourist guide; and 2) get a permit from the municipal office in Baco, the next town north from Calapan. Mt. Halcon might be the biggest adventure and challenge for thrill-seeking tourists, but it's always better to come prepared than to regret not having to later.




REFERENCES:

• Henares, I. (2012, June 07). Oriental Mindoro: Things to do in Puerto Galera. [Blog Post] Retrieved from: http://www.ivanhenares.com/2012/06/oriental-mindoro-things-to-do-in-puerto.html
• Geologo, G. (2014, March 10). Tamaraw Falls and Virgin Island of Oriental Mindoro. [Blog Post] Retrieved from: http://geejaytravellog.blogspot.com/2014/03/tamaraw-falls-and-virgin-island-beach-oriental-mindoro.html
• InterAksyon.com. (2012, December 18). Now on Sale: Tickets to Malasimbo Music and Arts Festival 2013 in Puerto Galera. [Online News] Retrieved from: http://www.interaksyon.com/lifestyle/now-on-sale-tickets-to-malasimbo-music-and-arts-festival-2013-in-puerto-galera
• PinoyMountaineer. (2007, November 1). Mt. Malasimbo (1,168+). [Blog Post]. Retrieved from: http://www.pinoymountaineer.com/2007/11/mt-malasimbo-1168.html
• http://www.philippinetraveler.com/mindoro-philippines.html
• http://www.lonelyplanet.com/philippines/mindoro/activities?abv=current
• http://www.lonelyplanet.com/philippines/mindoro/activities/hiking-trekking/mt-halcon/item-a-1449565-id?abv=simple
• http://www.wowmindoro.com

5 Best Things to do in OCCIDENTAL MINDORO

(Image Source: footprints of wanderlust(fr Flickr) under CC BY 2.0)

Through the southwest coast of the province of Batangas lies the wonder of Occidental Mindoro, a province that shines with natural beauty that no tourist can ignore. Occidental Mindoro is the less-traveled part of the Mindoro Island. But nevertheless, it is blessed with beautiful marine diversities, wildlife and bird sanctuaries, and long stretches of immaculate white beaches.

Occidental Mindoro is truly nature’s tranquil retreat, a paradise waiting to be unraveled.

Here are five places and activities that any thrill-seeking, adventurous kind of tourist can explore and indulge in while in Occidental Mindoro:

1. APO REEF: Diving and Snorkeling

(Image Source: Photographer: Dr. Dwayne Meadows, NOAA/NMFS/OPR.(Flickr)

The Apo Reef is located in Apo Island in Sibuyan, Occidental Mindoro. It is most famous for its 34-kilometer reef that has a thin channel separating the reef into two lagoon systems. Divers and tourists both take delight in this sight to behold. Beneath the clear waters, divers can indulge the pristine white sand bottom with a vibrant array of 400 -500 coral species. There is about 500 marine species in the area (including a variety of sharks, stingrays, and manta rays).

Other tourists and bird-watchers can also visit the extravagant bird-populated islands of Binangaan and Cajos del Bajo, which are also part of the Apo Reef Marine Park.

2. CALAWAGAN MOUNTAIN RESORT: R & R

(Image Source: yodisphere.com)

The Calawagan Mountain Resort can be found in Barangay Alipaoy, Paluan, Occidental Mindoro.The Calawagan River has been consistently voted as the Cleanest Inland Body of Water in the Department of Interior and Local Government’s (DILG) Clean and Green Program.

Tourists can jump in and enjoy the beautiful and natural pools of the area. The one-and-a-half hectare resort is a popular picnic spot and swimming area. The visitors are required to bring their own food and beverages since there are no restaurants available at the resort. The Calawagan Mountain Resort is operated by the local government since 1976.

3. AMBULONG ISLAND: Be One With Nature

(Image Source: trampingphilippines.com)

The Ambulong Island in located in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro. It is yet another beach community of exquisite tranquility and rustic beauty. The place has white sand beaches and cliffs overlooking the water and underwater caves as well. Fishes are abundant in the coral gardens of the coves.

Ambulong is ideal for the divers' jump-off point headed to Apo Reef, Sardines Island, Dungan Reef, Iling Point and other dive sites in the area. There are a few budget accommodations as well as a fishing village in a sheltered area along the shore.

4. NORTH PANDAN ISLAND: Seclusion at its Finest

(Image Source: s1expeditions.com)

The North Pandan Island is an emerging tourist destination. It is sought out by people wanting seclusion, rest and relaxation. The clear waters and beautiful white sand competes of what Boracay offers, but without the massive, suffocating crowds and huge hotels and restaurants. There is no electricity available in the island, truly connecting you back to mother nature. The only source of entertainment are the vast forests, the wide sea and the lush white sands.

This island is located off the coast of Sablayan. It is an hour away from Apo Reef. The North Pandan Island Resort is the only resort in the island.

5. BESAY FALLS: Wonderful Waterfalls

(Image Source: kabaleyan.com)

The beautiful Besay Falls can be found in Baranga. Tambo, Ambil Island in Occidental Mindoro. Besay Falls  is about 5 meters in diameter. It is composed of a series of cascading water that flows into a basin of crystal clear body of aqua. The scenic road to the waterfalls passes through a rice plantation and a carabao pasture. Besay Falls is truly a beauty yet to be discovered.

REFERENCES:

• http://www.ytrip.org.ph/resources/why-you-should-visit-sablayan.html
• http://iamtravelinglight.com/2013/05/06/10-things-to-do-and-not-do-to-have-a-fun-smooth-sailing-apo-reef-adventure-part-1/
• http://www.lonelyplanet.com/philippines/mindoro/activities?abv=current
• http://triptheislands.com/destinations/occidental-mindoro-exploring-paradise/
• http://www.philippinetraveler.com/mindoro-philippines.html

OCCIDENTAL MINDORO: Marine Wonderland

The beautiful Apo Reef in Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro (source)

The beautiful Occidental Mindoro is blessed with much marine exquisiteness from its pristine white sand beaches, immaculate forests, isles and islands full of marine life, mysterious caves, graceful waterfalls, and a rich garden of corals. It is a sublime vista for divers and adventurers alike, with so much to offer from its unexplored shoals and atolls. Areas around Ambulong Island, Ilin Island, White Island, and Pandan Grande offer a fertile diving ground surrounded by exquisite coral reefs and colorful marine life, ranging from exotic fish to exquisite seashells.

The residents of San Jose, Occidental Mindoro celebrates the Saknungan festival every 25th to 27th of April. It is a 3-day thanksgiving festival highlighted by streetdances and parades. Saknungan is a Mangyan term that means "bayanihan" or the spirit of cooperation, brotherhood, and unity at work. It is the spirit portrayed by the Mindoreños day-to-day, especially during the planting and the harvesting seasons.

Saknungan Festival in Occidental Mindoro (source)

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FAST FACTS ABOUT OCCIDENTAL MINDORO

• CAPITAL: Mamburao

  

  Flag of Occidental Mindoro (source)

• 17th largest province of the Philippines
• The Halcon mountain range (4th highest peak in the Philippines) runs from north to south and serves as the province's natural boundary with Occidental Mindoro.
• FOUNDED ON: June 13, 1950 (from Republic Act No. 505, An Act to Create the Provinces of Oriental Mindoro and Occidental Mindoro)
• TOPOGRAPHY: generally rugged, with narrow strips of coastal lowlands; terrain is characterized by successive mountain ranges, valleys, and elongated plateaus, with rolling lands along the coastal region

  

  Seal of Occidental Mindoro

• LAND AREA: 588,350 hectares
• POPULATION: 452,971 (2010 census)
• LANGUAGE: Tagalog is spoken by 69.78 percent of the people. Other dialects are Ilokano (10.63 percent), Hiligaynon (6.47 percent), and Kinaray-a (5.84 percent). The working population can read and speak Filipino and English.
• CLIMATE: Dry from November to April and wet during the rest of the year. Average annual volume of rainfall is 2,000 mm. Temperature is from 30.7°C to 16.4°C.

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LOCATION

The Mindoro island is separated by a mountain range in the middle that serves as a natural and political boundary between the two provinces of Occidental and Oriental Mindoro. Occidental Mindoro occupies the western part of the island.

To its west is the Apo East Pass, and on the south is the Mindoro Strait. Oriental Mindoro lies at the eastern half. The South China Sea is to the west of the province, while Palawan is located to the southwest, just across Mindoro Strait. Batangas is at the north, separated by the Verde Island Passage.

A Map of Occidental Mindoro (source)

Occidental Mindoro's coordinates are 13°00′N 120°55′E. 

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POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS

11 MUNICIPALITIES

1. Abra de Ilog
2. Calintaan
3. Looc
4. Lubang
5. Magsaysay
6. Mamburao
7. Paluan
8. Rizal
9. Sablayan
10. San Jose
11. Sta.Cruz

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HOW TO GET THERE

• BY AIR

Travel takes 45 minutes from Manila to San Jose via Philippine Air Lines, Cebu Pacific and Sea Air

• BY SEA

Travel takes 2 1/2 hours from Batangas City Pier to Abra de Ilog Pier, while from Batangas

A Roro Ferry docked at the pier in Occidental Mindoro (source)

City Pier to San Jose it takes 12 hours via Roll-on, Roll-off (RO-RO) vessels of the Montenegro Shipping Lines and Besta Lines

• BY VEHICLE (Land-Sea-Land)

Travelers can also choose to hire a door-to-door van. It will pick you up from your home and drop you off to your destination. (via RO-RO vessels)

Another option is to take a the bus (via Dimple Bus) which has a terminal in Cubao. This bus is traveling from Manila to San Jose via Mamburao City.

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SOURCES

• http://www.occidentalmindoro.ph/general-information.html
• http://www.tourism.gov.ph/sitepages/InteractiveSitesPage.aspx?siteID=21
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occidental_Mindoro
• http://mamburao.gov.ph/cultureandtourism.do?id=5036
• http://www.wowmindoro.com/features/festivals/saknungan-festival-san-jose-occidental-mindoro/

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Keep updated with more news and facts about Occidental Mindoro by following this blog!

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ORIENTAL MINDORO: An Emerging Eco-Tourism Destination

Puerto Galera: It's More Fun in the Philippines (source)

Oriental Mindoro is shaped as an inverted-J south of the Luzon island. It is graced with some of the Philippines’ most beautiful naturescapes. There are many beaches to pick from, from the colors powdery white to fawn beige. Aside from that, experience oneness with nature with their beautiful mountains, lakes, rivers, rain forests, wild animals, rare flora and fauna, and pocket communities of the existing ethnic groups. Throughout the years, Oriental Mindoro has maintained its rustic, agrarian location.

The Province of Oriental Mindoro is predicted to be Philippines' emerging eco-tourism destination. In 2005, the Philippines was found to be the center of marine fish biodiversity and the home of the most diverse marine ecosystem all over the world. Most of the endemic species in the Philippines are found in the Verde Island. The passage houses 2,983 individual species of algae, corals, crustaceans, mollusks, fishes, marine reptiles, and marine mammals (based on a study conducted by scientists Carpenter and Springer in 2005).

White Beach Resort, Puerto Galera (source)

Oriental Mindoro is famous for Puerto Galera, which is graced with topnotch quality of natural harbors. Known as the "Pearl of Mindoro", it's no doubt for its popularity all over the globe for its splendid beaches, coral reefs, and exquisite dive sites for new and experienced divers alike. Active water sports such as scuba diving, snorkeling, and swimming is also very abundant in these parts.

Aside from these lovely activities stated above, there are countless numbers of special interest tours a tourist can engage on: from mountain climbing to trekking, hiking, camping, butterfly watching, game fishing, and adventure trips to the wilderness. Visit the locals or the Mangyans, and you shall find it absolutely pleasing to engage in exploring natural caves, captivating waterfalls and island hoppings.

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FAST FACTS ABOUT ORIENTAL MINDORO

• CAPITAL: Calapan City

  

  Flag of Oriental Mindoro (source)

• 30th largest province in the Philippines
• The Halcon mountain range (4th highest peak in the Philippines) runs from north to south and serves as the province's natural boundary with Occidental Mindoro.
• FOUNDED ON: June 13, 1950 (from Republic Act No. 505, An Act to Create the Provinces of Oriental Mindoro and Occidental Mindoro)

  

  Seal of Oriental Mindoro (source)

• TOPOGRAPHY: Varied and dominated by rugged mountain ranges on the west and fertile valleys towards the eastern coast
• LAND AREA: 436,470 hectares
• POPULATION: 785,602 (2010 census)
• LANGUAGE: Tagalog (predominant dialect), Ilocano and Cebuano, Strains of the Mangyan dialect (Arayan, Alagnan, Buhid, Hunuo, and Tadyawan) The working population can read and speak Filipino and English
• CLIMATE: Has no distinct wet or dry seasons but is open to southwest monsoons and typhoons; experiences maximum rainfall during the month of June to October. Relative humidity is registered at 81%

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LOCATION

Oriental Mindoro lies on the eastern part of the island of Mindoro. It is located 15 km off the southwest coast of Luzon. It's bounded on the north by Verde Island and the Verde Passage, on the east by Maestro de Campo Island and Tablas Strait, on the south by Semirara Island near Pandarodan bay, and on the west by the province of Occidental Mindoro.

Oriental Mindoro's coordinates are: 13°00′N 121°05′E

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POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS

Map of Oriental Mindoro (source)

1 COMPONENT CITY: Calapan City

14 MUNICIPALITIES

1. Baco
2. Bansud
3. Bongabong
4. Bulalacao
5. Gloria
6. Mansalay
7. Naujan
8. Pola
9. Pinamalayan
10. Puerto Galera
11. Roxas
12. San Teodoro
13. Soccoro
14. Victoria

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HOW TO GET THERE

• BY AIR

Private/commercial aircraft and government including military craft landed in Calapan airport. Pinamalayan airport which opened just a few years ago is now non-operational. Private airport is being operated in the municipality Naujan Sea.

• BY SEA

Ro-Ro Vessel at Calapan Pier, Oriental Mindoro (source)

Calapan port in Calapan City and Dangay port in Roxas are the two national ports of entry in the province servicing 20 cargo Vessels and 20 fastcrafts by 7 shipping companies)

DAILY DEPARTURE ARRIVAL OF VESSELS IN CALAPAN CITY-VICE VERSA

STARLITE SHIPPING LINES  1:00 AM  Atlantic  3:00 AM  Navigator  5:00 AM  Annapolis  7:00 AM  Polaris  7:00 AM  Nautica  11:00 AM  Navigator  1:00 PM  Annapolis  3:00 PM  Polaris  5:00 PM  Atlantic  7:00 PM  Nautica  9:00 PM  Annapolis  11:00 PM  Polaris MONTENEGRO SHIPPING LINES  12: AM  Helena  2:00 AM  Natasha  4:00 AM  Feliza  6:00 AM  Lolita  8:00 AM  Teresa  10:00AM  Natasha   12:00 noon  Helena  2:00 PM  Zenaida  4::00 PM  Feliza  6.00 PM  Lolita  8:00 PM  Teresa  10:00 PM  Natasha BALENO SHIPPING LINES  9:30 AM  Baleno 5  11:30 AM  Baleno 8  3:30 PM  Baleno 5  1:30 PM  Baleno 8 SUPER CAT   Calapan  Batangas  5:00 AM  6:30 AM  8:00 PM  9:30 AM  11:00AM  12:30 PM  2:00 PM  3:00 PM  5:00 PM  6:30 PM

DANGAY PORT VIA CATICLAN AND ROMBLON

STARLITE SHIPPING LINES  MONTENEGRO SHIPPING LINES  MV MITCHELLE MV MAHARLIKA  7:30 AM Voyager  10:30 AM Oliva  Going to Romblon         7:30 PM   6:30 PM Rebecca   twice a week

(source) 

• BY LAND

Land transport within the province is facilitated by public utility vehicles (jeepneys, buses, minibuses) and L-300 vans. A number of vans offer door-to-door direct transport and cargo services from some of the municipalities to Metro Manila. PUVs and tricycles serve passengers within short distance trips or just within the town proper.

Travel to-and-from the southern Philippine islands was made easier with the opening of Strong Republic Nautical Highway in 2003 - one remarkable project proudly conceptualized and proposed by the Mindorenos. This even offered convenience and shorter access primarily to the world-famous Boracay, where guests may take the "Isang Sakay na Lang" via Manila-Calapan-Roxas route. And with the SRNH in full operation, Oriental Mindoro is regarded as the "ultimate bridge" that connects mainland Luzon with the Visayas-Mindanao group.

(source)

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SOURCES

• http://www.darfu4b.da.gov.ph/mindoro.html
• http://www.tourism.gov.ph/SitePages/InteractiveSitesPage.aspx?siteID=22
• http://www.islandsproperties.com/places/orientalmindoro.htm
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oriental_Mindoro
• http://web0.psa.gov.ph/content/population-oriental-mindoro-increased-100-thousand-results-2010-census-population-and
• http://www.my-own-travels.com/philippines/oriental-mindoro-thehe-philippines-emerging-ecotourism-destination/
• Carpenter, Kent; Springer, Victor, "The center of the center of marine shore fish biodiversity: the Philippine Islands", Environmental Biology of Fishes, Volume 72, Number 4, April 2005, pp. 467-480

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Keep updated with more news and facts about Oriental Mindoro by following this blog!

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