The last few days of summer don’t have to pass by in a blur. Enchanted Kingdom in Santa Rosa City, Laguna is just the right day trip for one last hurrah before school starts and the rains pour incessantly again.
While my recent trip to Boracay was probably the most cloudy one, raining on us for two nights, hitting the beach with rocking tunes and getting drinks for free just by showing off my Sony Ericsson phone made the perfect summer experience.
During Good Friday, a spectacle is played out in various barangays in Pampanga and even further up in the Campangpangan speaking towns of Tarlac with sinners – mostly male – sacrificing themselves for the community by being literally crucified in a re-enactment of Christ suffering. Hordes of local and foreign tourists, including budding photographers descend and are drawn on these sites.
I come from a family with an impressive military background - from my grandfather, his siblings, cousins, and up to my father's generation, the Acosta men have chosen to protect and serve our beloved country. During national holidays and special military events, my grandfather has always been present, ever so proud to be a World War II veteran, head held up high. He has told us many tales of his battles at war - how he lost his arm during a bombing, the countless friends he lost at combat, and how he survived the Death March. And as his granddaughter, I am proud that he, along with other Filipino soldiers, had courageously fought for our country's freedom.
I found myself in Boracay last May 5 with the who’s who of the Manila party scene. For someone like me, it’s a once in a lifetime chance to rub elbows with the likes of Will Devaughn, Marc Nelson (I am drooling as I am writing this!) and Tim Yap.
Last Monday, I attended the press conference for the 18th Philippine Travel Mart (PTM). Basically, the PTM is a one stop shop for Philippine travel destinations which was spearheaded by the Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA).
The day started off with the registration of participants which included models, celebrities, raffle promo winners from schools and offices, and winners of various extreme competitions I-ON held over the summer. There were champion Ultimate Frisbee, Dodge ball, Flag football, Karting and wall climbing teams. Livewire celebrities who graced the event included Tim Yap, Amanda Griffin, Will Devaughn, Marc Nelson, Borgy Manotoc, Ornussa Cadness, Jacq Yu, Bubbles Paraiso, Rachel Lobangco, Jaymee Topacio, Jackie Castillejo, DJ Dylan, Brad Murdock, Brent Javier, JR Isaac and Rovilson Fernandez, to name a few.
At around 7 a.m. the Philippine team took to the skies with their hot air balloon, leaving awestruck spectators on the ground as they headed towards the expansive sky beyond at the 11th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta.
It really doesn't matter if you're a surfer, surfing enthusiast, or a good ole beach bum toting the requisite bronzed skin, Havaianas and San Mig Light. The winds are changing, and the swell is building, which means that surf season 2006 is about to open. This means sand, sun and more surf trips to exotic and picturesque locations like our country's surfing capital, Siargao Island.
