Puerto Princesa: Honda Bay Tour

September 17 (Day Two)

Our main activity on our second day in Puerto Princesa is the Honda Bay tour. Our van from our tour agency, New Horizon Travel and Tours (048-7230177), picked us up, and it took us around 30 minutes or so to reach Sta. Lourdes Tagbanua port. Surprisingly, there were significantly less people enlisted for Honday Bay tour compared with the Underground River tour that we had the day before. The tour guide assigned to us by the agency facilitated our registration, and in no time, we were already boarding our assigned boat.

Tip 1: Hotels and travel agencies usually have travel packages for Honday Bay tour. It is better if you contact them early, and get reservations from them so that you won't be hassled by facilitating the registration process, etc. on your own. However, being in a tour group can also mean that time in each destination you will be visiting is controlled by the whole group.

Tip 2: Bring snorkeling gear if you must. They have items for rent, though, at a certain price. And don't forget your underwater camera as well. 

PAMBATO REEF

Our first stop is at Pambato Reef, which is purely a snorkeling area. I initially thought that we will see marine turtles or pawikans being sheltered here since the top cover of the platform resembles a marine turtle. Anyway, there were a lot of lifeguards in the area so to a non-swimmer like me, I totally felt safe here. A short briefing was conducted to arriving tourists so safety was definitely the priority of the management.

STARFISH ISLAND

While it was scorching hot when we were at the terminal and at Pambato Reef, the waves actually gone crazy while we were on our way to our second destination: Starfish Island. We were very near the island when strong waves made our boat (thankfully, only the bamboo on the right part) crash to what appeared to be the remains of a stilted cottage or house in the shoreline. It was drizzling at that time, and wind was quite frighteningly strong. Boatmen who was then resting in the island helped us by pushing our boat back towards the open sea. That way, our boatman was able to transfer our boat to a much safer docking area.

Safe but wet, the drizzle, mighty wind, and strong current calmed down a few minutes after we settled ourselves in one of the cottages in Starfish Island. We just laughed at ourselves as we recall the fear in our faces while we were holding on (literally!) for our dear lives in our rocky boat.

We had a hearty lunch in the island slash sandbar. Lots of funny pictures were taken as props were available there [Hawaiian dress (hula) and Hawaiian necklace or garland (lei)]. Amusingly, a large picture frame was set up in the middle of the island. There was also a raft or balsa in the area where mangroves abound.

Amidst the strong current and wind, and with a small part of our boat destroyed, we were glad we survived. God is good!

I didn't see a single starfish in Starfish island, but the beautiful sandbar made up for it.

Dreamy photography.

The group enjoyed taking pictures at the life-sized photo frame. Patok din ang mga Hawaiian costumes.

Left: broom used for that wicked jump shot!

Right: broom originally intended for sweeping.

PANDAN ISLAND

This is the most developed among the islands that we visited in our Honda Bay tour. There were a lot of cottages for rent, and there is even a counter for foods and drinks. We just placed our belongings in one of the benches there (with our dear tour guide looking after them), and then we proceeded to the designated area for swimming and snorkeling. While the sand is powdery white (a big pogi factor of the island), we saw only a few fishes in the snorkeling sites, which is quite a dismay.

On our way back to the port, the tour guide mentioned about three other islands (Snake Island, Cowrie Island, and LuLi Island), which unfortunately was then being under renovation (wow, islands being renovated. Hehehe!). Well, I can only imagine that maybe several structures were being built there to accommodate the growing number of Puerto Princesa tourists. Until next time, Honda Bay! 

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Puerto Princesa: Subterranean River National Park

September 16 (Day One)

Our whole Puerto Princesa tour was arranged by New Horizon Travel and Tours (048-7230177). Our activity for the day is the trip to Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, otherwise known as Puerto Princesa's Underground River. The park has been managed by the Puerto Princesa City Government since 1992.

The Puerto Princesa Underground River was provisionally chosen as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature in November 11, 2011. Its selection was officially confirmed on January 28, 2012.

Although we arrived at Sabang boat terminal early, we were not accommodated based on our arranged schedule.  We learned that the underground river tour in the last two days were cancelled because of the dangerous river currents, according to the local coast guard. So what happened was, the tourists who had prior schedule were accommodated first.

My travel buddies: Paolo, Calvin, Gerard, Lui, Mika, and Karla

This is just a fraction of people who waited for their turn to explore the underground river.

We were at the terminal before lunch time, but we were able to catch our boat past 1PM. When we arrived at the park, we had ourselves registered again there. There was quite a large number of tourists waiting for their turn to explore the underground river.

It was worth the wait, anyway. Our group was joined by three Korean tourists. When we started boarding the boat, we were asked who wanted to sit in front. But of course, that would mean that the volunteers will be assigned to hold the flashlight. Mika and Paolo were in front, and I was in third row together with Karla. I am not adept with taking pictures in low light, and I have focusing issues as well, so I just decided to switch the camera to Auto mode. LOL.

Our tour guide was amusing. We were told not to open our mouths, or at least look up because bat droppings might hit us any time. I believed him as I recalled what our tour guide in Sagada said during our Lumiang-Sumaging Cave Connection. Going back, as we were traversing the underground river, he introduced us to numerous rock formations funnily labeling them as the Nativity, melting candle, Pacman's boxing gloves. There were even vegetable and meat sections inside the cave.

The underground river exploration was approximately 45 minutes. The total length of the river is 9.2 kilometers, but only 1.5 kilometers of it is allowable for tourists to explore. 

After that, we boarded a boat which took us to Sabang terminal. We had buffet in Taraw Vista Lodge and Restaurant in Sabang beach.

Overall, it was a great tour. There was a lot of waiting time but it's definitely worth it as we were able to explore one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. Besides that, it's pretty understandable because weather can be unpredictable, and it is said that tourism in the city has tripled. It was a long tiring day so everyone's excited for island hopping the next day.

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Puerto Princesa: Itinerary for the 3D/2N Tour

The idea of going to Puerto Princesa was conceived when my frequent travel buddy Karla, had that intuition that she will be leaving the country soon. We chose a convenient date for the majority of us, and before June ended, we already purchased our airline tickets. The tour happened last September 15 to 18, 2012. And yes, Karla left the country for New Zealand on the first week of October.

(Back: Calvin, Paolo, Gerard, Dennis; Front: birthday girl Lui, Mika, Karla)

September 15 was just a perfect day as it coincided with the birthday of Karla's grandmom, which also served as the reunion of the entire Arrieta clan. Theme for the night's party: Cowboy! 

Here's the list of what we did and where we went on the succeeding days:

September 16:

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park
     *Underground River

September 17:

Honda Bay
     *Pambato Reef
     *Starfish Island
     *Pandan Island
San Miguel Souvenir Shops
Dinner: Haim Chicken Inato
Dessert: Divine Sweets
Baywalk
Drinks: Kinabuch

September 18:

Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center
Baker's Hill
Lunch: Dampa sa Mansion Restaurant
Plaza Cuartel
Immaculate Conception Cathedral
Palawan Heritage Center
Palawan Provincial Capitol

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Masskara Festival: Preparations, Highlights, Summary

Preparations

It is always wise to book your flight early if you intend to attend the MassKara Festival. Although it is a month-long celebration, the highlights of the event are usually on the third weekend of October. Cebu Pacific, Zest Air, and Air Phil always have promo fares. As I write this, If I book a flight to Bacolod (coming from Manila) for next year's MassKara, my air fare is only around 1,300 pesos, round-trip.

If you are coming from Iloilo, you should buy your 2Go (formerly SuperCat Ferry) tickets early as well. Better if you buy yours a week early because basing from what my friends told me, walk-in buyers (especially on the Saturday and Sunday highlights of MassKara) usually become chance passengers. And I was told, chances are very slim.

With regards to accommodation in Bacolod, hotels and pension houses become fully-booked as October starts. It is advisable to reserve a room two months before, and advance payment is expected for the confirmation of your reservation. To be honest, I had a lousy accommodation in one of the pension houses in Bacolod. And to my surprise, a single mini-room costs 1,200 pesos per night. I am not quite sure if it is legal, or at the very least normal, but the prices of accommodation are higher during the MassKara Festival week compared to ordinary days. Mine doubled in terms of price.

Highlights

If you have only three days and two nights to stay in Bacolod, I suggest that you book your flight early Saturday, (first flight, if necessary), and have your return trip on Monday. Take this year's schedule as reference for next year's celebration:

Saturday:
MassKara Village 
Street dance competition (school category)
Mall shows of celebrities
Electric MassKara
Food festival and street party

Sunday:
Street dance competition (barangay category)
Electric MassKara
Food festival and street party

Other places of interest:
The Ruins in Talisay City
Ancestral Houses in Silay City
Mambukal Mountain Resort


Summary

October 20 (Saturday)

On Saturday morning, I went to Robinson's Place-Bacolod to check the MassKara Village, a mask-making exhibit (58 entries this year) hosted by ABS-CBN. Colorful and very creative masks were displayed at the second floor of the mall. After taking lots of pictures of the masks, I then transferred to Gaisano City.

I had lunch at Ted's Lapaz Batchoy, and since it was drizzling, I stayed a bit inside Bob's Restaurant and ordered a slice of  blueberry cheesecake and a cup of hot cappuccino. There was a Kapamilya caravan at the parking area but because of the really thick crowd waiting for the stars of the top-rating drama series, Walang Hanggan, I know I wouldn't be able to take decent pictures of the celebrities anyway. And so, I took a jeepney to SM City.

The government blocked some of the major streets because of the MassKara celebration. As I walked towards the Bacolod Public Plaza, it was just the perfect timing as the street dance competition for schools just started. It drizzled towards the end of the parade. 

SM City is walking distance away from the public plaza. When I went there for dinner, the Kapuso mall show was about to conclude. I was able to take pictures of some celebrities up close. I saw JC Tiuseco, Lovi Poe, Glaiza de Castro, and Luis Alandy. I bought some really nice souvenir shirts before I proceeded to the Tourism Strip for the street party and to see the Electric MassKara.

The venue of the street party is from the 5th St. towards 22nd St. along Lacson Street. I love the energy of the street party. Throngs of people went to witness Electric MassKara. The whole strip is jam packed. A lot of food kiosks were also set up in both sides of the street.

October 21 (Sunday)

On Sunday, after eating in a nearby restaurant, I hailed a cab that was supposed to take me to the public plaza. But after several turns, we noticed that some roads have been blocked. As I saw several dancers making their way towards Araneta Street, I got out of the taxi and just followed where the crowd was heading. 

I was lucky to have taken photos of the dancers up close. I am not quite sure if I have covered all the competing groups, but I was happy with the experience of being in Bacolod, celebrating MassKara Festival. The costumes were very colorful, the masks were very creative and meticulously done, and the dancers were very energetic. 

Here is the list of entries of MassKara Festival 2012:

I.     Street Dance: Barangay Category
II.    MassKara Festival 2012 in Pictures
III.   MassKara Village at Robinson's Place-Bacolod
IV.   Electric MassKara, Street Dance: School Category
V.   MassKara Festival: Preparations, Highlights, Summary

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Electric MassKara, Street Dance: School Category

Electric MassKara

Electric MassKara is probably one of the longest street parties I have attended. It covered the whole Tourism Strip of Bacolod, from 5th Street to 22nd Street along Lacson Street. Held on the nights of October 19, 20, and 21, Electric MassKara is one of the highlights of the 33rd MassKara Festival.

Electric MassKara Winners:

Champion: Barangay Taculing

1st runner up: Barangay 30

2nd runner up: Barangay 2

I was also able to take photos of giant puppets. I have learned from the official MassKara Festival website that there were 73 puppets which were created by the students of the La Consolacion College-School of Fine Arts, Architecture, and Interior Design. The puppets were on display at the Tourism Strip at night, and was also part of the parade during the Street Dance competition (barangay category).

Street Dance Competition: School Category

The street dance competition for the school category was held last October 20, and was comprised of seven elementary schools and four secondary schools. The winners in the competitions are the following:

Secondary Level:

Champion: Luisa Medel NHS (Best in Concept, Best in Choreography)

1st runner up: Luis Hervias NHS (Best in Costume, Best in Mask)

2nd runner up: Teofilo Gensoli NHS

3rd runner up: Domingo Lacson NHS

Elementary Level:

Champion: Sum-ag ES (Best in Concept)

1st runner up: Banago ES

2nd runner up: Montevista ES (Best in Choreography)

3rd runner up: A.L. Jayme ES (Best in Costume)

4th runner up: Education and Training Center School II

Best in Mask: A. Mabini ES

It rained shortly after the  street dance competitions (schools category), so I decided to take shelter at SM City-Bacolod. As I was looking for a a place to eat, I chanced upon the Kapuso Mall Show near the mall's food court.

Here is the list of entries of MassKara Festival 2012:

I.     Street Dance: Barangay Category
II.    MassKara Festival 2012 in Pictures
III.   MassKara Village at Robinson's Place-Bacolod
IV.   Electric MassKara, Street Dance: School Category
V.   MassKara Festival: Preparations, Highlights, Summary

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