Located at the northwestern most tip of the province, the town of Bolinao has a good location, as most of its edges are coastlines, hence the beaches. And its beaches are not just some ordinary beach located along the coast. Cape Bolinao white beach has white sands and crystalline waters. These beaches can be likened to those found in the island of Boracay, known to local and international tourists for its white sands and crystal-clear waters. People going to Bolinao come here to not only to bathe, but to enjoy the scenery and relax as well. This is because Bolinao’s location and beaches makes it a perfect setting to enjoy Nature’s best.

The town also has a resort, the “Treasures of Bolinao” Beach resort, which offers first class accommodations. Its name is derived from the treasures of the town, namely the coral reefs. These are also one of the world’s most beautiful and biggest natural coral reefs. These are the so-called “Treasures of Bolinao”.

But cool weather alone is not the only reason why many people flock to this place. Baguio City also has many attractions and interesting places for its visitors as well as its residents. Probably the first place most people go to is the Cathedral. Located atop a hill, the Cathedral provides not only a peaceful place of prayer for tourists, visitors and residents of Baguio, but also offers a good view of the city. Another place of interest is the Mansion. This serves as the guest house of the long line of presidents of the Philippines during their visits to the respective city. It also served as venue for some international conferences held in Paradise Philippines. Another interesting place to visit is Mines’ View Park, which offers a good view of the mines as well as the magnificent display of nature that Baguio has. There are other places of interests in Baguio City. To name a few more, there’s the Botanical Garden, Burnham Park, and the Crystal Caves.

Still, Baguio has more to offer its visitors. The city’s markets sell strawberries, a delight only available in the highlands. The markets in the city also sell vegetables that are larger in size, as compared to the markets of the lowlands. And, after a tiring day of going about the city’s attractions and markets, one can relax and rest in Baguio’s many restaurants and hotels. From prices ranging from practical to luxurious, Baguio has it. Indeed, Baguio City is as wonderful as its motherland, Paradise Philippines ( pa da de se he le pe ne - in Alibata ).

And perhaps the place within the Paradise Philippines that has the most number of physical evidence of war still present today is the island of Corregidor.  Its location at the entrance of the Manila Bay makes it an ideal place for defenses. During the stay of the Spanish and the Americans here in the Philippines, this island served as a point of defense and early warning system for hostile ships approaching the bay. In the second World War, Corregidor was the site of several battles between the Filipino - American Forces and the invading Japanese.

Nowadays, there are lots to see in this island. Most of them are the structures that Spaniards and Americans built during their stay here in the Philippines. The lighthouse on Corregidor is one of the oldest landmarks of the island, and was built by the Spaniards in 1836. It was replaced with a better lighthouse in 1853, and was inproved further in the 1892. However, during the siege of Corregidor the lighthouse was reduced to ruins. The lighthouse that we see today is a reconstructed one, which stands at the same spot where the Spaniards put up the lighthouse.

In addition, there are 56 coastal guns and mortars in the island of Corregidor, plus 13 anti-aircraft defenses. There are also numerous war structures here. To name a few, there’s the Malinta Tunnel and Fort Mills. Corregidor Island is currently under the territorial jurisdiction of Cavite City, of the province of Cavite.

The Hundred Islands, an island group numbering 123 at high tide and 124 at low tide, is a natural wonder, as the group is nestled within the Lingayen Gulf. These islands can be reached by a boat ride from the city’s shore. The boat ride usually takes 30-40 minutes. Once in the islands, recreation and relaxation are all that awaits each and every visitor. Whether it be splashing on the beach, taking a tan under the sun, or simply enjoying the cool breeze, everyone going to the islands will surely have a good time.

Out of the numerous islands, only three are developed for tourists. These are namely the Governor’s Island, the Children’s Island and the Quezon Island. In one of the islands, there are floating nipa huts for rent. Visitors can rent these floating huts for dining and relaxing purposes. This is a very good deviation to the standard beachside huts and sheds.

But bathing and tanning are not the only activities in the Hundred Islands. Boat tours are also available for those wanting to see the rest of the islands. Furthermore, one can simply enjoy the scenery that the surroundings bring. There are viewing points where one can get a good view of the splendor of the Hundred Islands. Add to this experience is the cool breeze of the sea – truly a great way to relax.

The Hundred Islands is surely a piece of paradise amidst the blue seas. It gives people an overview of how wonderful Paradise Philippines truly is.

Among these is the Moriones Festival, which is observed during Holy Week. Morion, which means “mask” or “visor”, is a part of the Roman armor which covers the face. In turn, Moriones refers to the repenting people clad in costumes and masks searching for Longinus.

The festival re-enacts the story of the Roman Centurion Longinus, who was blind in one eye. Legend has it that when Longinus pierced the side of the crucified Christ, blood spurted out and some of it came in contact with his blind eye, restoring his sight. With this, Longinus converted to Christianity. This greatly angered his fellow centurions, who turn to capturing and beheading him.

This festival is well-known for its painted masks, helmets, and Roman costumes. It is held in the towns of Boac and Mogpog.

Here are the Municipalities of Palawan

Aborlan	El Nido (Bacuit)
Aqutaya	Kalayaan
Araceli	Linapacan
Balabac	Magsaysay
Bataraza	Narra
Brooke’s Point	Quezon
Busuanga	Rizal (Marcos)
Cagayancillo	Roxas
Coron	San Vicente
Culion	Sofronio Española
Cuyo	Taytay
Dumara

Palawan is 2,000 kilometers of irregular coastline that is with in the 1,780 islands and islets of the Paradise Philippines.

Palawan is famous because of the list below:

• World’s Largest Pearl
  
  • Pearl of Allah as the Muslims call it, its the worlds largest pearl, found by the son of Wilburn Dowell Cobb a American Mining Engineer spent his childhood here in the Philippines on May 7, 1934. The 9.45 inches in diameter and weighing 6.4 kilograms(14.1 lb) or 127,574 pearl grains or 31,893.60 carats the Pearl of Allah is stored in a museum here in the Paradise Philippines

  

• Calauit Game Preserve & Wildlife Sanctuary
  

  

  • This sanctuary for wildlife is established on August 31, 1976 by the former President Ferdinand Marcos by virtue of the Presidential Decree No.1578 and was initiated by the response to the appeal of International Union for the Conservation of Nature to help save African Wildlife.

    

• Coron Reefs, Coron Bay, Busuanga
  

  

  • The Limestone Cliffs of the Coron Reefs in Northern Palawan has 7 enchanting lakes that sorrounds the cliffs, near Coron. There are 12 World War II Japanese shipwrecks in Busuanga Island which can be considered a divers paradise for its a exploration for enthusiasts.

    

• El Nido Marine Reserve Park
  • Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park
    • This National Park is located in the City of Puerto Princesa just 50 kilometers north. This National Park is managed since 1992 by the Puerto Princesa Government, this Paradise Philippines treasure is situated in Saint Paul Mountain Ranges in the northern coast of the island.
    • Also known to the natives as St. Paul’s Subterranean River National Park
    • This beautiful lanscape features a 8.2 km limestone karst mountain with an underground river which is reputed as the world’s longest, the cave includes stalactites and stalagmite formation.
  • Tubbataha Reef Marine Park

    

    • This Marine Park is located 98 miles (181 km) southeast of Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. On August 11, 1988 the National Tubbataha Marine Park was established, with an area of 33,2000 hectares (82,000 acres).
    • With the combination of two Samal words, the word “tubbataha” is born which means “a long reef exposed at low tide“.
    • It’s made up of two Coral Atolls (oceanic reef formation).
      • North Atoll is 16 kilometers (10 miles) long and 5 kilometers (3 miles) wide.
      • South Atoll is 5 kilometers (3 miles) long and 3 kilometers (1.86411358 miles) in wide.

Cagsawa Church

Do you see the submerged bell church when you look at any post cards of Mayon Volcano? You may have seen it and you may have not. This is because it’s a trivial aspect of the picture. I hadn’t really noticed it before. It was only when I read about the history and other information of the most popular volcano in the country that I have noticed the submerged structure. It was astonishing to know that this was their town’s church long ago and now only the bell tower of the church remained above the surface. It was due to the most destructive eruption of Mayon Volcano on February 1, 1814. At that time, lava flows buried the town of Cagsawa and 1, 200 people perished.

[quote]The Pacific Ring of Fire is an area of frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions encircling the basin of the Pacific Ocean. In a 40,000 km horseshoe shape, it is associated with a nearly continuous series of oceanic trenches, island arcs, and volcanic mountain ranges and/or plate movements. It is sometimes called the circum-Pacific belt or the circum-Pacific seismic belt.[/quote]

The Philippine’s Tectonic Plate is located just beneath the Pacific Ocean, it’s just east of the Philippines.

Mayon is considered as a composite volcano (stratovolcano).

One of the most famous tourist spots in the country today attracting tourists not only locally but also all over the world is Mayon Volcano. It is considered one of the 22 active volcanoes in the country. Local and foreign tourists thrill at the sight of Mayon’s almost perfect cone, whether seen up close or from a distance.

In the past when Mayon exploded, tourists never failed to flock to Legazpi City to experience this rare natural occurrence. Night visitors particularly were treated to a grand fireworks-like spectacle.

When Mayon erupted in June 2001, business boomed in the area surrounding Mayon Volcano drawing sightseers and boosting tourism. Hundreds of foreign and local tourists trooped near the volcano to catch a glimpse of its red and orange emissions. Most of the hotels and beach resorts of Albay province were fully booked.

Department of Tourism (DOT) records showed that total foreign and local tourist arrivals in the Bicol Region increased every year during the period 2002-2004. In 2002, it was recorded that foreign tourist arrivals reached 12,209 while local tourist arrivals totaled 377,509. The figures increased in 2003 when foreign tourist arrivals reached 20,372 and local tourists also rose to 388,589, and still continued to rise in 2004 when foreign tourists arriving in the region totaled 25,143 while domestic tourist arrivals reached 449,295.

The DOT records further indicated that of the six provinces composing the Bicol Region, Albay province topped in the number of tourist arrivals, even higher than that of Sorsogon where the famous Butanding is located.

Undeniably, Mayon’s box office drama is dampened by the fact that it could cause destruction of lives and property. That is why local and national officials do everything to make sure that nearby residents are given ample forewarning before an eruption.

Nowadays, Mayon is quiet and as beautiful as ever because of the natural formation of rocks and soil that is the result of its past tantrums. Once more, the government is taking a closer look at the idea of mounting a major conservation effort to increase its appeal to tourists and to make local residents more aware of its value as a national resource.

As early the term of President Corazon Aquino, the government has sought to preserve the ecological, aesthetic, recreational, educational and tourism values of Mayon Volcano. Then on November 21, 2000, Proclamation No. 413 was issued mandating the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to protect, manage, develop and conserve Mayon Volcano Natural Park (MVNP).

The MVNP is a 5,458.65-hectare area surrounding Mayon Volcano. It encompasses eight municipalities of Albay, namely, Ligao, Guinobatan, Camalig, Daraga, Legaspi City, Sto. Domingo, Malilipot, and Tabaco.

DENR geologists describe the physical features of the natural park as having scattered fertile plains, consisting of rough and narrow ridges, and deep ravines which serve as passageways of lava flows during heavy rains.

The river systems found within the park include the following: Mangolngol River, Miraya Creek, Sabangan Creek, Cabacab Creek, Angtol Creek, Sidon Creek, Uyanga Creek, Pepe Creek, Ogob Creek, Manadela Creek, Mabalnos Creek, Bulawan River, Bangliwan River, Baranghauan River, Magsapit River, Subangan Creek, Tabiguia Creek, Buang River and Tacopan Creek.

DENR Secretary Michael T. Defensor disclosed that the present physical features and topography of MVNP came about as a result of the past eruptions of Mayon Volcano.

The area is also rich in important flora and fauna. The flora includes narra, dapdap, anonang, anabiong, agoho, balagubang, langaton, tree ferns, tagunguirit, pitcher plants, orchids, abaca, rattan, and lakad-bulan.

The fauna in the area are wild pig, civet cat, singalong, Philippine monkey, wild chicken, Philippine deer, orioles, wild doves, tariktik, kuro-kuro, crow, monitor lizard, owl and tagbaya.

The area also boasts of its facilities and amenities including a bunkhouse, access roads going to reforestation projects, and a reforestation building, nature trails, and the panoramic view of the active Mayon Volcano itself.

There are also scientific facilities maintained by the Philippine Commission on Volcanology near the area to monitor the activities of the volcano.

Land use records of the DENR show that MVNP is mostly an agricultural area with clustered grassland covered with dwarf trees of non-commercial value. Other parts of the park are covered with grasses, shrubs and cogons being used as pasture lands by cattle raisers of Mabini, Legaspi City, Fidel Surtida, Sta. Misericordia and San Fernando, and Sto. Domingo, all of Albay province.

In 1989, the DENR introduced a contract reforestation project covering a little over 100 hectares within the natural park in the side of Buang, Tabaco City. The project has been turned over already to the government.

At present, the department is in the process of formulating a management plan for an area also within the park situated in the side of Barangay Lidong, Sto. Domingo in Albay. A campsite now stands in the area now being developed for ecotourism under a funding from the New Zealand Aid Program.

On August 20, 2002, the DENR and the Provincial Government of Albay (PGA) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) entrusting the management of a portion of the MVNP, specifically the part situated at Barangay Buang of Tabaco City, to the latter through a Protected Area Committee.

The MOA, however, is set to expire this coming August 20, prompting Albay Provincial Governor Fernando V. Gonzales to request the DENR to extend the management of the park for another 25 years.

Following the favorable consideration of the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) on Gov. Gonzales request, a MOA was signed recently between the DENR and the PGA extending the latter’s management of MVNP for another 25 years.
Under the Agreement, a PGA Protected Area Committee shall be composed of the governor as chairman and three designated representatives of PGA, three from the DENR, and representatives from the Department of Transportation (DOT), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the local government unit of Tabaco City, as members.

The Agreement provided that the Committee shall prepare the management and operations plan for the utilization, rehabilitation, development and protection of the area; supervise the implementation of the operations plan and protect the existing facilities surrounding the area from squatters and other forms of destruction; assist the DENR in the collection of prescribed fees in accordance with the National Integrated Protected Area System (NIPAS) and its implementing rules and regulations; supervise the activities of the forest officers deputized by the DENR; and submit periodic report of operation to the DENR through PAMB.

The MOA also stipulated that the entrance fees and revenues collected shall accrue to the MVNP Integrated Protected Area Fund (IPAF), and that the income derived by the PGA from the operation of improvements introduced and similar business activities like the operation of Skyline Hotel shall go to PGA, and that the DENR shall not be liable for any claims of compensation benefits by the officers and personnel hired by the PGA under the Agreement.

The MOA further stipulated that the PGA may solicit contributions or any form of financial assistance and coordinate with other government offices, bureaus and instrumentalities including private persons, firms and entities for the development, maintenance and operations of the facilities and activities under the Agreement and in consultation with the DENR.

The MOA stressed that any improvement, developments, structures constructed and introduced in the area shall become a property of MVNP and shall not be transferred or removed from the area at the termination of the Agreement.

Gonzales said that the extension given to the Provincial Government of Albay in the management and protection of the portion of said Natural Park is expected to boost tourism in the Bicol Region as well as the continued operation of the Skyline Hotel and a planetarium in the area.

After the alert status was lowered to Alert Level 2 last October 3, 2006, Mayon Volcano (13.2576ºN, 123.6856ºE) has consistently manifested the following:

1. The number of volcanic earthquakes recorded daily (1 3 per day) fell within the threshold level for Mayon of 5 volcanic earthquakes per day;

2. Volcanic tremors associated with magma movement within the volcano conduit as well as those related with the extrusion of lava from the active vent, lava collapse and rockfalls became scarce and most of the time no record at all;

3. Ground deformation measurements showed a deflated volcano edifice indicating no fresh supply of magma from below;

4. The sulfur dioxide emission rate measured at 1,600 to 2,650 tonnes per day (t/d) is coherent with the post eruptive gas emission rate for Mayon Volcano; and

5. The observed crater glow was consistent in intensity (can be observed with the naked eye) but does not indicate any re-intensification of volcanic activity.

The above observations suggest that the volcano’s condition is improving and possibly heading towards normalcy. In view thereof, PHIVOLCS is now lowering the alert status of Mayon Volcano from Alert Level 2 to Alert Level 1. This means that hazardous eruption is not likely to occur. The public, however, is reminded that the 7-km Extended Danger Zone (EDZ) at the southeastern flank of the volcano and the 6-km radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) at other areas remain off-limits due to the continuing threat from sudden small explosions, rockfalls from the upper slopes and secondary pyroclastic flows arising from the collapse of newly deposited lavas at the upper and middle slopes. Active river channels and those areas perennially identified as lahar prone in the southeast sector should also be avoided especially during bad weather conditions or when there is heavy and prolonged rainfall.