Laguna | A Glimpse Of Old Biñan

 Biñan is historically known as the place where José Rizal received his first formal education. He was about eight years old when he and his brother, Paciano left Calamba and settled in Biñan. There, he used to reside in his mother's ancestral home, owned by the family of Jose Alberto Alonzo, the father of Rizal’s mother, Teodora Alonzo. 

The Alberto Mansion

The Alberto Mansion, built in the early 19th century, is a two-storey house with a floor area of about 600 square meters and is currently located at the Poblacion across from the city government building.

 José Rizal Monument Plaza

José Rizal Monument Plaza, in downtown Biñan, is the major landmark of the city, which is beside the San Isidro Labrador Parish Church which is also beside the old municipal hall, and the public market.

San Isidro Labrador Parish Church

I only can imagine how beautiful the town was during its hey days. So close to us here in the south metro yet unknown to many. In almost all areas of the town I found reminders of its inspiring past. Such lovely old houses, I don’t mind spending the whole afternoon feasting my eyes on these gems.

Gumasa Beach ( Glan Saranggani )

Locals have aptly nicknamed this crescent-shaped stretch the "Small Boracay of the South". This is what Boracay might have looked like before all the commercial development: slow paced, quiet except for the sound of the waves and small cottages and thatched nipa huts make do for shelter. I'll take it!

How to get there:

From Manila- Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific Air flies daily to General Santos City. From there ride a van bound to Glan Saranggani. From the town hire a tricycle to Gumasa beach. 


Where to Stay:

Coco Beach Resort - Open-air cottages (Php600, overnight) to airconditioned rooms (starts from Php2000, 2 single beds to Php4500, 6 single beds and one cottage)

Rosal Beach Resort - Open-air cottages (Php500-1100, daytime/ overnight); Aircon rooms start at Php2300 (2 beds) to an elevated cottage (Php7000, 7 beds); Open day cots, beach volleyball, children's play ground, skim board rental


·Brod Louie Resort - Open family cottages (Php500/800,day/ overnight); Resthouses (Php2600/3000, fan/ aircon); Airconditioned Rooms/Dormitory (Php2000/4600) They have a kiddie pool, kayaking and videoke.

Asik-Asik Falls ( Alamada North Cotabato )

Asik-asik Falls is located at Sitio Dulao, Upper Dado, Alamada, North Cotabato. The name comes from a Hiligaynon term, which means to sprinkle.  The waterfalls resemble a curtain of spring waters flowing down from a jade wall covered in lush foliage. It’s the kind of sight that should be experienced on its own, as pictures don’t do justice to the fantastic scenery. 

How to get there:

Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific Air flies daily to Cotabato City. From Cotabato City ride a van/bus bound to Midsayap. At Midsayap market there's is doable tire jeep (10am) to Bgry Dado in Alamada. From the brgy hire a habal habal to Asik-Asik falls.

Budget Accomodations in Guimaras

Eco Pen Hauz

San Miguel Jordan Guimaras 

(033)237 1332 / 09173009942

Guisi Lighthouse and Heritage Cottage

Dolores Nueva Valencia Guimaras 5046

0928 961 1031 / 0920 547 0288 / 0999 383 6595

JM Backpackers Hometel

New Site, San Miguel Jordan Guimaras

(033) 581 2164

Jovita's Secret Convention Center

San Miguel Jordan Guimaras 

Miewa Pension House

New Poblacion Buenavista Guimaras

(033) 580 5693 /  0926 902 8578

NMRDC Dormitory
San Miguel Jordan Guimaras

(033) 237 1391

OLP-Trappist Monastery Guest House

San Miguel Jordan Guimara

(033) 581 3393 / (033) 581 3385 / 0918 427 8252

Pine Haven Hotel

San Miguel Jordan Guimaras

(033) 237 1069 /  0915 221 5763

Shirven Hotel

San Miguel Jordan Guimaras 5046

033-237-1608 /  0921-720-5242

rates:

Garden (2) Php 800.00

Deluxe (2-4) Php 1,600.00

Superior (2) Php 1,700.00

Side Walkers

San Miguel Jordan Guimaras

Small Wings Pension Inn

San Miguel Jordan Guimaras 

0910 537 1594

Twin Feathers Pension Inn

San Miguel Jordan

(033) 237 1728 / 0927 857 5233

Zemkamps Chalet

New Site, San Miguel Jordan Guimaras

(033) 237 1388 /  0920 2630466

Situbo Falls ( Tampilisan Zamboanga del Norte )

The towering Situbo Falls is one of the many still unspoiled waterfalls in the Philippines, resplendent, mighty, and powerful as it thunders down to a refreshing cool pool, waiting for you to be discovered.

How to get there:

1. Budget airlines have daily flights from Manila to Dipolog. From Dipolog City hop a bus bound to Ipil in Zambonga Sibugay (4 hours). Alight at the town of Tampilisan then charter a habal-habal to Situbo Falls(P200 roundtrip). 

2. Fly from Manila to Zamboanga City. From Zamboanga City hop a bus bound to Pagadian City. Alight at Ipil in Zamboanga Sibugay then take a jeepney ride to Tampilsan then charter a habal-habal to Situbo Falls.

Mt. Batulao ( Nasugbu Batangas )

Jump-off point: Evercrest Golf Course, Nasugbu
LLA: 14.0408 N 120.8011 E 811 MASL
Days required / Hours to summit: 1 day / 2-4 hours
Specs: Minor climb, Difficulty 4/9, Trail class 3 with 60-70 degrees assault
Features: Open trails, rolling slopes, scenic views of Batangas

How to get there:

Take a bus that is bound for Nasugbu – Lemery. Inform the conductor that you’ll be going to Mt. Batulao. Exit the bus when you get to Evercrest Golf Course in Lemery, Batangas. Travel time is roughly 2 to 3 hours depending on the traffic.

Budget Accomodations in Kidapawan City

AJ HI‐Time Hotel 
JP Laurel St., Corner Plaridel St. Kidapawan City
(064)288-1811 / (064)288-1475

AJD Garden Pads & Pension  
Quimco St., Kidapawan City
(064)278-4781

Apo Summit Hostel
Brgy. Kalasuyan, Kidapawan City
(064)278-3400

Boylyn Lodge 
Brgy. M,. Kidagsaysay, Kidapawan City
(064)278-1215 

Budget Inn 
Quirino Drive,. Kidapawan City
(064) 288‐1514 

Fajz Cafe & Lodging House 
Jose Abad Santos St., Kidapawan City
(064)2881609

Grand Ficus Plaza Hotel and Restaurant 
N. Aquino Ave. Bgry. Lanao,. Kidapawan City
(064)2783192 

Jayag Pension House 
Quirino Drive,. Kidapawan City
(064) 288‐1514 

JBL Lodge 
Quezon Blvd., Kidapawan City
(064)288-1614 

Mang Oming Lodge  
National Highway, Kidapawan City

Mt. Apo Inn 
Bautista St., Kidapawan City
(064) 288‐5720

Old Barracks Suites 
Bgry. Sudapin, Kidapawan City
(064) 288-1299

RBM Summit Motor Bay Inn 
Daang Maharlika, Kidapawan City
(064) 2884560

SAM's Guesthouse & Apartelles 
Villamarzo St., Kidapawan City
(064) 288-1281

Super Cool Drive Inn & Restaurant 
Roxas St., Kidapawan City
(064) 288‐5349

Silver Spoon Lodge 
Old PC Barracks, Kidapawan City
(064) 288‐1299

Survive Travelers Inn 
Villamarzo St., Kidapawan City
(064) 288‐5053