Noah’s Park combines leisure and nature–very suitable for bonding with your family or friends. Of course, who can resist the inviting warm pools. Noah’s Park is probably one of the resorts with very safe pools, especially for  children.

Pool(s) of fun and cottages to rest

Beyond  fun in the Water

Aside from enjoying an all-day dip in the water, Noah’s Park offers other equally enjoyable activities. From the entrance of the resort, guests are greeted by a large fishing area.  If you’re not up to swimming, go fishing! You can rent one of the cottages surrounding the lagoon, grill your catch and voila! Then share it with your barkada.

Fishing lagoon. The uphill road leads to the pool area.

Since the pool area is several meters away from the entrance, a multicab services the guests to and from the swimming area. But why spoil the fun? Go hike and enjoy the green surrounding instead. Detour to the hanging bridge for a while, climb to the foot of a man-made waterfalls, and if you get tired, take a few minutes rest at one of the wooden benches placed just before you reach the pool area. You’ll definitely appreciate the water more.

Breathtaking views (see the mountains of Montalban?)

Beautiful floras.

You can also do karaoke for everyone to hear your vocal prowess, get a henna tattoo with your friends at the tattoo parlor and face painting for the kids.

The lush greenery and natural beauty surrounding  makes it an appropriate place to hold reunions, parties and weddings. Noah’s Park is located in Brgy. San Isidro, Montalban, Rizal just across Avilon Zoo. They can be reached at the following numbers: +63922-8544410 / (+632)517-1242 / (+632)401-4735

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*barkada – group of friends

*multicab – vehicle for mass transportation, resembles a jeepney but smaller in size.

A familiar sight? When was the last time you were here?

Located at the heart of Manila, Rizal Park is one of the main attractions of the city. In the Spanish colonial era, it used to be a cleared area aimed to buffer any rebellious acts of the locals against the walled city of Intramuros, which, at that time, was the center of business and social activities. The area was then named Bagumbayan or New Town, but was better known as Luneta because its shape was like a small moon or lunette (Spanish). In 1912, Act No. 243 of the Philippine Assembly, declared the place as the site where a monument of Dr. Jose Rizal and a mausoleum which will house his remains will be erected. This location is almost the same spot where Dr. Jose Rizal was executed on December 30, 1896. Up to this day, two ceremonial guards known as Kabalyeros de Rizal or Knights of Rizal guard the National Hero’s monument twenty-four hours a day and all throughout the week.

How much of Luneta have you seen so far? Do you have a photo by the Rizal monument? Or are you one of those who find this idea appalling? But leaders from other countries do not think so. In fact most visiting dignitaries make it a point to pay respect and lay a wreath at the monument. The many times I’ve been in Luneta, groups of foreign visitors excitedly pose in front to take pictures.

Today, aside from the Rizal monument, Luneta Park has other attractions like the man-made lake with a replica of the archipelago in it, the Quirino Grandstand, the Chinese and Japanese Gardens (favorite venues of students for rehearsals of school presentations), a monument of Lapu-Lapu and a few meters from the monument is the National Museum, and the big flagpole in front of Rizal monument (marks kilometer zero). At night, visitors can catch the light and sound show about the last days of the National Hero in the park’s open theater.

Let me end this post with snapshots of Bagumbayan today:

Photos: marker of Jose Rizal’s execution site; a series of relief sculptures depicting the life of the National Hero; a scene in the light and sound show

Photos: La Madre Filipina (a detail on the right side of the Rizal monument also depicts a mother and has this inscription below: “La Madre Filipina cria el porvenir del pais”*); Binhi ng Kalayaan (unveiled during the Philippine Centennial, dedicated to the heroes of the country); a very attractive tree, Natinal Museum of the Filipino People (used to be the Finance Building); Lapu-Lapu monument; bulova clock

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*Rough translation: The Filipina mother nurtures the future of the country (Fil.: Ang ina ang humuhubog sa kinabukasan ng bayan)

Some of the photos in this post courtesy of my friend Agnes. Used with permission.

Unknown to many, a nature sanctuary is nestled right in the heart of Quezon City, where one can experience serenity, even for a while. The La Mesa Eco Park has been there for years. It has been rehabilitated a few years ago and is now open to the public again. It is a sanctuary for nature lovers, health buffs and for families who want to spend some quality time with each other.

Whatever your interests are, something will definitely suit you at the eco park. Enjoy a boat ride with friends at the boating lagoon, located just a few meters from the administration building. As you go around, you’ll have the view of the old dam. Fitness buffs have a reason to love La Mesa Eco Park. It has a fitness trail equipped with courses and obstacles designed to help improve the physical condition of the body. If you feel like swimming, you can do that, too. The eco park boasts of its saltwater pool, which is healthier, friendlier to your skin compared to regular swimming pools. Shaded by trees, surrounded by floras and varieties of orchids, the Orchidarium is a haven for horticulturists and of course, orchid lovers. It’s one of the most peaceful areas of the park. You can sit on a bench, read a book and you won’t even notice the passing of time. And, you get an extra treat from the birds with their melodious chirping. This area is also very conducive for students reviewing for an exam. No one will bother you here. Not so far from the Orchidarium is the amphitheater, a good venue for concerts, programs, stage plays and other cultural or artistic endeavor. You may also want to climb the stairs leading to the top of the flower terraces, where you can witness an explosion of colors when flowers are in bloom. After seeing these places, you can take a rest, eat lunch or snacks at the picnic tables and engage in a hearty chat with the whole family or barkada for as long as long as you like. You can even try the fishing lagoon for a catch or two that you cook after.

Personally, I wasn’t aware that the eco park still operates until a colleague asked me to take photos of the park for her newspaper article. My only knowledge of it is that it is part of La Mesa Watershed. Located in East Fairview, Quezon City, La Mesa Eco Park is very accessible. You can either drive or take a bus, FX-taxi or jeepney bound for Fairview and ask the driver to drop you off at East Fairview Subdivision. From there, ride a tricycle that will take you to the park. If you’re feeling adventurous, you may also hike. Just make sure you ask for proper direction first so you wouldn’t get lost. For a very low entrance fee, commune with nature and breathe fresh air, because nature tripping is something that you can still do in the city.

Since the island was a military reservation during World War II, Corregidor is a favorite destination among war veterans, Filipinos and Americans alike. It is also frequented by students, teachers, foreign visitors, and Pinoy travelers, too. Like myself.

Going to Corregidor is more or less an hour’s ferry ride from Manila. The ferry leaves CCP terminal at around eight o’clock in the morning. As the boat traverse the sea, you are free to go around; buy some snacks, take pictures, or you may go to the second deck where you’ll be able to enjoy the panorama of the ocean, the islands and mountains from afar and even the diminishing view of the city you left behind. When the ferry finally docks in Corregidor, tourist guides, tranvias and their drivers await the visitors at the port, ready to take them around the island.

In the tranvia, the tour guide gives an overview of the island, explains why its geographical location made it a perfect site for an army reservation camp, and introduces the structures around and the various military installations in the whole island. The tranvia stops at some points — for the tourist to explore and take a closer look.

Points of Interests in Corregidor:

1. The Mile-Long Barracks - Ruins of a three-story structure that measures around 1, 500 feet long and housed an estimated 2,000 American soldiers. Gen. Douglas McArthur’s headquarters was also located in this building. It became popular worldwide as the longest military barracks.

2. Batteries - Batteries are scattered in the island; strategically placed to protect Manila from outside forces. Twenty batteries were installed in Corregidor and some of the most well-known are: Battery Way, which has four 12-inch mortars capable of firing in any direction (360 degrees); Battery Geary, whose six 13-ton, 12-inch guns are the most effective; Battery Crocket, which has two seacoast mortars; and Battery Hearn, which has the longest seacoast gun capable of firing up to a distance of 17 miles.

3. Spanish Lighthouse – From the top of the lighthouse, one can enjoy a breathtaking view of Manila Bay, South China Sea and even the rest of the island.

4. Pacific War Memorial - Built by the American government in honor of the Filipinos and American soldiers who fought during thr second World War. Highlight of the memorial is a dome with an open ceiling, where, on the 6th of May (the fall of Corregidor), the rays of the sun directly shines on the marble altar in the middle.

5. Filipino Heroes Memorial – Dedicated to the Filipino heroes who fought for freedom. The memorial has 14 murals depicting the battle of Filipinos from the Spanish era up to EDSA People Power. From here, you can see Caballo Island, which is very near Corregidor.

6. Malinta Tunnel (Light-and-Sound Show) – A tour in Corregidor will not be complete without experiencing the 30-minute light-and-sound show inside the Malinta Tunnel. The show presents the many functions of the tunnel during the war: a hospital for the soldiers, fuel storage, weaponry, headquarters, and how it became the home and office of President Quezon’s government. The presentation ends with the Philippine national anthem and raising of the Philippine flag.

My work has given me the chance to visit one of the city’s tourist destinations: World of Butterflies, run by the local government of Marikina. WOB’s main goal is to conserve the habitat of the butterflies. Aside from its butterfly garden, it is also a sanctuary for breeding them. Here, one can see the different stages of a butterfly’s life cycle.

Among the insects, butterflies have one of the most complicated life cycles. And unlike the other creatures under Class Insecta, they do not undergo a nymph period before becoming an adult; instead, a butterfly changes appearance when it becomes an imago. So, there’s no such thing as baby butterfly.

Did you know that butterflies are indicators of pollution? If a place is polluted, you will seldom see butterflies in that area. They can be a pest in crops also, since their larvae (caterpillar) feed on a number of citrus plants (larval food plant). Hey, larva’s the longest stage in the life cycle and entirely spent eating until it becomes a fully-grown caterpillar.

The saying that “a butterfly only lives for a day” is not really true. Their average life span is two weeks. But some butterflies can survive for months. If a butterfly only lasted for a day, it must have been attacked/eaten by a predator.

Photos from left – right: (a) larvae feeding on citrus leaves, (b) preparing to become a pupa, (c) a pupa, (d) comparing a male from a female butterfly–the female have more dots on its wings. (All photos taken by the author at World of Butterflies)

Although WOB is not as magnificent as I was expecting, it was a learning experience. It has reignited my curiosity in this peculiar insect. And maybe it will be worth exploring again, now that I have more knowledge. You do not need a large area at home to create a habitat for butterflies. A little garden with lots of flowers will do (tip on flowers: butterflies prefer non-fragrant, clustered ones like santan). It’s also a way of contributing something to Mother Nature.

Yesterday (April 5), together with some friends from work, I spent a whole day at Avilon Zoo for the second time, and boy, I had a wonderful time! As they say, the second time is always sweeter, well in this case, much, much better than the first since a lot of improvement had been done by the administration of the zoological park (and still doing more until now, kudos to them).

Unlike my first visit, our small group didn’t hire a tour guide. Since I’ve been there before, maybe I’ll just be the tour guide (minus the explanation about the animals, of course! ). Avilon Zoo is a seven hectare park and it’s fun to get lost at such a big place when you’re with carefree, good-tempered people. Nobody complained about all the walking, the heat or to those who arrived a little late. All of us just had fun! And I’d like to share just how much fun we had.

Look who loves being cuddled!

This baby tiger doesn’t have a name yet, but it’s been making friends with the visitors. Really cute and cuddly.

Meet Camille and Louie (and the rest of the family! )

These two are the sweetest! And they have manners. They shake the hands of everyone they meet. Louie loves to be cuddled. Look how he clings to “mommy” (peace, señora ).

This summer, going to the beach is not the only thing you can do. Avilon Zoo is an alternative, so put it in your list. It’s less crowded at this time since school term’s over. Besides, it’s very accessible from the metropolis. Avilon Zoo is located in Rodriguez (Montalban), Rizal—thirty to forty-five minutes drive from Quezon City. Or you can take the PUJs/PUVs from Cubao and Philcoa, tell the driver to let you off at Eastwood (subdivision), then ride a tricycle and ask Manong driver to take you to Avilon Zoo.

More Friends

]]> http://crumb-trails.com/2008/04/06/avilon-the-second-time-around/feed/ 21 http://crumb-trails.com/2008/03/07/almost-summer/ http://crumb-trails.com/2008/03/07/almost-summer/#comments Fri, 07 Mar 2008 02:13:26 +0000 Salve http://salvacion.wordpress.com/?p=336 It feels good to get away from the hum of the city even for a while. A few weeks ago, I had the chance to spend a couple of days in Pundaquit, Zambales. Let me share some pictures of those relaxing days.

Exploring the beach early morning, Saturday.

*Some quick snaps.*

Had to ask our driver to stop here so I could take these shots.

I need to explore the place more. And I’m definitely going back! I have yet to know the real name of the river and the places it runs through. I have to visit the islands, too (Caponies) and see the other side of the hill, where, according to the locals, the water is calmer and the environment is more serene. Yeah, there’s a lot more to discover!

I’ve been planning that trip for a long, long time and been asking some of my friends to go with me. They’d say yes but we’d end up postponing the trip afterwards. I was awed when I saw the pictures in the Dominicans’ website. I was rendered speechless actually, my breath literally taken away for several seconds. I’m really glad that I was able to visit the place this time and was able to convince one of my college friends to go with me.

It rained that day. But that did not dampen our enthusiasm to explore the place. Both Grace and I did not bring any real food, thinking there might be a place to eat inside. Big mistake. I should have realized that it’s a place for reflection, peaceful solitude, connecting with God and the beauty of His creations, not a gimik place. So we ended up eating chips (junk food) and sampalok candy, which was a little spicy but suited our taste just as well.

Anyway, we started walking the path that led to The Way of the Cross (Stations of the Cross). It’s a long, narrow road that leads to the bridge going to the camping grounds. The stations are wood-carved, each surrounded by flowering plants and shrubs. In between the stations are pahinglayan or resting areas—wood huts with swings or wooden benches. From here, we went back to Plaza de Guzmanes and climbed the few steps leading to the Dominicum, stopped for a glass of water then followed the long, ascending pathway called Via Evangelium, which means “The Way of the Gospel.” The stairway, as mentioned in the website, symbolizes the narrow path of life, which is an uphill climb and perseverance leads to the top. We actually didn’t notice how long the climb was because the place is surrounded with a variety of plants, trees and flowers in bloom. Along the Via Evangelium, at the right side, is the statue of Saint Dominic—known as the “Happy Friar.” We detoured to Plaza de Aza, rested in one of the benches there and savored some quiet moments.

Resuming our journey, we finally reached the end of Via Evangelium, which is also the highest point of Caleruega and the site of the majestic structure of the Transfiguration Chapel. You can view the expanse of Caleruega from here. I felt overwhelmed staring at the beauty laid before my eyes. It made me realize how small I am; that I am just a speck of dust in the vast the universe. The chapel’s façade is similar to the original chapel in Caleruega, Spain—the birthplace of Saint Dominic. A wedding was held at the chapel that day, so the aisle and the altar were still decorated with flowers. The stained glass at the altar is a depiction of the Transfiguration of Christ (center). Outside the chapel is a lush garden. A sculpture of Christ particularly caught my attention, His arms extended, His head raised to the heavens. It’s another amazing sight in Caleruga.

Our last stop was the Rosary Lane, which is beside the chapel and leads to an impasse where the Virgin Mary’s statue resides. Seen from here are the jagged (or their jagged peaks) mountains of Batulao. We only stayed for a while and headed back to Plaza de Guzmanes. Only then did we realized that we had been walking for almost four hours. We finally went out after a while, waited for our tricycle ride (yes, we commuted) that will bring us to the national highway.

Caleruega is just a few hours from Manila. If you don’t have a car (like us!), you can board buses going to Nasugbu, Balayan, or Calatagan. Get off at Evercrest (hotel), ride the tricycle there and ask the driver to bring you to Caleruega or you can walk if you feel like hiking. Bus fare is less than a hundred pesos, tricycle is 40 or 50 pesos. You can also ask the driver to fetch you afterwards.