My 3-Day Vacation in Puerto Princesa

Hubby's first out-of-town assignment was in Culion, Palawan. To get to Culion, he had to take a flight to Coron via Seair or Asian Spirit (now Zest). He would then catch the small boats who ferry daily to Culion. In his first week, we found out that there was barely mobile network coverage where he was staying. Because his stay ranged from two to six weeks, he was desperate in finding ways to catch a signal. His strategies included climbing the roof and sitting by the beach with an aluminum basin.

We scheduled our calls once a week to reduce my frustration with out-of-coverage notifications or no replies, which meant he didn't get my messages at all.

Fortunately, I had the opportunity to explore Palawan on my own. I planned a 3-day trip to cover Puerto Princesa to Culion, and then back. I was naive, then, and now I realize Palawan in 3 days was only possible if I hired a private vehicle to bring me back and forth. But I wouldn't enjoy the trip with such a short time. There is so much to discover and do in Palawan! Three days is definitely not enough.

I have heard media call Palawan as the last frontier. So I set off to discover its natural wonders - even on a tight budget. My airfare was provided by my sister so I didn't have to worry about it. But because I did not know enough about where I was heading, I chose to stay in basic accommodations so I have funds in case of an emergency. According to the maps I checked, only Puerto Princesa had ATMs. As a backpacker, it may not be wise to carry a lot of cash when traveling. But, yes, I had to keep 'em in unusual hiding places. And so should you ;)

As soon as I landed on Puerto Princesa's airport (local name), I took a trike to the North-bound terminal. I was hoping to get to the Puerto Princesa Underground River and return to the city to take another public transport to Honda Bay and Northern Palawan. I was expecting that trips were scheduled and that there were enough public transport to ferry tourists from the city to the popular St Paul Subterranean River. 

My plans burst like a bubble when the bus' hind wheel burst somewhere in the unpaved highway to PPUR. I haven't returned since but I hope its now fully paved. Anyway, the bus arrived just in time for lunch. I was told the last return trip to the city leaves at 1pm. So I had no choice but wait for next day's trip so I can explore my much-awaited forest trek, river adventure and spelunking. Oh yes, caves scare me and also give me the thrill. Sometimes, it takes more of understanding your fear and its source to manage how to react to it. 

PPUR can be reached by boat or by land via the mountain trails. I am more thrilled with the latter considering at the possibility that I can come across interesting flora and fauna. I just wished I had a digicam then :( The entry to the forest trail can be reached with a short walk by the beach. You'll pass by the mangrove river tour jump-off to get tot he trail.

The shorter trail took me almost three hours of leisure trek enjoying the forest. There's no chance you'll get lost as the trail has signs. I had almost given up seeing some action when I met these hospitable macaques welcomed me on the trail near the limestone cliffs.

They were actually waiting for treats. It seems that despite reminders and 'Do Not Feed' signs were all over the trail, some visitors still continue to give them something. This is one negative impact of irresponsible tourism. They followed me for a while, perhaps until they realized that I wasn't going to give them any treat. One snarled at me when I tried to step forward. So I decided to sit and take their photo while waiting for them to walk away. It was nice to meet them though.

My heart thumped all the more upon learning that I had to go alone. The boat/tour operators said I could wait. But I knew I couldn't because I had to walk back in time to pack and catch the 1pm return trip to the city. It was unbelievably calm when we paddled near the cave's mouth. From my boatman, I learned that operators had to undergo and pass extensive training as well as carry essential equipment (life vest, light, batteries and backup) in order to be able to ferry tourists inside the cave. By the time we were in the mouth, my mind was rushing with 'what ifs' so I asked my boatman more questions about the parts of the cave.

He explained that the tour only covers a short span of the river. To proceed deeper into the cave, explorers would have to secure more permits from DENR and the local government. They were also not equipped well to go further. There were a number of chambers, some shallow enough for swimming. Uh nah, I'm not up for that, yet.

Your cam has to have enough lighting range so you can shoot the beautiful natural sculptures. 

Afterwards, he also offered to accommodate me in their ride back to the city. What a lifesaver!

My return trip to the city was hassle-free, 2 or 3 hours (if I remember it right). After dropping his guests, I got to check out the Crocodile Farm and Mitra's Ranch before dark. From the ranch, you get a 360 degree view of Puerto Princesa. My host brought me to a modest hotel, as requested. And then invited me to watch the cultural dance at the Legend Hotel. I obliged, having no plans to walk alone (in unknown territory) at night. I was then hospitably treated to dinner at the Legend Hotel by my surprisingly generous lifesaver. I was a bit scared so instead of having beer with the 'kinilaw' and 'inihaw na tuna', I ordered iced tea. Not good at all, but I guess its one way to stay out of trouble. Despite my doubts, he drove me back at the hotel and offered to service me to the airport the next day for my early flight back to Manila.

I politely declined and said I'd rather commute since I have plans of going around the local market to buy pasalubong. I got some dried squid and tahong, cashew and Palawan keychains. And yes, the handful non-digital photos are part of my pasalubong :)

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Brain Surgery as an Outpatient Treatment with Gamma Knife

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Through a media briefing, I recently discovered that brain tumors can now be removed without open surgery. Brain cancer treatment can now be an outpatient service. That, totally racked my brain!

From my recent trip to Mindanao, modern medical equipment in facilitating the early diagnosis of tumors in the breast was already a big leap. Having found this advanced imaging equipment outside the big cities opens the opportunities for more rural folk, who mostly do not have access to medical consultations and modern medical facilities. Many Filipinos even travel to the US or Europe for sophisticated medical treatment that are not available locally.

Leksell Gamma Knife

Surprisingly, it is not new to the Philippines. The Philippines Gamma Knife Center was founded in 1998. Since then, they have treated 1774 patients (only a fraction of Filipino patients with brain disorder). 

Among about 200 Leksell Gamma Knife machines, there is only one of its kind in the Philippines. It can be found at The Philippine Gamma Knife Center in San Juan. The center is located inside the Cardinal Santos Medical Center Compound. 

Team of Medical Specialists on Gamma Surgery

There are only 19 nuerosurgeons trained to operate this sophisticated machine. And they come as far as Bacolod, Cebu, Dagupan and Davao. The team is composed of Neurosurgeons, a Radiation Oncologist, a Medical Physicist, an Anesthesiologist and a Neurosurgical Nurse. For patients seeking treatment for brain tumors, Gamma Knife Surgery gives a 95% success rate.

Dr Theodor Vesagas, MD explained the treatment planning and treatment process. Prior to admission, the Center requires patients to submit a referral or a digital image where the neurosurgeons can study whether a patient’s specific condition can be addressed by the Gamma Knife Radiosurgery.

Dr Vesagas explains the Treatment Planning Stage

Surgery actually takes place in 1 day and patients can return to work the next day without serious complications. That, for me, is priceless. 

Upon admission, patients will be fitted with a frame. It is screwed tight and attached to the skull for accuracy. The measurements on the frame will guide the team during the treatment planning stage. 

lightweight head frame

 When the frame is in place, the patient will have another imaging scan to see the latest condition of the tumor. From these up-to-date images, the team will make the treatment plan in accordance with the treatment planning software especially programmed for the Leksell Gamma Knife. After the plan has been laid out, re-checked and approved by the team, the patient is now ready for Gamma Surgery. 

Patients are awake and can talk to the doctors anytime through a built-in speaker. Most treatments take less than an hour. Treatments that need further adjustments of the collimator (it’s a bowl that connects the frame on your head to the Gamma Knife). The size and the shape of the treatment area determine the size of the collimator for the specific treatment.

Collimator

There are, however, limitations. The equipment is designed
for precision. It was optimized to treat small lesions and tumors of up to 3cm. Bigger tumors are recommended for other types of radiation treatment like the Cobalt. But unlike the Cobalt Treatment, Gamma Knife Surgery has minimal, 0.5%, radiation to surrounding healthy tissue. So you reduce the risk of cellular damage to tissues near the tumor.

Also, the lightweight head frame may not fit extra large head sizes. 

Complications, so far, have ranged from short-term headaches (caused by the attached frame on the head) and vomiting (due to substances released by the brain when it received the radiation). Nevermind these, I get them during severe PMS situations. I would opt for temporary inconvenience rather than open surgery.

Having read this, I hope you, my dear reader, will extend the service and care by informing patients suffering brain disorders. Let them know so that they have better options and more chances of survival to enjoy life with their loved ones.

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Beating the Weather: Road Trip to Samar

A potential water sport haven is Samar. Like Bicol, Samar is typhoon-ridden. It rains from December to March and unforgiving during the rainy season. 

Except for some urban populations like Catarman, Catbalogan and Calbayog, Samar is mostly rural with a lot of farmland and coconut plantations. 

Although my hubby hails from Northern Samar, we haven't explored much of its beauty, yet. We've been hoping for good weather to see Biri Island and explore the caves. 

Recently, we've tried to visit Samar in late March with hopes of sunny weather. We planned for a road trip from Legazpi to Sorsogon and then, finally, Catarman. When our 1pm flight to Legazpi was delayed due to bad weather, we knew we wouldn't be able to push through with our exploration again.

Instead of an overnight stay in Legazpi, we headed straight to Sorsogon via public van at Southbound Terminal. Legazpi to Sorsogon takes around 3 hours but with a stopover to fix a flat, we reached Sorsogon past 7pm. And then took a special trip to Matnog, some 20km from where we alighted. We reached Matnog Port around 8pm and the ferry disembarked around 10pm.

As soon as we arrived at Allen's Port, We were fetched by Nanay. It was still drizzling so we hurried to the pickup. In 30 minutes, we were home and dry. It was a good thing the boys didn't get sick with all the rain and transfers we went through. The next couple of days, we got to rest. We were actually stuck inside because it kept raining for days. My in-laws took us to Fishville for a relaxing afternoon snack. It was indeed a refreshing place to unwind. Of course, my son got to pick the best cottage - atop the tree! So we had an overlooking view of the river. 

We had Calamares, pansit and one of my all-time favorites, 'kinilaw'. We had fruit shakes, iced tea and hubby had halo-halo. Hahaha! Nope, not at all, an enticing match. But we had a great time. Good to know there's a place like Fishville in Samar. 

Other Filipino delights I love in Samar (also found in Bicol):

Glazed Pili

Crispy Pili

Yema de Pili

Mazapan de Pili

lobsters

On our 6th day, the sun came out so we decided to head to the beach. It was Tomas' first time at the beach so he was wary walking barefoot on the grayish sand. Our beach escape was short lived with rain shower so we packed and drove back home. In the afternoon, I think we were able to walk around Catarman and UEP for just a few minutes before it rained again.

The next day, the sun stayed with us longer. Tomas started to love the sand. He played with the bucket and plastic toy car we brought along. I guess that was the highlight of our long stay in Samar. 

When visiting Samar, ask around for accommodations with generators. It's a nightmare to have frequent power failures especially when it rains (expect blackouts to be longer during typhoons). I'll try to ask around when we visit next time.

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Tagaytay Weekend

City dwellers are always on the lookout for weekend getaways and things to do to relax from a weeklong list of To Do’s and Meetings. Although it was a slow and long ride, our visit was well worth the time to unwind and learn at Paradizoo Theme Park and then have some fun and discovery at the Residence Inn.

From Manila, Tagaytay takes about an hour by car and at least 2 hours by bus. When you reach Tagaytay, drive towards the direction of Alfonso and Calaruega, Batangas. Look for the marker indicating a turn to Anuling. From there, it’s a 5-minute ride to Paradizoo. We missed the turn and going back took us several attempts before finding the right landmark. There may be several ways going to Paradizoo. We used the road also leading to the Flower Farm, which was a long ride from the highway. If commuting, tri-cabs can be hired for a special trip to Paradizoo for Php100-120.

You can get a map at the gate so you can see all the sections and find ideal rest areas to freshen up after a long walk under the sun. It was almost lunch when we arrived so its not very good to get too much sun exposure at that time. But since it was our first time, Tomas and I were all excited we didn’t know we were in for some tanning at the park.

There are rows of different vegetables landscaped aesthetically with paths going around them so you can see the crops closer. The main pavilion, which can accommodate over 100 guests, rests on top of the hill. With Tagaytay’s cool and amenable climate, it’s a good venue for group functions, too. There was also a landscaped rock garden a few meters from the Main Pavilion.

There is a designated area for those who want to camp out and feel the outdoors in a safe and fenced environment. Maybe we can try that with the boys soon.

An enticing rest area is the Bromeliad Pavilion. As the name suggests, it is surrounded with bromeliads…and pineapples – interesting landscape architecture mixing ornamental and fruit crops. Bromeliads love the shade so you are definitely going to be covered there. They’ve grown the Coral Vine on the pavilions to provide form and function: aesthetically pleasing and also the shade deflects the heat of the sun, similar to the shade of full grown trees. It was very refreshing to laze at the bromeliad pavilion with cool lunchtime breeze. For a few minutes Tomas sat and let the wind blow on his rosy cheeks.

We strolled around the farm, almost forgetting it was a park. There is a designated picnic area. Unfortunately, despite easy-to-find trash bins, some guests still leave their garbage on the tables. Because the Tagaytay weather is often windy, garbage can be easily blown into animals’ grazing area. Most animals in the farm are herbivores. Imagine what plastics and Styrofoam can do their body.

I have always wondered if it’s not enough to place signages with “Take nothing but footprints, leave nothing but memories…” Like the blooms in Baguio, picking of vegetable crops without guidance and authorization will leave the farm bald and risk lossing its charm.

While walking (and Tomas was running, er, pulled downhill by gravity) I saw this beautiful fallen flower. It was good to know it was an African Tulip. African Tulips lined the edge of the vegetable garden and provided shade and comfort making us stop by a picnic table to just enjoy its sight.

At Paradizoo Café, organic harvest is sold so tourists can take home eco-souvenirs (cuttings and seedlings) as well as full grown vegetables to make their own Chef’s Salad or vegetarian dish at home. Was the ice cream made with goat’s milk? Would love to try that at home, too!

I just realized that this facility is a great place to unwind and sneak away from urban pressures. For busy moms, it is leisure to just look around without worrying to hurry to your next destination. I am looking forward to return to the park with Hosei and Ditto. Despite being a lover of the ocean, Ditto will appreciate going to Paradizoo.

I am very much thankful to Evy, who was very helpful in giving directions to the park and also for coordinating a seat so Tomas and I can join their ride back to Manila. Also happy to meet new friends and catch up with other Media Bloggers. Tomas was especially attached to Daddy Flow!

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To Market, To Market!

I love going to the market. When I was young, I would catch up with papa when he goes to the market. He usually leaves early so that he can get the new deliveries and fresh stock. We used to live in Mandaluyong and we were regulars at the EDSA Central Market for quite a long time. The EDSA Central Market was convenient for our regular meals. But when I feel like I want green salad for the week, I’d go out of my way to buy cheaper lettuce, Romanians, cauliflower and broccoli from Quiapo.

Meat Section, Farmers' Market

When I moved to Quezon City, I’ve had the privilege to try buying from Cubao’s Farmer’s Market. They have a wide selection of fruits, vegetables and seafood. Yes, market vendors have those really big prawns you hardly find in supermarkets. Farmers from the nearby provinces of Laguna, Batangas and Bulacan sell in bulk for a better price at the Farmer’s Market.

In 2003 until early 2005, we returned and lived in Vigan (Papa’s hometown). I all the more enjoyed going to the market because Php500 can buy more. My Lola’s house was 1-2km from the market and papa mostly drove us. Vigan’s enormous public market was then newly constructed. It was a total makeover from makeshift stalls to a market complex composed of four buildings. The Partas Terminal was conveniently placed near the market where many vendors of my favorite Ilocos longaniza and Bagnet were sold. I hardly ate Bagnet before, but I can’t resist offers now since it’s a privilege to eat one these days.

Our family trips to Vigan were always completed with a stop at the public market for a year’s ration of Ilocos garlic. Ilocos still grows the tastiest garlics! And then, we pass at the nearby municipality where they deep fry the corn and make cornick.

Agri-tourism will help increase the value of agri products. I think the health trend of buying from organic gardens also help popularize healthier eating choices. I have noticed that younger generation mostly prefer processed food and red meat. A normal daily diet requires red meat, but also requires a bigger portion of vegetables and fruits.

Vegetable Section at Q-Mart

I was a bit older when I first tried broccoli and lettuce from a trip to Baguio. I bought a sack of fresh goods from Baguio’s Public Market down Session Road together with bottles of Strawberry Preserves (it was off season and rainy then). At first, we had a simple buttered broccoli to go with porkchop. Because I bought a lot, my helper experimented and came up with unique dishes with broccoli. Once, my helper tried mixing the broccoli with other vegetables and chicken. I was hesitant to try it but was surprised that my eldest son, who was almost 2 years old then, liked eating the broccoli. Only, he liked it when we called it the 'green flowers'.

Baguio Public Market on right of building, behind the tree :)

Lettuce and broccoli are way cheaper in Baguio. I rarely buy them in Manila now. I wasn’t able to buy some during our Panagbenga trip but Tatay (my husband’s dad) returned from a trip to Benguet and brought a sack full of broccoli and cabbage (Thank you!). The veggies looked better, healthier and bigger than the versions I get to buy either in the ‘talipapa’ or the supermarket. I am just hoping that the government's project to push for an edible landscape will enlighten, educate and encourage us to have our own vegetable gardens.

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Traveling North: Baguio for Panagbenga 2011

It's almost summertime in the Philippines and a lot of people are getting ready to head to cooler destinations. One of the most popular is Baguio. To jumpstart our travel to the north, we decided we'll be in Baguio for Panagbenga 2011. And so we packed!

The most common way to get to Baguio is via Victory Liner. We've been taking Victory buses (especially when we don't bring a car) since I was a child. I've taken Victory in all of my trips to Pangasinan and have never been disappointed. The bus almost always leaves on time! Last February 25, they were understandably 20 minutes late. Still, we reached Baguio proper by 4 a.m., an hour earlier than our expected time of arrival.

Arriving in Baguio at 4 a.m. is not a godly hour to be outside with a child. So I frantically hailed a cab (there's a long line of SUVs for hire in front of the Victory Bus Terminal) and went off as directed by my local friend. Sadly, it took us almost an hour to get to our destination. My friend was given the wrong information, and thus, relayed the wrong information to me. Good thing there were 2 old men who helped us walk the streets in the dark. I thanked them when I thought I was on the right gate.

However, when my cousin called to ask where we were, I found that we were nowhere near them. And then we decided to meet at a known rendezvous, a nearby hotel near the Lourdes Grotto. Finally, I saw them walk towards us from the opposite direction. We walked another 300 meters. Our early misadventure made me wonder how residents jog around. The streets were winding and just like a roller coaster ride, they go up and down. Some have just the right slope while others will certainly make your leg muscles feel the workout. I don't know how I could accelerate with the 33 L backpack I had. Getting inside the house was such a relief! I unloaded and began to set up our breakfast.

Good thing I brought instant coffee sachets and some homemade food. Cold weather always make me hungry. I guess we need more food to produce more body heat. I've lost weight since I gave birth last 2009 and my body fat can no longer protect me from the cold. Unlike my son, who didn't seem to be cold, I had to wear thick socks and an arm warmer all throughout our stay in Baguio. Since I only brought 1 jacket, I simply wore a couple of layers to keep from getting goosebumps. But the Baguio breeze is just too chilly! Good thing we came this February. They say summer isn't as cold anymore.

We went around and totally missed the Saturday Parade for Panagbenga. But we made sure to catch the Float Parade on Sunday. It was our first time to be in Baguio for Panagbenga and I was caught offguard with the volume of tourists who came in to see the festivities. I'd recommend you book at a lodging near Session Rd (where the parade usually starts) or check the updated itinerary to see which hotels are within the vicinity. From the Grotto, it was tough trying to get a cab back to Session. Aside from too many tourists, roads were also closed so expect heavy traffic.

I didn't want my son to miss the view so I overcame my fear, made him sit on my shoulder and he watched from there. Yes, I carried my 60lb son over my shoulders. (I'm barely 120lb!) From time to time, I'd let him down. After the first 4 floats, I decided to move to another location for him to get a better view. From this, I learned that once the parade starts, a lot of viewers will be mad when you cover their view. I just had to find a way. Luckily, when we were almost near the rotonda in front of BDO, some tourists left and we filled their space on the street. Yes, we sat right at Session Road. It was like sitting on the front row seats at a concert!

I am not much of a celebrity fan but I knew there were celebrities when the audience would cheer wildly and wave. We were sitting mostly with residents who had their kin in the parade. I know because they would call and cheer for the children who were participants of the parade. My son was getting tired (from being kept in one place!) but he was observant in what the children in the parade wore. He likes to look at the flowers in the floats and was happy to see Jollibee dance. Too bad, the crowd around us did not know Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim. They didn't cheer when he waved.

As in all occasions, one can see that Filipinos' attention are pretty much easier to grab with popular personalities. And that's why many businesses join the parade. Being seen by half a million people and being showcased on broadcast media is actually worth more than winning the judges' thumbs up. And they even support tourism along the way.

I, on the other hand, was pretty amazed at the flowers used in the floats. The kiddie band players were also awesome. Some had to withstand the cold Baguio weather barefoot to exhibit Ifugao clothing. There was this one band who, I think, should have been disqualified for not making their stand safe for the children. Exposing children to these festivities will help them appreciate their roots. When they grow up and leave their hometown, they will only have these festivities to remind them how good it felt to be part of their community.

In the long run, I hope that tourism in the different regions will bring better opportunities for local residents. A thriving community will no longer have to see their youth leave and look for greener pastures.

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