Bridge seen from Bit-Bit River at Angat Dam, Bulacan

So after lunch of a long-weekend afternoon, after the “let’s go to Angat Dam” received an instant “ok” reply, the adventure started. No plans, no provisions, no maps. Just a full tank and a general direction to Angat, Bulacan. It wouldn’t be that hard to find our way to Angat Dam.

Or so we thought (ditto with our close friend Jane who we invited to go along, so there will be more of us, ahem, in case we get lost).

We’ve long wanted to explore this structure that shows man’s effort to harness the forces of nature — the Angat Hydroelectric Dam, found in Angat, Bulacan. It generates electricity and provides potable water to Metro Manila, yet it could also be a source of destruction in case of an emergency release of dam water during heavy rains and typhoons.

With the fresh air and environmental preserve surrounding the structure, it would thus be very interesting to go see it.

The Bulacan website describes Angat Dam in this manner: “One of the country’s largest dams. This dam supplies potable water and energy to Metro Manila and nearby areas. Surrounded by lush greens, this place is also ideal for fishing, boating and hunting.”

Yes, it could be truly a place for fishing, boating, hunting and other ecotourism activities. However, for our second surprise of that day, we discovered that Angat Dam is off-limits to the general public. But we’re getting ahead of ourselves. Let’s take a step back and retrace the journey.

The first surprise: Angat Dam is really not near Metro Manila. We originally thought we’d be there in an hour, the reason why we left Metro Manila at around 2:00 p.m. in the afternoon. Not a good idea because because the heavy canopy of trees and secluded location of the dam mean that darkness or night time is not something to look forward to. Driving is made more exciting by the heavy zigzag and occasional cliffs.

With 2 hours of driving, there was no more time to take a dip in the Bit-Bit River, accessible through the side road of the long bridge that marks the boundary of the off-limits area. Plus there was no more time to explore the Pinagrealan Cave (found along the way in Norzagaray, Bulacan, around 30 minutes from the dam), which served as the hideout of Katipuneros in the war against Spain and by General Emilio Aguinaldo during the Filipino-American war.

There will be short stops, of course, like buying pork belly chicharon at Daboy’s or cassava cake at Ralo’s, a few meters after turning right at the Bocaue exit of the NLEX, our entry point going to Angat Dam from Metro Manila. It’s the same road going to the intersection to Amana Waterpark, but going straight (instead of going left to Amana) going to the diversion road of Sta. Maria, Bulacan (left upon hitting the fork at PTT gas station) then passing through Norzagaray and Angat. Residents here are helpful when asked for directions — the Hilltop, where the dam is situated.

And what does crispy pata doing in a post on Angat Dam?

Food can be appreciated in a lot of levels. There’s a scientific field on food and emotions. Feel-good food. Stress-eating or stress-relieving food. While we’re not too concerned with the gory details, suffice it to say that food, crispy pata to be exact, completed our “unsuccessful” journey to Angat Dam in Bulacan. We have to get a permit from the National Power Corporation (Napocor), we were told by the security personnel manning the gate after the Bit-Bit Bridge.

Crispy pata would probably make us feel better, we thought, and JL-Jamie’s Crispy Pata and Restaurant, located down the road from the Norzagaray municipal hall, came highly recommended for the purpose. Crispy pata, for the uninitiated, is boiled and deep fried pork leg. And the verdict?

It’s a bit unfair for JL-Jamie’s Crispy Pata and Restaurant because we’ll always compare it with the residents at the top of the crispy pata world, Judy Ann’s (Malabon) and JIJF Lutong Bahay ni Inay (Quezon). If Juday’s, our shortened name for Judy Ann’s, is on the sweet side and JIJF is at the salty goodness side of the spectrum, JL-Jamie’s taste leans on the sweet side. The skin is beautifully golden brown and crunchy, with the meat soft to the bone.

It’s crispy pata that we would go back to and recommend to friends, but not if Juday’s or JIJF is available. If we’re forced to list down any downside, we would begrudgingly give two. First, the flavor does not seem to reach the bottom of the meat, with dullness in the taste nearing the bone. Nakakaumay would be an appropriate term, a description that we would not even imagine with Juday’s or JIJF. Second, service leaves so much to be desired. Only one service staff was present and we had to go around looking for her to take our food orders. But, hey, there’s always room for improvement.

In the end, it was a great trip notwithstanding the absence of permit to enter the dam site itself. Half of any travel experience is always about the journey and the discoveries made along the way. Reaching the destination is just a bonus.

Godzilla? Well, it’s more diverse and more fun in the Philippines. Enjoy your stay.

These fun activities comprise the tip of the iceberg (yes, we don’t have icebergs in the Philippines, but there’s little fun in evading icebergs) in the latest ad campaign of the Department of Tourism (DoT). The campaign, simply called It’s More Fun in the Philippines, comes with a separate website and launched last week.

Just to be clear, to avoid any allegation of copyright infringement, all photos and logo of the It’s More Fun in the Philippines campaign are courtesy of the DoT or the appropriate group handling the campaign. Whether this attribution is necessary is beside the point. It’s only proper to do so. Maybe the same thing applies in acknowledging that Switzerland had the same slogan in 1951: It’s more fun in Switzerland.

Some say the lack of originality is a mistake and the payment to the advertising agency who came up with the slogan is a waste of money. Maybe. Some say, as we’ve previously noted, that it’s a tall order to surpass the highly catchy “WOW Philippines” campaign of the past. However, whatever is said about the originality of the slogan, it can never be said that it’s not more fun in the Philippines.

It is indeed more fun in the Philippines. Besides, the beauty of the slogan is its simplicity. Anyone could easily tweak it to highlight his/her fun experience in the Philippines. Here’s our modest attempt at it (photo culled from the Chocolate Hills article here in VisitPinas).

So, revisit your photos and look for something really interesting. Think of a term that best describes the photo and why it’s fun. Paste the label on the photo. Then share it with the world. Try it.

Update: 102 votes were cast as of 19 January 2012. A total of 87 are were in favor of the campaign (61 Votes for “Yes, I like it” and 26 for “Yes, but is there something better?”) while only 15 votes were against the campaign (10 for “No, there must be something better” and 5 for “Absolutely Not”). You can still express your opinion through the comment section below.

Now, tell us if you didn’t shed a tear. Kabayan, nasaan ka man ngayon sa mundo, mabuhay ka!

The first fight in 2004 resulted to a draw. The second fight in 2008 had Pacquiao on top by a split decision. My husband, one among the thousands of self-proclaimed boxing “experts”, wondered why Pacquaio won the second fight (with all due respect, he added). This time around, he said, seeing how Pacqauiao improved by leaps and bounds, particularly in technical skills and style, there’s no doubt that Marquez will lose. His fearless forecast? Pacquiao by TKO over JMM in 7 rounds (see update below). Why? Well, you ask him. I don’t want to ask and start a never-ending monologue why Pacquiao is this and why Marquez is that.

Of course, you’re entitled to an opinion. Let’s hear what you think about the Pacquaio-Marquez fight this November 12, 2011 (November 13 in the Philippines) through the comment section below. In the meantime, you could watch Part 1 of the Pacquaio-Marquez III 24/7 courtesy of HBO Boxing:

Update: Very close fight. 114-114, 116-112, 115-113, and Pacquiao still the world champion by majority decision. Gave us a scare, though, really thought Marquez won. Some think it should have been a tie, at most, for Pacquiao. Great fight. Let’s have Pacquiao-Marquez 4, or Pacquiao-Marquez 5, until someone gets a decisive win. =)

Puerto Princesa Underground River, found in the province of Puerto Princesa, Philippines, is reputed to be the world’s longest underground river. It’s carved under a limestone mountain, with stalactites, stalagmites and huge chambers that open to the West Philippine Sea.

Amazon Rainforest, consisting of more than half of the world’s rainforests, and the largest river, by volume, in the entire world (bordered by Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Peru, Suriname, Venezuela)

Halong Bay of Vietnam, with thousands of liimestone karts and isles in various shapes and sizes

Iguazu Falls, among the largest of the world’s watefalls, is bordered by Argentina and Brazil

Jeju Island, a dormant volcano and also the tallest mountain in Korea

Komodo National Park of Indonesia, home of the Komodo dragon

Table Mountain, a flat-topped mountain found in South Africa

Thank you to all who voted for the Puerto Princesa Underground River. Congratulations to all Palawenos, all Filipinos, for making it to the New 7 Wonders of Nature. If you took time and spent resources to vote and support the Philippines’ own, say your piece below.

We all know that the province of Marinduque is the host of the world-famous Moriones festival. We also know from our grade school geography lesson that Marinduque, a heart-shaped island-province in the middle of the Philippine archipelago, is often referred to as the Heart of the Philippines. The view from the airplane shows no white beaches or any visible landmarks. We’ve never fancied this province as a place of immense natural beauty, like, say, Palawan or Bohol.

A little, beautiful rock changed that perspective.

Our trip to the Bellaroca Island Resort and Spa was also the first time we’ve visited Marinduque. Landing on a sleepy airport, with a terrible comfort room, is not a surprise given the sad condition of one of the main Manila international airports, voted one of the worst in the world. The concerned government agencies and other stakeholders should really do something about it. Soon.

Anyway, this tiny discomfort is quite manageable because the land trip to Bellaroca’s port is merely 45 minutes, on board the resort’s fleet of comfortable vans, with captain chairs for individual comfort. The baggage goes to an entirely separate van for guest comfort.

Forty-five minutes of Metro Manila congested traffic is boring. The same time spent on the open roads towards Bellaroca is engaging, through open concrete roads lined by coconut trees, as what one would expect in the province. Nipa huts, those type similar to the replicas at Nayong Pilipino, abound beside concrete houses. Short stretches of dirt roads, with portions in the process of being paved, break the monotony of the drive.

A creek spills over the highway at one bend. It made us wonder if it’s accessible during heavy rains. Rampaging rain water at the side of the mountain opened a chasm on the outer lane of the road, creating a nice view of the rolling terrain down to the sea. The vehicle was a few inches from the edge. Maybe the ground was already stable with the rocks being piled by the squad of men leisurely working under the midday sun. It looked dangerous, but it felt, well, fun. Strange.

Whatever feeling of danger was immediately quenched by the sight of white dots and lines on a dark blue-green island out in the sea. It looks marvelous. Bellarocca, here we come.

We know it’s an island and we thought it’s further out to the sea. It’s closer than we thought, easily accessible by speed boats in 5 minutes. The convenience would be the same if we’ve stepped into the resort right off the airplane. Life vests were immediately distributed right off the service van, with assistance from the crew.

There’s no waiting period, which is great because waiting is one thing a traveler would gladly do without in travel. Just step right into the wooden pier and into the boat. Marvel at the clear waters as the boats powerful engine comes to life. It’s hard to resist imagining a movie scene, with Agent 007 in a fast boat running after his nemesis, with the Greek architecture and the sea as background.

The beauty is surreal it’s so easy to daydream.

The ride is comfortable, the smell of the sea relaxing, and we stepped into the Bellarocca port not shaken, not stirred, but with a smile. The sound of island melody, obviously sang by smiling staff waiting on the pier, wafts through the air.

The golf carts await, ready to roll through the steep, winding roads to the top of the island. These carts are on constant standby at strategic areas of the island. Just pick up the phone or call the attention of the nearest staff, ask for a cart, and it’s there pronto. Or you could try, like we did, to take a hike and try your luck going up the steep climb. Our recommendation? Take the cart.

Even at that point, you’d forget that this is one of the most expensive resorts in the Philippines, with a published rate of more than P40,000. Per head, or, in tours (and, uhm, catering) lingo, per pax. Per night.

There are promos, with more than half-price discounts for a 3-day package.Stumbling on a promo, however, is like winning in the lotto, not because of the heavy discount, but because there’s a small probability of getting it.

There were around fifteen other guests who arrived with us at that hour. More followed in the subsequent flights. It appears that Bellaroca has a high occupancy rate, at least when we were there.

One significant difference with other resorts is this — new guests don’t have to stand around while registering upon arrival. Guests are comfortably seated at a lounge, complete with soft chairs and welcome drinks. The staff collect the forms and while the registration is processed, an officer briefs everyone about what to expect, the facilities, sights, sounds and other helpful details about Bellarocca. And even before our little daughter could catch a koi at the mini-pond in the middle of the lobby, electronic keys were distributed.

There were two things I remembered during the briefing. One, there was a drink-all-you-can, free cocktails by the beach in the evening. Two, the sun rises before six in the morning, beautifully visible from the observation deck, with hundreds of steps going up, at the top of the island. If no sunrise photo is here, blame it on the slight drizzle that, we were advised, made the climb a but unsafe (no, really, it’s not because I realized I’d die catching my breath before reaching the top).

Food in Bellarocca is reasonably delicious. The kinilaw was fresh, as expected from a place surrounded by the sea, but the fish meat was already cooked by the vinegar.

The food we enjoyed, which is the very same food item enjoyed by our good friends Ging and Joji who happened to be at Bellarocca at that time, was the soft bread. It was, well, soft when warm and really delectable. We ordered around a hundred pieces when we checked out.

The room is spacious and clean, with a balcony overlooking the internal swimming pool. Perhaps knowing that we had kids, the staff offered to clean the room twice a day. Also knowing that we had kids, the staff took care of the kids so we adults could enjoy our meal. With a smile, for free.

And because our daughter had colds, we went to see the doctor and when we mentioned the specific medicine prescribed by our own pedia, they offered to buy the medicine from the town kilometers away. The doctor was with the group that welcome the guests. He was there during sent off.

While we were enjoying the infinity pool, a staff suddenly emerged with a tray of beverages for us to choose from. It’s like they’re reading our minds. These are not-so-little gestures that we truly appreciate and should not be forgotten, through this article (of course, the beverage was no longer free, otherwise, abuso na kasi).

Whoever discovered this place has an eye for beauty. This small island is perhaps similar to all other islands off the coastline of Marinduque. Each island are similarly hugged by the calm azure sea and highlighted by the blue sky. Fresh sea breeze caresses the manicured lawns and inclines. In front of the island stands the majestic Mount Malindig, a dormant volcano with grassland slopes that are fine like fur, exactly how the dwarf bamboos of Mt. Pulag look like. In the middle of it all is a beautiful island — Bellarocca.

The place would be impressive for first time visitors. On the other hand, the only way for the park to attract former patrons is to offer new sights and sounds. First came the lights and sounds show — the Musical Fountain. Then came the Penguin Exhibit. We didn’t get to watch the Musical Fountain, having seen something similar in Singapore’s Sentosa. The penguin exhibit, on the other hand, is not to be missed, especially by kids.

These are Humboldt Penguins (Spheniscus Humboldti). C’mon, say it again, out loud: Humboldt. Do I hear someone complaining? Why add a “t’ or a “d” when one would do? Of course, you can’t complain. Did we complain when you added “h” to Rhose? Or Bhoyet? Or Mhay? Bhong? The list could go one, but you get the idea.

The Humboldt penguins are found in — no, not Antarctica, but in South America, coastal Peru and Chile. The waters may be cold in these places, but the land is hot and dry. This explains why the two-hour queue outside the penguin enclosure is actually colder than inside the penguin exhibit. There’s another queue inside, for the Snow Village. It’s easy to imagine that the never-ending lines, including the queue for the tickets, are bound to get worse as the Christmas season draws near.

This brings us to something important: be mindful of your health because there will be great swings in temperature. It’s very hot outside the venue. It gets manageable inside with the aircon. It gets a bit hotter inside the penguin exhibit. Then it gets really, really cold inside the Snow Village (bring your snow gear, although they provide a suitable jacket, for free, but imagine how many people used that for the day).

If you love penguins, and you visit the Penguin Exhibit because of that love for penguins, hold on to that emotion. Don’t mind the mini-slide outside the penguin enclosure. Unless they improve it, it will remain corny, especially if you’ve tried the Enchanted Kingdom or the Splash Island.

Heck, the slide inside Snow World of Star City is better. The Snow World is also bigger than Manila Ocean Park’s Snow Village. The queue going in is just as long. But the “snow” in the Snow Village is like snow, flaky and soft. The “snow” in Snow World is like ice, hard. And the crowd is different (it’s for you find out).

The Snow Village experience lasts for 5 minutes. You could actually extend and go out together with the batch (that’s another 5 minutes), but be considerate to those who are in line outside. Besides, we brought our kids and had to go out even before 5 minutes.

It’s a blissful 5 minutes, mind you. Sure, it pales (pun intended) in comparison to the cold in the States or Antarctica. On the other hand, the beauty of the experience is this — you can end it whenever you want to. You can’t simply step out of your house in the States to get back to a warmer climate. The Snow Village is a 5-minute change of atmosphere and environment, like the spice in your favorite dish.

The Trails to Antarctica, while a bit misleading (the penguins here are from Peru and Chile, not Antarctica), is informative. Plus it’s strategically placed where the queue would be, which means that everyone would have all the time in the world to read the trivia and look at the photos. Nice. You have something to distract your mind from the long wait.

Going back to the Penguin Exhibit, there’s a “feeding experience’. For an additional P250, you’ll have a close encounter with the penguins as you feed them. The P250 includes a photo souvenir. We were there for the Penguin Exhibit. We didn’t know that the P300 fee already includes the Trails to Antarctica and the Snow Village. These are welcome bonuses, I must say, but the kids would still enjoy the penguins without these add-ons.

The crowd went wild. I mean, I haven’t seen cheerdancing before, but UP Pep Squad’s performance was simply, WOW! Doubt it? Here’s a video from someone who watched the CDC live:

Difficult stunts, fast-paced transitions, coordinated graceful moves. Well, we don’t know how to judge, but it sure looks awesome. And if you judge it by the swag, the confidence and the energy, no doubt who the winner is (more video from Studio 23 coverage or from another fan). Nice articles from GMA7 and Interaksyon Ch.5. Congratulations to the UP Pep Squad, the DLSU Animo Squad, the Far Eastern University Cheering Squad, and all participants of the 2011 UAAP Cheerdance Competition (CDC). May all of you continue to hone and improve your world-class routines.

Thanks to Hannah Reyes (Yellow Adventures) for the photo. Added: In our recent trip to Baguio City, we were surprised to see the famous Lion along Kennon Road . . . sporting blonde hair. Is this a show of support to the UP Pep Squad? Peace.

Added: The UP Pep Squad, representing the Philippines, placed 3rd (Cheer Mix category) in the 6th Cheerleading World Championships held in Hong Kong from 26-27 November 2011.

While Miss Angola Leila Lopes bagged the Miss Universe crown, a number of personalities admired Shamcey Supsup, especially during the question and answer portion. On the other hand, there are a number of not-too-positive reactions, including criticisms against Miss Universe Judge Lea Salonga (who has no control of what question to ask) and against Ms. Angola (she’s beautiful, to be fair). There’s also a hoax about the purported statement issued by the Queen of Talk, Oprah Winfrey: “I have reservations with the results. If the only basis is the Q and A portion, after having been trimmed down to 5, Ms. Philippines deserved to win. What made her different from the rest is that she had no seconds to rethink of her answer as she had no interpreter to break the ice. The rest had their interpreters and having breaks on seconds to think about their answers. Hands down, Ms. Philippines answered straight to the point.”

Shamcey, an architecture board topnotcher in 2010 and a cum laude graduate from the University of the Philippines (UP), landed in the Top 5 of the 89 beautiful women from around the world. This is one notch higher than the 4th runner up win of Venus Raj in the 2010 Miss Universe. Congratulations, Shamcey. You make the Philippines proud! Go Philippines!