MIMAROPA's Top Secret Information

By Phoebea Co and Allyssa Dizon

SHHHH! (source)

Everybody has secrets. And so does every place. And we know a few inside information about a certain region...

As the song goes, "Got a secret. Can you keep it? Swear this one you'll save." Are you ready for this? Well, here goes...

PASALUBONG PLEASE: Things to Buy in MIMAROPA

By Phoebea Co and Allyssa Dizon

Fat Asian Kid Meme

Pasalubong (a shortened term for "pang salubong", which in English means "to greet with") is a Filipino tradition of a homecoming gift. It is something implied whenever one travels to another place. Common statements would include the meme above which in Filipino is "Wag mo kalimutan ung pasalubong, okay? Salamat!" It has no direct translation in the English language as well. Pasalubongs are usually the souvenirs for the family and friends from the place that the person has been. It can range from t-shirts, keychains, and most commonly as food. Pasalubongs are a sign that you kept the person/s in mind while travelling. Pasalubongs are also locally made by the well, locals and is a way of helping the local community as well!

So, what can you buy from the region of MIMAROPA then? Let's go shopping for pasalubong!

Breathtaking Views in MIMAROPA

By Phoebea Co and Ally Dizon

(source)

Fall in love with the Philippines one province at a time from the MIMAROPA region with these breathtaking tourist attractions! :)

Do you want to prove if love at first sight is true? Read on!

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!

10 Au Naturale Attractions in MIMAROPA

By Phoebea Co and Allyssa Dizon

(source)

Ahhhh~!! Nothing beats nature in all its glory. Unspoiled, undiscovered, nature. It's like being transported into a whole new world, right? Well you've come to the right place!

Welcome to the Philippines, where we are not only known for our hospitality but also our natural attractions. Mt.Mayon is the perfect cone shaped active volcano in Albay and Boracay, located in the small island in the province of Aklan, is one of the most famous beach in the country for years on end. 

But why don't we travel to its neighboring regional provinces? Tara na sa Region 4-B! (Let's go to Region 4-B!)

5 Best Things to Do in PALAWAN

(Image Source: camillejoven.wordpress.com)

It is truly undeniable that the province of Palawan is an astounding sight to see. Blessed among the best nature reserves, heritage sites, and  of the world, the island has a lot to offer -- from beaches, caves, mountains, cliffs, and rainforests that are absolutely exciting and breathtaking. Palawan won't disappoint in the set of excellent activities that kind any tourist can indulge in.

Water is the key factor in the numerous set of attractions in this breathtaking island. From swimming to snorkeling to diving, Palawan has it all. It is surrounded by colorful coral gardens and reefs with an abundant marine life.

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

1. PUERTO PRINCESA: Exploring the Subterranean River

(Image Source: cityarttravelinc.com)

St. Paul's Subterranean River National Park holds pride of having the longest underground river in the world. It has been nominated as one of the new Seven Wonders of the World.

The underground River is 50 km away of Puerto Princesa. There are paddle boats that take visitors to an hour-worth of exploration inside the river cave. All kinds of tourists can take delight in the awe-striking limestone formations found in the walls, and be quite surprised with bats flying above the cave. It is truly an Indiana Jones-kind of adventure. How exciting, right?

2. CORON: Diving and Snorkeling

(Image Source: coralbay.ph)

Coron Bay is located in the western-most part of Philippines, in North Palawan. It's situated between the amazing Busuanga and Culion Islands. The area is famous for its extravagant diving areas, but what separates Coron Bay from the others that it is very well-known for having the best wreck diving spot in the world. Having the underwater visibility reaching up to 20 meters, the wreck site and various rock formations are great for activities like snorkeling and diving. It has also been alleged that the Forbes Magazine placed Coron Bay as one of the 10 best dive sites in the planet.

3. HONDA BAY: Island Hopping

(Image Source: dogsbreedpicture.com)

The reefs and islets in Honda Bay is rich in colorful and vibrant marine life. The shallow waters cover and lengthy stretch of pristine white sand. These islets are suitable for activities like swimming and snorkeling. Honda Bay is admired for its clear waters, having the visibility that reaches into the floor of the seas.

4. EL NIDO: Be One with Nature

(Image Source: lakas.com.ph)

There are numerous activities one must do when in El Nido: sunset viewing, food tripping, hiking and terkking along the cliffs, swimming, island hopping, beach visiting, and so much more. These are just a few of what El Nido has to offer.

The El Nido Marine Reserve is 238 km north from Puerto Princesa. It is a treasure hidden in the center of Bacuit Bay. It has the country's largest wildlife preservation area as well. El Nido is extremely proud of its diverse ecosystems such as mangroves, white beaches, coral reefs, limestone cliffs and vast rainforests.

The beaches of Bacuit Bay is rich in beautiful sights and places being that Eld Nido is home for many kinds of species and animals. Divers take delight in the massive marine life in this area. Manta Rays are very common. When in season, divers may catch a sight of the world's rarest marine mammal, "dugong" (the sea cow). The water is also serves hawksbill turtles for their nesting sites.

5. TUBBATAHA REEFS: Diving

(Image Source: triportreats.com)

Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is located in Cagayancillo, Palawan. Since its discovery in the late 1970's, it has been recognized as one of the most remarkable coral gardens in the world. The CNN travel website ranks it among the top 8 diving sites in the planet. Its isolated location makes it only accessible via liveaboard boats.

Divers would be thrilled to experience a one-of-a-kind scenery for the Tubbataha Reefs is considered to be the mecca of diving. They can experience the reefs' underwater terrain, vast marine life and extravagant biodiversity. As visiting divers, the tourists play a key role in Tubbataha's future. Conservation fees provide the funds they need to protect the park from illegal exploitation. Tubbataha is the Philippines' first national marine park and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

REFERENCES:

• http://www.gopalawan.travel/travel-info/top-5-things-to-do-in-palawan
• http://www.lakas.com.ph/2013/09/my-top-things-to-do-in-el-nido-palawan-philippines/
• http://www.gopalawan.travel/Honda_Bay
• http://itsmorefuninthephilippines.com/puerto-princesa/
• http://www.tubbatahareef.org/home

PALAWAN: The Last Frontier

Famous for its Underground River, located in Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park

Palawan truly made its way into being a household name for domestic travel. "The Land of Beautiful Safe Harbor," once it was called for the island was a dock for merchant ships sailing in the old times.In current times, it takes on a new purpose as "The Land of Promise."

Palawan is popularly known for being nature travelers' sublime haven, providing refuge and oneness with the environment. It has been hailed as Philippines' cleanest, greenest and most peaceful city. Adding up to that, Palawan has been named as the "Last Ecological Frontier" for its unique ecological balance. The locals (called as Palawenos) are also very serious about environmental protection and conservation, although being hospitable and warmhearted to tourists.

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FAST FACTS ABOUT PALAWAN

• CAPITAL: Puerto Princesa City

  

  Flag of Palawan

• FOUNDED ON: March 10, 1917
• TOPOGRAPHY: 1,780 islands. Mainland Palawan is bisected by three mountain ranges.
• AREA: 1,703,075 hectares
• LENGTH: 650 kilometers long from tip to tip; Mainland is 450 kilometers long
• POPULATION: 892,660 (2007 census)
• LANGUAGE: There are 52 dialects in

  

  Seal of Palawan

  the province, with Tagalog being spoken by 28 percent of the people. Other major dialects are Cuyonon (26.27 percent), Palawano (11.08 percent), and Ilonggo (9.6 percent). English is also widely spoken.
• CLIMATE: Warm weather all year round. Two pronounced seasons. The dry season is from November to May, and the wet season from June to August.

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LOCATION

Palawan is approximately 586 kilometers southwest of Manila, between Mindoro Island on the North, Borneo on the South, West Philippines Sea on the west, and Sulu Sea on the East

Its geographical coordinates are 9° 31′ 39” N, 118° 23′ 51” E (9.5275, 118.3975) as referenced from GeoHack, a modified version of map sources from Egil Kvaleberg’s GIS extension (used by Wikipedia to provide links to various mapping services)

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POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS

1 CITY: Puerto Princesa City

23 MUNICIPALITIES:

1. Aborlan

   

   Map of Palawan

2. Agutaya
3. Araceli
4. Balabac
5. Bataraza
6. Brooke's Point
7. Busuanga
8. Cagayancillo
9. Coron
10. Culion
11. Cuyo
12. Dumaran
13. El Nido (Bacuit)
14. Kalayaan
15. Linapacan
16. Magsaysay
17. Narra
18. Quezon
19. Rizal (Marcos)
20. Roxas
21. San Vicente
22. Sofronio Española
23. Taytay

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HOW TO GET THERE

• BY AIR

1. From/To Manila

   

   Puerto Princesa International Airport

   Air Philippines, Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines fly to Puerto Princesa City every day. The flying time is about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
2. From/To Cebu
   Cebu Pacific operates three flights a week to Puerto Princesa City. The flying time is about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
3. From/To Busuanga and El Nido
   Southeast Asian Airlines operates flights to /from Puerto Princesa twice or thrice a week. The flight takes about 1 hour from/ to Busuanga and approximately 30 minutes from/ to El Nido.
4. From Caticlan (Boracay)
   Southeast Asian Airlines operates a flight from Caticlan on Tuesdays and back on Fridays.

• BY SEA

1. From/To Manila

   

   First glimpse of Palawan Mainland by ferry (source)

   Every Thursday, Negros Navigation departs from Manila for Puerto Princesa. It heads back to Manila every Saturday. On the other hand, Super ferry departs from Manila for Puerto Princesa every Friday and heads back to Manila every Sunday. The journey takes between 18 and 22 hours from Manila and includes a stopover at Coron.
2. From/To Coron
   Negros Navigation leaves Coron for Puerto Princesa every Friday and heads back to Coron every Saturday. Super ferry, meanwhile, leaves from Coron every Saturday and returns on Sunday.

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GETTING AROUND PALAWAN

A jeepney in El Nido, Palawan

Navigating through the island is easy and convenient. Although road journeys tend to be bumpy, time consuming and completely vexing, worry not for there are new roads that are being developed and built between Puerto Prinsesa and El Nido. Sea travel could be an alternative, there are boats and ferries that go around the islands and as well as small bangka (boats) can be hired if you prefer a point on coast to an offshore island travel.

On mainland El Nido, you could only travel via jeepney or tricycle because of the narrow roads that are unaccessible for larger vehicles like buses and cars. Jeepneys and trikes are easily available and their rates for normal routes are fixed per passenger basis. There are also some motorcycles and bicycles that can be hired for special trips.

There are also some outrigger boats are available for hire on a per day basis.

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SOURCES

• http://www.visitmyphilippines.com/index.php?title=AllAboutPalawan&func=all&pid=5841
• http://www.philippine-islands.ph/en/palawan-philippines-municipalities.html
• http://visitpalawan.com/category/all-about-palawan
• http://www.visitmyphilippines.com/index.php?title=AllAboutPalawan&func=all&pid=5841
• http://www.gopalawan.travel/palawan-transportation
• http://palawanfrontier.com/54/where-is-palawan-philippines/
• http://www.realtropics.com/palawan.html

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

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