Today we went chasing waterfalls near Manila. We had been told of waterfalls, that were supposed to rival the famous Pagsanhan Falls, at a place called Majayjay (ma-high-high) and were determined to find them and compare.

We took the South Superhighway from Manila to Calamba thence along the highway towards Lucena. That was the easy bit; the problem is that many of the signposts that indicate changes of direction are obscured by new vegetation. Once we found ourselves in San Pablo City the fun started . . . the trick was to look for the roadsigns to Rizal, to get out of San Pablo City, only then to expect directions to Majayjay. Some of the prettiest Philippine roads and villages are along this route; the town of Rizal, for example, is not dissimilar to any number of quaint, European tourist towns. The town of Majayjay is about 25 kilometers from San Pablo City along a well paved road that twists and turns around the northern perimeter of Mount Banahaw (also spelt Mount Banahao) -- the...

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Philippine International Balloon Festival Highlights

Wow beautiful Philippines! Can you put on a big and beautiful show or what?

If you did not visit the Philippine International Balloon Festival on Clark Field, Pampanga, then you missed possibly the most colorful display of beauty and grace in the the Philippines this year.



We left Parañaque at 3.30am and arrived on Clark Field at around 5.00am to find the especially created balloon festival car park already partially full with at least a thousand cars, neatly marshaled by attendants on foot and on horseback. Spectators were already arriving on foot, on bicycles and motor bikes through Friendship Gate. Scores more were disgorging from Jeepneys and by 5.30am the whole area around the Philippine Air Force hangers was abuzz with a festive atmosphere on a scale quite unlike anything I have seen at the balloon festival in previous years.



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Eco Park, is located on the wall of La Mesa Dam, Quezon City, Metro Manila.

It is in Fairview, Quezon City. Which is a bit of a drive if you are going to take a taxi, But I would say it is worth the time and money.

We used the Van, It was looking a pretty sad day, Rain clouds in the sky so we threw in umbrellas and off we went to have even a wet day out.

Once we arrived it was nice and sunny, and and getting hot.

We drove in and parked in the parking area, there is enough space and not far from the real entrance of the park.

Next to the car park was the paint ball, (I cant wait for the daughter to get a little older.. BANG BANG.)

We fed the ducks, at the car park just where you an get a boat to row for a few hours. They charge by the 30 Minutes but it looks like it would be really relaxing. (Dont forget food, there are some food stands)

We headed down the long path - road into the park proper and as you walk down you can feel all the stresses...

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I am taking every Saturday to do trips to different places I went to Intramorous last week.

It was a nice sunny day and the wife and i have not been there for a long time.

So we all jumped into a taxi an headed off to Intramorous.

The driver took the scenic route, I looked really like a tourist.. But actually the cost from Makati was only 110 Peso, So no real compaints there.

Once there we were dropped off at the church, which has done some work on the front and added a glass door inside the old wooden doors, Some people have no ideas how to keep a place historical..

Anyway it is a beautiful church and very nice inside and out.

From there we walked up to the clam shell, you can find it on our maps..

They had a show about the south of the philippines and we wasted at least 1 Hour walking around the stands looking at their wares, They had some beautiful wood carvings and some scarves and the wife and daughter picked one up each.

After that we went down to the Memorial for the Fallen...

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The day started as usual – I woke up, always a good sign. Today, I said, I am going to check out Ace Durano’s concept, that birdwatching offers a good option for Philippine holiday destination activities.

How many times I have passed the sign on the North Luzon Expressway (NLEx), near Pulilan, that says: Candaba Swamp, Wildlife Reserve; complete with iconic image of an Egret, or something similar.

Taking my copy of Birds of the Philippines in hand, a pair binoculars, Canon Digital EOS300D and sturdy Manfrotto tripod, and donning some suitably drab coloured clothing, we set out from Manila for the Pulilan exit on NLEx.

We stopped for a quick bite to eat at Burger King, at the Shell Bacaue service station; two exits later, I asked the tollbooth attendant for directions to the Candaba Swamp Wildlife Reserve. Her hesitation in saying, “er . . . go . . . right” did not add any confidence to my otherwise enthusiastic approach to the unfolding adventure but turn right we did.

Three kilomet...

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