The Philippine National Museum of Anthropology

     The Philippine National Museum of Anthropology is second complex of The Philippine National Museum just right next to the  Philippine National Museum of Fine arts located at the Agrifica circle.  The building complex was used to be the Department of Finance and was converted into the museum that houses the anthropology and archaeological divisions.

    The Philippine National Museum of Anthropology is the most complex and comprehensive compared to the National Museum of  Fine arts and National Museum of National History.  It shows the theology dealing with origins and nature in relation to physical characteristics of Filipinos all through out times in relation to physical characters, environmental and social relationships express through exhibits from pre-hispanic era to the spoils of war during the japanese occupation.

     The Philippine National Museum of Anthropology has 15 galleries situated on different floors that show artifacts collected from different parts of the Philippines.

Ground floor.

     The Ifugao courtyard :  Shows a replica of Ifugao nipa hut used in the old times and up to know it is still practical among Ifugaos commonly found in Benguet (One of the northen provinces of Luzon).
     On the ground floor,  you can also visit the zoology gallery and National museum library.

Second floor.

     The Sandiego exhibits: Shows the 500 years of Maritime trade gallery.

     Garing:  Features the Philippines at crossroad of Ivory trade gallery.

     The Marble hall: Serves as the lobby of the musuem.  You can actually see the beauty and the intricate details of the lobby


Third floor.

     Lumad gallery:  Artifacts of early people of Mindanao used for trade with neighboring muslim countries.

     Kaban ng lahi gallery:  Showcases the burial jars used by ancient Filipinos and other archaeological findings.

     Lantasaka:  Displays the early weapons of war.

     Philippine National Artists gallery:


Fourt floor.

   The Baybayin gallery:  Showcases the ancient and pre-hispanic literature and scripts of the Philippines.

    Hibla ng lahing Filipino gallery:  This gallery shows the artistic of Philippine textile of early Filipinos.

     Biodiversity and Rice gallery:  This gallery is all about the early agriculture of Filipinos.

     Entwined Spheres gallery:  This gallery displays the different handicrafts and basketry manually made by the Filipino forefathers.

     I really find the National Museum of Anthropology very educational. I never knew how fascinating the Filipino culture can be.  It was also intriguing how colononization could have a strong impact and how it influenced  our culture leading to it's diversity.  Nevertheless all through out of cultural changes , still it is something we can be proud and show to the world.  Truly outstanding and enticing.

   



   

   

The Palawan Subterranean River

     The Palawan subterranean river also known as the underground river is one of the favorite attraction spots of the island.  Because of it's rich biodiversity, it is also known as major national park.  This nature wonder is located about 5 miles north of Puerto prinsesa along the Saint Paul mountain range on the western coast.  This famous paradise is highly protected by the Department of Environment and National Resources of Puerto prinsesa since 1992 from pollution and bad tourism.

     Because of it's  popularity, it was nominated and declared as one of the seven wonders of nature on July 29, 2011 along with Amazon rain forest of South America, Halong bay of vietnam,  Brazil's Iquacu falls, Komodo island national park of Indonesia and Table mountain of South Africa.

     Since  it is one of the favorite tourist destinations, travel to Palawan won't be complete without exploring the wonders of the subterranean river.

The Nachos Friday Night Club

     Me and the rest of my Nachos Friday Night Club buddies decided to visit and explore the enigmatic beauty of the underground river.  The place was swarned by tourists.  You can actually see tall cliffs surrounding the area and the green emerald-colored body of water  infront of the cave that serves as the entrance of the subterranean river provides a stunning view.

    A canoe tour into the cave is about 40 minutes. The length of the underground river is about 76 kilometers and tourists are only allowed to explore only up to 1.5 kilometers because the rest part of it is reserved for scientific exploration and research. Though the tour is only up to 1.5 kilometers of the subterranean river, you will be amazed by the pristine and rare beauty of the gold-colored stalagmites and stalactites and the limestone karst natural landscape.

     We all enjoyed exploring the hidden wonders of the of the underground river and our experience there was truly an unforgettable adventure. No doubt that it earned the title of one of the seven wonders of nature.  Exploring the great Palawan subterranean river may be quite expensive but I can really tell "its worth it."  Truly a great wonder and mother nature's work of art.

    To know more about the Palawan Subterranean river,  you can visit  www.undergroundriver.palawan.com





   

Amansinaya Mountain Resort

     Since summer is still on going, there are many places/resorts  to consider to go to enjoy while under the heat of the sun.  If you are looking for a not too crowded and not really a usual or typical resort; well Amansinaya mountain resort is an ideal place to visit.

    Me and my buddies had a privilege to visit Amansinaya some time ago.  It is located in Laurel, Batangas with in the Hacienda Cascada.   Just like tagaytay,  the said resort is sorrounded by tall mountains and you can enjoy the serene paradise if you prefer to unwind.

Taal volcano can be spotted along the way

     It's  a two hour travel from Manila and along the way, you can easily spot the breathtaking Taal Volcano.  Definitely it will make you stop by and enjoy the view for a while.  You may wanna take selfie or groupie.

Pugad lawin adventure camp

     Amansinaya has two pools. One is a kiddie pool and the other one is a greater pool for adults.  The place also offers a recreation area of Pugad lawin adventure camp.  There you can do wall climbing, mudsliding, obstacle course and zipline.

     The main atraction or showcase of Amansinaya is the elusive and hard to find Ambon-ambon water falls.  This water falls can be seen from the high grounds of Amansinaya.  Visitors are allowed to go the water falls accompanied by tour guide.  It is a 15 minute trek to the water fall. It is very tiring but once you get there, you'll be amazed by it's pristine beauty.

15 min trek to the water fall

The pristine Ambon-ambon water fall

      While the heat is on this summer, go and get a chance to visit the solitude paradise of Amansinaya mountain resort.

   

Philippine National Museum of National History Opens it's Door

     The Philippine National Museum of National History has finally opens it's  door for public viewing last May 18, 2018 which was also the day for National Museum day.

     The said museum had a one day  presentation last October  2017 that circulated on the online media and when it officialy opens  for public viewing,  people from different places flocked the museum.  On it's  first day the number of visitors went to more than 2000.

     The new museum showcases the different taxidermed specimens and replicas of both animals and plants found in the country.   The replica of Lolong  - the largest salt water crocodile caught is on the main gallery.  There are two taxidermed monkey eating eagle are also on display.

Replica of Lolong
The largest salt water crocodile caught

Taxidermed Monkey eating eagle

    People would be amazed by the classic interior of the mesuem and see the wondeful biodiversity of different specimens of the country.

     The National Musuem of National History is located  at  Rizal park and it has completed the national museum complex along with the National museum of arts and National museum of anthropology.

     Opens daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and admission is free.  So come with family and friends and enjoy the wonderful national history of Philippines.

The Most Colorful Philippine Festival

     The month of May in the Philippines is the season of festivals. Different provinces celebrate to carry the traditions that had been passed from generation to generation to commemorate the rich harvest that was belived to be blessed by saints. The advent of  festivals shows the rich culture of Filipinos and warmly welcome different tourists from different places in the country and around the world. One festival that was considered outstanding of all and that is the Lucban's Pahiyas Festival.
   
     I have heard alot of this wonderful event and seen posters and photos of it.  People who have been there and experienced the event shared their testimonies about their unforgettable memories of the pahiyas festival.  Out of curiosity and excitement, I decided to go there to experience it my self and a constant traveler tagged along with me.  Well,  brace yourself for a long trip it was a 5 hour travel from Manila.

Mt.  Banahao

     Located at the foot of Mt. Banahao, is a small town of  Lucban. Every 15th of May,  the freindly people celebrate the so-called Pahiyas festival.   This is a harvest feast celebration in honor of San Isidro Labrador; The patron saint of farmers of the Philippines.   It was said to be that in this event, you can experience  the most unique kind of festival,  see the colorful kipings ( leaf life waffers made from rice,), savor the delicious pancit hab hab, taste the flavorful lucban longanisa ( sausage) and enjoy the beauties, adorned water buffalos, giants and marching band in the grand parade.

Image of San Isidro Labrador 

     Pahiyas means "Decor" and during the festival, residents adorn their houses with different fruits, vegetables,  handicrafts and off course the kipings.  The kipings is the most expedient adornement that come with different  bright colors. The festival is not complete without the attractive kipings.   As we walked along  every street of  Lucban,  we were very amazed on how the residents decorated their houses.  It's nice to now how creative Filipinos can be.

      One of the main events of the Pahiyas festival is the procession of the  Image of San Isidro Labrador.   The image of the saint is carried through all the streets of the town along with devotees that concludes at the Lucban church.  Another main event is the grand parade of marching bands,  water buffalos, giants and the beauties.

Parade of the marching band

Parade of the water buffalos

Parade of the giants

Parade of the beauties

     The church of Lucban is another attraction of the town it is also a historical landmark.   It is known as one of the oldest catholic churches in the country.  The church has been standing there since the 14th century and will continue to stand for another century.

    I really enjoyed the festival at Lucban.  I'm glad I had a chance to experience the wonderful event.   I will always remember the warm friendly people, the colorful adorments and the spectacular grand parade.  It was truly a lavish festival and the place is worth revisiting.  See you next year.