In The Island of Stars

My family and I got back from our trip to Palawan last year where we visit some of the tourist spots in Puerto Princesa City including Honda Bay. It is a perfect place for island hopping because the exotic and peculiar features of the islets and the panoramic view of the bay makes the tour more exciting. In addition, it is an ideal venue for snorkeling because of the abundance of marine creatures from shallow reefs to the deeper parts of the bay.

The shore of Starfish Island.

There is an island in Honda Bay where you can see a lot of stars. If you want to know about it, you can go to Starfish Island. You can travel there through boat, many less than twenty to forty-five minutes from the shore to the island. Boats can be rented in Sta. Lourdes Wharf, Barangay Tagbanua, Puerto Princesa City.

The lucid and clear water of Honda Bay from Starfish Island. You can see numerous starfish in this shallow reef.

A starfish found in the most shallow area of the bay.

The starfish teemed up with rocky reef and clear water of Honda Bay.

Starfish Island is famous for its fine white sand beaches, stony reef and pellucid water of the bay where many starfish are abounded in this area. In addition, this island is covered with mangrove trees. You can have your overnight stay by checking in to Sandbar Resort and some cottages which serve as lodging places in the island.

A lone starfish in the clear saltwater.

A starfish crawling to its next place.

A small hard coral.

A baby crab. This is the smallest crab I've ever seen in my whole life.

We spend in this island for almost twenty to forty minutes. We enjoyed our stay here by taking photographs and walking in the seashore to feel the natural beauty and discover the diverse creatures found in this island. The most memorable experience in this island is to see the numerous starfish scattered in the shallow and rocky reef of the bay. It was visually captivating to see many brown and orange starfish distributed in the clear and tropical water of Honda Bay. There are also few small gray sea stars in the bay. You can also found some creatures such as crabs, hard and soft corals, and some clownfish that dwell on sea anemone.

We also did fish feeding but only few were coming in the shallow part unlike in nearby islands where you can see colorful schools of fish. There are few fish with white, brown and gray colors are coming to eat the bread crumbs. In addition, you need to become cautious because of stonefish. They were able to camouflage which look like a rough stone under the sea that matches the rocky features of the reef. If you attacked by this creature, your whole leg up to your thigh will be in intense pain because of the neurotoxins released from their glands at the base of needle-like dorsal fin spines.

Aside from the abundance of starfish, there are lots of white shells in this island which look like a dollar coins. These creatures are called sand dollars. They are distributed from the seashore to the bay. But when we take a glimpse on these coin-like creatures, they were already empty. However, when sand dollars are alive, they have a substance which makes their brown color and they have their spines to move coordinately. We didn’t see any living sand dollars or else they are living underwater or in muddy areas.

As we walk along the moist and sandy seashore, we found a dead starfish which smells too bad because it was decaying. If a starfish is continuously crawling to the beach where there is no water, they will die. We saw other starfish in the shore. They were pale and dry due to too much exposure in air and sunlight. However, they are still living. In order for these sea stars to live longer, we take them back to their habitat in the bay.

Starfish Island is near in Snake Island where you can enjoy fish feeding and snorkeling where you can see colorful school of fish, coral reefs and clams. In addition, there are lots of small fish in the shallow reef of this island. You need to become careful also because there are triggerfish that will join the school of fish during the fish feeding and they can bite you with its strong-jawed mouth. In addition, tourists gather in this island for their lunch break and it can be joined by the souvenir vendors to sell their items for the tourists. Snake Island is named because of its shape is similar to  a slithering snake.

 The magic circle of stars in Honda Bay. Brown and orange starfish gathered together in a circle.

Starfish Island is such a peculiar tourist spot in Honda Bay. It was a surreal encounter when you see numerous starfish in the clear, tropical waters of the bay and their way of living in this island along with other creatures. Although we stay there for less than an hour, it was an exciting thing to discover more of the small islands in Honda Bay which has peculiar and exotic features and it proves that our country is such a beautiful place to live.

Honda Bay Island Hopping

The Honda Bay postcard I bought in Palawan.

Palawan is one of the best tourist destinations in the Philippines because of different natural wonders such as limestone formation of caves, diverse flora and fauna, verdant mountains, lush rainforests, fine beaches and tropical blue waters of the sea. In addition, it is an ideal place for your summer getaway because of the clean environment, beautiful tourist spots, and the abundance of natural resources in the island province.

I got back from a trip to Palawan last year where we visit some of the tourist attractions in the province. One of the places we visited was Honda Bay. It is an ideal venue for island hopping and snorkeling. In addition, this place is known for white sand beaches, the blue and crystal clear water and the richness of marine creatures in the bay. Honda Bay is located 12 kilometers east of Puerto Princesa City and composed of several islands within the area. The bay is used for commercial fisheries and recreation. Boats can be rented in Sta. Lourdes wharf in Brgy. Tagbanua, Puerto Princesa City. These boats can be used for travel to nearby islands, many less than 45 minutes from the shore by boat. 

Sailing across the Honda Bay.

During our island hopping in Honda Bay, we visit two islands and one diving spot. Our first stop is in Pambato Reef where corals are abundant in this area. According to other travel blogs, there is a huge fish density and underwater visibility in this diving area. I wanted to see the coral reefs during that time, but I was afraid to go in the reef because I don’t have enough experience to swim in the deeper part of the bay. Besides, there are tourists who injured because of corals. So you need to be careful in swimming and do not step the corals. 

The colorful school of fish in the shallow reef of Snake Island.

After forty-five minutes, we proceed to Snake Island. This place is known not because there are many snakes in the island, but it is named for the shape of the island which looks like a slithering snake. We spent for almost one hour and enjoyed our stay in the island covered with mangrove trees. First, we saw a lot of tiny fish with white and brown colors in the part of the bay that almost reaches the shore. Besides, I had a lot of fun in snorkeling. But the most unforgettable encounter in this island happened in fish feeding.  It was a surreal experience because there are schools of fish with bright colors of black, white, blue and yellow were surrounding around me. Also, there are two to three medium-sized fish wants to join the group in feeding the bread crumbs. While waiting for our lunch, I saw a small crab with a shell in its back (I think it’s a hermit crab). I try to look at this crab and touch its shell until it runs fast and hides in a small hole in the sand. Then, we had our lunch and picture taking in this island. Also, my sisters and friends helped the pasalubong vendors in making accessories and souvenirs. 

The sandy seashore of Starfish Island.

The lucid and tropical water of the bay from Starfish Island.

The fine white sand, rocky reef, and clear water teemed with starfish.

The circle of starfish.

Our last stop is in Starfish Island. When we landed in the island, it was amazing because of fine white sand and clear water that teemed with the numerous starfish scattered in the shallow reef of the bay. We spend our time there through taking photographs and walking in the seashore to discover other creatures aside from starfish. In addition, there are plenty of empty and white shells which look like a dollar coins. These creatures are called sand dollars. In fact, these sand dollars are color brown when they were living. We also found a dead starfish, decaying in the shore. They died due to continuously crawling to the beach which is a dry place and out of the water. Because of what we saw, we decided to save some starfish in the shore by getting them back to the bay in order to live longer. You need to become cautious also because there are stonefish found in this island. They are able to camouflage which looks like a rock under the sea. But, if you attacked by this creature, your whole leg up to your thigh would be numb and be in intense pain. We also continued our fish feeding but there are few fish with colors of brown and white fed the bread crumbs and stay away;  unlike in other islands where there are colorful schools of fish. 

A place similar to the Exile Island in hit reality series Survivor.

Lu-li Island

Taking a glimpse of the bay before we go back to the wharf.

Therefore, there are other islands in Honda Bay which are interesting to visit due to its peculiar and exotic features. There are islands which are known for the richness of marketable creatures such as Canon or Cowrie Island where you can found many cowrie shells in the shore and Señorita Island which serves as a breeding site of lapu-lapu fish. We also have Lu-li Island which coined from the first syllables of two Tagalog words Lulubog meaning sinking and Lilitaw which means showing up, where one part of this island is sinking during high tide. Also there are islands named after a flying mammal and an endemic plant. These islands are Bat Island where it is the home of fruit bats that coming out of holes during sundown for their evening feed and Pandan Island where it is named after a native plant found in the island and an ideal place for snorkeling. Lastly, we have islands known for its resorts like the Arreceffi Island where you can found the Dos Palmas Resort and Meara Marina Island where you can have your overnight stay in this island because of its resort.

This island trekking experience is exciting and relaxing because you will appreciate the abundance of natural resources, the beauty of the islands and the captivating scenery of the bay. If I were given a chance to come back to Palawan, I want to complete my island trekking experience in Honda Bay in order to explore the uniqueness of every island and the panoramic beauty of the bay.

  

Photos by: Diesta Family (jondiestaportfolio.blogspot.com)

Text by: Jonathan B. Diesta

Other Sources: http://www.puertoprincesa.ph

Visita Iglesia

Every Holy Week, there are different customs commemorated in dedication to the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ. One of these traditions is Visita Iglesia. It is a tradition during Holy Week where people can visit seven to fourteen churches where they can pray or accomplish the Stations of the Cross. According to other beliefs, if they complete the fourteen churches, there will be a miracle happen including their wishes will be granted. On the other hand, Visita Iglesia is also a travel experience where you can visit churches in different places and it is one way to enrich our tourism.

The experience of participating in Visita Iglesia began last 2008 along with my sisters. We visit churches in different towns in Cavite such as Silang, Dasmarinas, Tagaytay City, Mendez, Indang and Trece Martires. At first, it was a hard trip because we transfer from place to place and it requires a lot of budget due to expenses in transportation by riding a jeepney, tricycle or even a bus. In addition, we don't have time to eat during the pilgrimage and we drink water to quench our thirst. In the end, it was an enjoyable trip as I learned to discover different churches in several towns.

Last April 21, 2011, I experienced to have a Visita Iglesia on my own. I visit churches in different town in Cavite (Silang, Gen. Mariano Alvarez, Carmona), Laguna (Binan, Santa Rosa City, San Pedro) and Muntinlupa City. 

Having a Visita Iglesia is one way of observing the Lenten Season through reflections of all the things that we have done, asking our prayers for ourselves and someone who helps us and having a close relationship to God through prayers and commemorating this tradition is a way where we remember what Jesus Christ sacrificed for all the people to forgive our sins.

The church in Tagaytay City in our Visita Iglesia last 2008.

The Risen Christ Parish Church in my hometown in Bulihan, Silang, Cavite.

The church of Holy Family in Gen. Mariano Alvarez, Cavite.

San Vicente Ferrer Parish Church in Binan, Laguna.

Sta. Rose de Lima Parish Church in Santa Rosa, Laguna.

The Saint Sepulchro Shrine in Landayan, San Pedro, Laguna.

There are many people who visit the church in Landayan because they believed that this church is miraculous due to the old relic called Lolo Uweng.

Saint Joseph Parish Church in Carmona, Cavite.

San Isidro Labrador Church in Binan, Laguna.

Saint Peregrine Church in Muntinlupa City.

San Pedro Church in San Pedro, Laguna.

One Day In The Rock: A Glimpse of History in Corregidor Island

Crossing the Manila Bay while going to Corregidor Island.

The view of Corregidor Island.

The map of Corregidor Island.

The view of Bataan from the island. Bataan is only three miles away from Corregidor Island.

Last year, it was March 13, 2010, we had a travel in the island of Corregidor. The island is located 48 kilometers west of Manila, strategically found in the entrance of Manila Bay. Corregidor is located three miles away from Bataan and it is part of Cavite City. This island is called as "The Rock" because of its rocky landscapes and this island stands for the memorial of heroes who fought during the Second World War in the Philippines. This island also serves as a harbor defense of foreign invaders who came in our country and it is the headquarters of the Philippine Commonwealth during the Second World War.

The ruins of Middleside Barracks.

The weapons used during the war which serve as a decoration.

The weapons used during the Second World War which is stored in Corregidor Island.The Battery Grubs is a place where most of the weapons are stored.

It was an exciting trip because we are taking a glimpse of our history. by viewing the tourist attractions and listening to the facts about Corregidor which told by our tourist guide. As we go along our way through the island, we saw the ruined buildings, tunnels and structures especially the barracks. The big canyons and mortars are used during the war are now in silence which serves as decoration. Although there are doubts in my mind that these canons and missiles are still active.

The Pacific War Memorial.

The major memorial structure is a rotunda with a circular altar directly under the dome's oculus through which the sunlight falls during the daytime.(Source: wikipedia.org)

The Eternal Flame of Freedom

The sculpture called "Brothers In Arms" which symbolizes the American and Filipino heroes who fought during the Second World War in the Philippines.

The Japanese Garden of Peace.

A tomb written in Japanese characters which dedicated to the people who fought during the war.

The statue in the Japanese Memorial Garden.

Another unforgettable experience in our tour is the visit to Pacific War Memorial where we saw some structures which has relevance in the history of our country during the war years. This place is considered as a tribute for the Filipino and American soldiers and heroes who fought for independence and defend our country against the invaders. We also visited the Pacific War Memorial Museum where we saw pictures and artifacts which serve as a remembrance of the Second World War in the Philippines. We also visit the Japanese Garden of Peace where it is a place commemorated for the Japanese people who sacrificed their lives during the war.

An issue of "Honolulu Star Bulletin" which headlines the invasion of Japanese in Hawaii.

An old Philippine money used during the Japanese occupation called "Mickey Mouse money."

Pictures and memorabilla from the Japanese Garden of Peace.

The flag of United States during the Second World War with forty-five stars.

The pictures of Corregidor Island before the Second World War.

Last but not the least, we also visit the Malinta Tunnel, a place which serves as a secret headquarters of USAFFE (United Stated Armed Forces in the Far East) and the seat of Philippine Commonwealth before Corregidor conquered by the Japanese forces. As we walked inside the tunnel, we saw things used during the war. We saw the hospital and the headquarters of Gen. Douglas MacArthur inside the tunnel. We also experience the real meaning of "total darkness" where the tour guide asked us to close the flashlights and walked along the tunnel where we feel that the space becomes tighter (we feel that we are in the smallest portion of the tunnel). In addition, we experience the "deafening silence" where we become silent for one minute and I heard anything but silence.

The Malinta Tunnel entrance gate.

The way inside the tunnel.

An old typewriter and a book found inside the headquarters of Gen. Douglas MacArthur.

Adding machine which used as calculator in the past.

The map of Southeast Asia during the World War II.

Therefore, this experience traveling in Corregidor was unforgettable and the tourists will appreciate the colorful history of the Philippines during the Second World War. In addition, the ruined buildings, the silent canyons and missiles, the old pictures and things, the rocky landscape and the fresh and tranquil ambiance will prove that Corregidor is one of the ideal tourist spots in the Philippines which shows the beauty of our country in historical and topographical aspects. In the future, hopefully the Corregidor Island will be the same and more tourists will visit that island someday.

The statue of General Douglas MacArthur when he promised to the Filipinos in his line "I SHALL RETURN."

Author's Note: It is his first water travel through riding a speedboat going to Corregidor Island. :)