Puerto Princesa: Mangrove Beach and Microtel Palawan Resort

Microtel Puerto Princesa Mangrove Morning

Microtel for many years have already established their brand. “It’s the same hotel where ever you go” as their slogan says. For the regular patrons, this is a good thing. They really do have one of the most comfortable chiropractic beds around and the familiar interiors would make it easier for guest to feel at home. While they do have a template for their hotels, they do make adjustments on their resort-type hotels. Like their Boracay branch, Microtel made adjustments to their beach front hotel in Puerto Princesa, Emerald Playa Beach and Nature Park.

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Three Days La Union and Thunderbird Road Trip Chronicles

Thunderbird Resort Poro Point

Surfing has always been attached with La Union. It was great to know that there are other attractions in the area on my recent brief sojourn around the province. I have to thank Thunderbird Poro Point Resort, La Union for sponsoring us on this familiarization trip around La Union. This would be a real good guide on what to see and expect when going around the area, beyond the surfing. Of course our home base was the Santorini-inspired resort.

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La Union: Luna’s Namacpacan Church, Pebble Beach and Watchtower

Our Lady of Namacpacan San Fernando

Done with admiring the Macho Temple, we moved up north to the Town of Luna 40km away from San Fernando. We were on our way to the pebble beach but we can’t afford not to stop and checkout the beautiful Shrine of Our Lady of Namacpacan. Luna Town was used to be called Namacpacan due to the town’s reputed hospitality to visitors. Namacpacan is an Ilocano word meaning “one who had given food”. It was in October 18, 1906 when the town changed its name to Luna to honor the Luna brothers Antonio and Luna.

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La Union: The Taoist Macho Temple and the Caysasay Connection

Ma-Cho Temple San Fernando

Its east meets west in La Union as we visit two places of worship from two different faiths. It’s not surprising to see the confluence of culture here as the Filipinos are known to be capable of dual faiths. Say for example, some Chinese homes have both the images of Buddha and Christ side by side. While not near each other we look at to sacred images representing each faith in the Taoist, Macho Temple (or Ma Cho Temple).

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La Union: Visiting Pindangan Ruins and Botanical Garden

La Union Botanical Garden

After about 6 hours drive from Manila, rains greeted us upon our afternoon arrival in our first day at Thunderbird Poro Point Resort. We didn’t mind really as it gave us time to get acquainted with our lovely rooms and the resort. The rains lingered on the next days but it was fortunate the sun showed itself from morning to mid-afternoon, giving us opportune time to explore several attractions around La Union. Our first two stops were the Pindangan Ruins and La Union’s Botanical Garden.

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La Union: Enjoying a Slice of Santorini at Thunderbird Poro Point Resort

Thunderbird Resort Poro Point

Greece would be an ideal place to be lost in if I were to travel to that part of the world. But that seems to be a distant dream for now. It’s a good thing international resort chain Thunderbird brought a piece of the Greek Island, Santorini at the land of La Union. Perched up high on a scenic cliff at Poro Point, the grand Greek architecture stands out from a distance to welcome visitors at Thunderbird Poro Point Resort.

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Five Days in Lake Sebu, Glan and Gumasa, Sarangani

Lake Sebu

Three scenic lakes, seven captivating falls, a bunch of endearing T’boli people, fascinating culture, pristine beaches and historical sites – what more reasosn can one ask for to visit South Central Mindanao? Of course I still get those “Aren’t these places dangerous?” or “We might get kidnapped for a ransom!” a lot of times until now. I’ve been saying this over many times, Mindanao has some insurgent spots but not the whole area. Lake Sebu, General Santos and Sarangani are one of those safe places to visit in Mindanao. I’m sure you’ll be aptly rewarded from your gutsy decision.

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