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ISSUE OF JUNE 2010 VOLUME III NO.13

Great

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-Body Massage

-Swedish and Shiatsu

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We also provide

Massage Training with “CERTIFICATE”

-Coffee Scrub

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-Hilot (Wellness Massage)

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www.evangelinebeachresort.net

PAGUDPUD, Saud Cove,

Brgy. Burayoc, Ilocos Norte,

Philippines

Mercator, the IT solutions

provider of the Emirates

Group and a global leader in

business technology solutions

for the airline and

transportation industry, has

today acquired the tikAERO

passenger services system

solution through TIK Systems.

With this acquisition Mercator

will now offer world-class, fully

functional, flexible and cost

effective passenger service

and distribution solutions to

hybrid, regional, low-cost and

start-up airlines worldwide.

Unlike other products on the

market, the innovative

tikAERO system is built on

latest technology systems

architectures using Microsoft

Technologies, thereby

enabling easy configuration,

fast multi-language user

interface changes and

simplified end user training

and support. The true

essence of the product is its

ability to evolve with ever-

changing business models,

markets and passenger

demands of any growing

airline. Patrick Naef, Divisional

Senior Vice President

Emirates Group IT, stated:

“Currently used by 19 airlines

around the globe, tikAERO

is better, smarter, faster and

more efficient than anything

on the market. It‟s built by staff

with airline experience, for

airlines. It will help airlines to

significantly lower costs by

minimizing distribution costs,

increase their efficiency and

lower training efforts. In

today‟s market where airlines

are posting significant losses,

this product offers enticing

rewards for cutting costs,

increasing flexibility and

improving long term economic

efficiencies and overall net

profits.” Roland Heller,

Managing Director of TIK

Systems explains: "This

acquisition by Mercator will

prove a winning formula for

airlines seeking a competitive,

cost-effective and integrated

turn-key solution that includes

electronic ticketing and which

supports a wide range of

distribution channels.

tikAERO customers will have

an added value through

Mercator's global reach and

cutting edge technology and

now with the backing of the

Emirates Group, our team is

really excited that the hard

work and the full potential of

the system will be realized.”

cont.’ on pp. 2

“Mercator acquires next generation

tikAERO to serve hybrid, regional and

low-cost airlines”

Considered to be one of

the most beautiful and

safest harbours in the

world, Puerto Galera is

primarily famous for its

splendid beaches, coral

reefs teeming with

marine life and exquisite

dive sites suitable for

new and experienced

divers alike. The area

features over two dozen

prime dive sites, all of

which are well worth

diving. What's more,

diving in Puerto Galera is

possible all year round.

Given its lofty reputation

as an underwater

paradise, Puerto Galera

is also the perfect

gateway to some of the

most unspoilt territories

and national parks in

the vast island of

Mindoro. One will be

lured to explore pristine

lakes, rivers and

waterfalls, meet

indigenous tribes with

their own stone-age

hand-writing , or trek

thru lush vegetations

and forests.(www.wowphilippines.co.uk)

PDOT London is proud to issue its 40th successive e-

newsletter this month of June 2010

In this issue, the Destination of

the Month is Puerto Galera,

Mindoro.

Lifestyle

News Feature

Travel and Tourism

Global Connect

Special Feature

RESTAURANT AND HOTEL

Brgy. Dapdap, Tayabas City,

Quezon Province

Tel # (042) 793-3529

Cel # (0918) 247-5587

ISSUE OF JUNE 20102 NEWS FEATURE

Patrick Naef added: “This is a really exciting

moment for the history of Mercator with our first

major acquisition. Our current passenger services

portfolio, Jupiter, is rapidly creating a reputation for

being one of the most complete and integrated

solutions in the market for medium to large

network carriers. With the acquisition of tikAERO,

we are now able to address a whole new segment

of the market. We can manage the needs of an

entire airline community covering all shapes, sizes

and business models. This strategic move

underpins Emirates Group‟s commitment to further

grow the Mercator business and to strengthen its

position as one of the leading IT solution providers

for the travel and transportation industry.”

“Unlike legacy system implementations, we can

offer a faster and more efficient implementation

and customisation process providing cost benefits

in terms of lower implementation fees and lower

internal project-related costs for the carrier,” said

Naef.

With Mercator's already expansive global reach,

wide range of consulting services and the ability to

integrate existing products such as SkyChain air

cargo management, RAPID revenue accounting

and CRIS frequent flyer solution, this acquisition

offers a unique choice of solutions and services

across the airline industry. The package includes a

modern end-to-end customer-centric airline

management solution, including web booking

engines for consumers, travel agencies, corporate

accounts and mobile devices, as well as

connectivity with all major Global Distribution

Systems. The system is fully IATA e-ticketing

compliant, but can be equally adopted by non-IATA

„ticketless‟ low-cost airlines, therefore combining

the best of distribution worlds.

tikAERO integrates key functionality to efficiently

manage airline passenger services. This includes

applications for inventory management, multi-

channel reservation, yield and revenue

management, departure control, weight and

balance, electronic

ticketing, revenue accounting, code-share,

interlining, crew management, flight control and

real-time reporting to monitor business operations.

It has been specifically designed to suit hybrid

environments and can be deployed much easier

and faster than legacy passenger service

solutions. Hybrid functionality refers to an

increasing sector of the airline market that is

moving from a pure low-cost model to a model

where there is limited distribution through global

distribution systems, interline partnership

agreements with airlines and the use of industry

ticketing standards defined by the airline trade

body IATA.

This announcement follows the Emirates Group‟s

recent posting of record profits for the 2009-10

period, up 248% from the previous year to AED

4.2 billion (US$ 1.1 billion). It is a strategic

acquisition in direct response to need for a fully

integrated, long-term passenger service solution

that can be tailored specifically to any airline‟s

requirements.

Mercator will establish a new office in Bangkok to

which all TIK Systems‟ staff will transfer. This

office will provide a new base for Mercator‟s

product development.

Emirates now flies twice daily non-stop from

Manila to Dubai and beyond. Flights from Manila

to Dubai and vice-versa are operated by a Boeing

777-300ER aircraft offering 42 Business Class

seats and 400 Economy Class seats, as well as

16.7 tonnes of cargo capacity.

(For more information, visit www.emirates.com)

Mercator acquires next generation tikAERO…

From front page

The Sylvia Manor

San Juan St. • Bacolod City,

Negros Occidental • Philippines

6100

Phone: +63 34 434 9801, +63 34 709

0927, +63 2 542 6026 (Metro Manila)

+63 32 511 8247 (cebu) +63 33 396

5844 (Iloilo) +63 34 434 9833

E-mail: stay@sylviamanor.com

RODEL T. RABARA

Managing Director/Editor

MA. FRANCIA C. ROSERO

Associate Editor

MAX DAREL AFRICA

Section Editor

OLIVER L. OLIVEROS

NELSON DE ASIS

Writers/Contributors

PAUL RICHARD G. MARTIN

Office/Advertising Supervisor

GINA J. ALCALA

CHRISTINE TORRALBA

JERICO T. MANDAING

ROSE G. IBANEZ-UBANDO

MICHAEL F. REYES

EMILY T. FRANCISCO

Special Projects Coordinators

GEORGE STANLEY C.

SERRANO

Creative and Research Officer

BOYET GUEVARRA

EMMANUEL ARIOLA

Photographers

REINALYN R. TORADO

Toronto, Canada Bureau

FAYE C. CORPUZ

Florida, USA Bureau

LINDSAY JAMES S.

PASCUAL

Hobart, Tasmania Bureau

ISRAEL P. SAVELLANO

Honolulu, Hawaii Bureau

EDITORIAL ADVERTISING CREATIVE & RESEARCH CIRCULATION

ISSUE OF JUNE 2010 3LIFESTYLE

Spa DUNYAA Therapeutic Massage -It is a Hilot Wellness

Massage A Traditional Way of

healing, using Herbs( Pito-Pito) banana leaves , tuba-tuba using

herbal bath steam. to help detox our skin, burns fats that makes you

slim . It is also good for diabetic people .

Spa DUNYA

Believes in the Company Vision and Objectives of

providing quality Massage Program to every

individual who suffers from Stress. SPA DUNYA

also provides Quality Massage Program to

Offices, Corporate, Seminars, Golf Tournament,

Anniversaries, Weddings, Birthdays, and other

special events. This program is ideal for your staff,

employees, clients and VIP guests.

-Believes that Massage is important in many of the

body’s healing processes and is invaluable for

enhancing human health and vitality. The

combination of touch with the use of essential oils

with their own vibratory rates can raise our own

cells to relieves stress and tension, alleviate

fatigue and promote deep relaxation. Relax tight

muscles in the shoulder, neck and back, relieves

insomnia, increase blood circulation, improve

range of motion, strengthen the immune system,

aid in moving out congested area, lower blood

pressures as well as encourage the body’s organs

and system to function at optimum level.

“MISSION”To Provide Quality

Massage to the clients, to uplift the

therapist moral from the snares of the narrow minded

people. To Provide a Therapeutic

Massage, blended of Hilot (Traditional Wellness Massage)

and the Herbs.

It Services are provided by a Well Trained Therapist bearing (Massage NC2, and Hilot NC2) Under the supervision of DOH license Therapist, AM, TM.

Lechon, that all-Filipino delicacy, is

a food for all occasions.

No other food in the Filipino cuisine

stands out higher than the Lechon.

Now comes a unique kind of Lechon

that remasters the already perfect

roast- Happy Lechon.

Happy Lechon uses only native pigs

raised in their natural habitat that

produce extra crispy skin THAT

EVERYONE CRAVES FOR.

From birth, the piglets get nourished

with an all-organic diet prepared by

nature. Even their vitamin dietary

supplements come from plants that

are farmed right within their habitat.

Happy Lechon, the all-organic

lechon, uses traditional technology

in cooking the meat to its tenderest

and the skin to its crispiest.

The Happy Lechon Team also take

pride in being staunch advocates of

an all-natural approach to farming.

ORGANIC PIG FARMING is a

chemical-free, all-natural way of

raising pigs. It relies on the

abundance of its surrounding

environment for its sustenance.

Happy Lechon pigs have crispier

skin because they are free-

roaming native pigs. They have

thicker skin and leaner meat.

They are nourished with plants and

herbs grown right beside their

pigpens for the much needed

vitamins and minerals. Instead of

commercial feeds, these plants

and herbs are mixed with natural

grains and soya beans.

COMPANY PROFILE:

Happy Lechon was established a

year ago by an entrepreneur who

is an advocate of natural farming

system that promotes the

utilization of only natural

materials, methods, and

collaterals in raising crops and

live stocks.

With the assistance and

mentorship of Happy Lechon‟s

organic-farm partners and team-

mates, Happy Lechon is

dedicated in providing its

customers with high quality

lechon that would stand out even

from the most established

competitors.

Happy Lechon‟s pigs are clean and

odorless as they habitat and fed

with natural feeds (rice bran and

soya beans) and different kinds of

herbs such as:

Flamengia,

Rinzonne,Tricantera

Talinum, Ipil-Ipil

Malunggay

They are free from chemically and

pharmaceutically enhanced feeds

that are usually given to

conventionally raised pigs. Thus,

Happy Lechon‟s organic native pigs

are luscious and highly delectable

which even the non-pork eaters

cannot resist, as the saying

goes…”you are what you eat!”

Happy Lechon is Pro-Environment

Happy Lechon raises its own pigs

the natural way. It rejects the use of

fertilizers in planting the forages that

the pigs eat and the pigs were not

injected with growth enhancer

drugs. Herbs are the main source

of their vitamins and minerals. The

pigpens‟

soil is rich in indigenous

microorganisms (IMO) that

boost their immune system and

improve digestion. Since Happy

Lechon‟s pigpens were built as

close to pig‟s natural habitat,

they do not produce a foul odor.

In fact, one cannot discern that

Happy Lechon‟s pigpens are

indeed pigpens by the olfactory

sense alone. The pigs just

simply don‟t smell like

pigs…amazing, but it is true!

Happy Lechon is Delectable

Happy Lechon only roasts

organically raised native pigs.

Thus, the skin is so crispy that it

really melts in the mouth… The

meat is so lean and there is

never a trace of smell and after

taste that is very common in

conventionally raised pigs.

For more details pls. contact:mobile no. 0917-892-2240

ISSUE OF JUNE 20104 TRAVEL AND TOURISM

Long before the coming of the Spaniards,

there already existed an extensive region

(consisting of the present provinces of

Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Abra and La

Union) renowned for its gold mines.

Merchants from Japan and China would

often visit the area to trade gold with beads,

ceramics and silk. The inhabitants of the

region believed to be of Malay origin, called

their place "samtoy", from "sao mi toy,

which literally meant "our language".

In 1571, when the Spanish conquistadors

had Manila more or less under their control,

they began looking for new sites to

conquer. Legaspi's grandson, Juan de

Salcedo, volunteered to lead one of these

expeditions. Together with 8 armed boats

and 45 men, the 22 year old voyager

headed north.

On June 13, 1572, Salcedo and his men

landed in Vigan and then proceeded towards

Laoag, Currimao and Badoc. As they sailed

along the coast, they were surprised to see

numerous sheltered coves ("looc") where the

locals lived in harmony. As a result, they

named the region "Ylocos" and its people

"Ylocanos".

As the Christianization of the region grew, so

did the landscape of the area. Vast tracks of

land were utilized for churches and bell towers

in line with the Spanish mission of "bajo las

campanas". In the town plaza, it was not

uncommon to see garrisons under the church

bells. The colonization process was slowly

being carried out. Ilocos Norte was created by

virtue of the Spanish Royal Decree on

Februray 2, 1818. At that time, the province

occupied the coastal plain bordering the China

Sea and guarded by the Cordilleras in the

northwestern corner of Luzon.

Ilocos Norte is a province of the Philippines

located in the Ilocos Region in Luzon. Its

capital is Laoag City and is located at the

northwest corner of Luzon island, bordering

Cagayan and Apayao to the east, and Abra

and Ilocos Sur to the south. Ilocos Norte faces

the South China Sea to the west and the

Luzon Strait to the north.

Ilocos Norte is noted for being the birthplace

of former President Ferdinand E. Marcos, who

led an authoritarian rule over the country

during the latter half of his incumbency. The

Marcoses enjoy a modicum of popularity in

the province. Ilocos Norte is also known as a

northern tourist destination, being the location

of Fort Ilocandia, an upper class beach resort

famous among expatriates, and Pagudpud.

(www.pasyalan.net/ilocos_norte/)

Road Trip

To The North

Email: info.hannahsbeachresort@yahoo.comWebsite: www.hannahsbeachresort.comFor inquiries, call 0920-9834659/ 0920-

9075731/ 0928-5206255/ 0920-6057121

Sitio Malingay, Brgy. Balaoi, Pagudpud,

Ilocos Norte

Hannah’s

Beach Resort

Agua Seda

Beach House

Welcome to

Sitio Malingay, Brgy. Balaoi,

Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte mobile

number :

0920-2431832

email address:

leticiacgarvida@yahoo.com

ISSUE OF JUNE 2010 TRAVEL AND TOURISM 5

Brgy. Saud, Pagudpud, Ilocos

Norte

For inquiries, call or text at

mobile nos. 0919-4175270 and

0908-3148022

Or via e-mail at

joycetvaliente@yahoo.com

RomavilleBeach Resort

Ma. Exaltacion

Lodge

Burayoc Point, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte

Contact nos.

0908-622-1400

0919-620-9151

E-mail: romaville_beachresort@yahoo.com

Pagudpud lies on, the northwestern coast of

the Ilocos Region and on the western slopes

of the Cordillera Mountain ranges,

specifically between the towns of Bangui

Ilocos Norte and Sta. Praxedes, Cagayan. It

is about 74 kilometers northwest of Laoag

City and 180 kilometers southwest of Aparri,

Cagayan. It is bounded on the south by the

town of Bangui, on the west by the South

China Sea, on the northeast by the town of

Adams, and the province of Cagayan on the

north,

It has a total agricultural land area of 19,775

hectares and forest and pasture of lands. It

has rolling hills and plains that extend to the

seashores

The prevailing weather and climatic

condition of the place is very different from

those of the rest of the province. The rainy

season occupies a relatively longer period

than that of the other towns; the dry season

is very short. This is due to the climatic

condition of the neighboring province of

Cagayan, which is characterized by a

relatively long rainy season and very short

dry season.

Fifteen barangays comprise the town. Most

of these are situated along the national road,

which contribute about 16 percent of the total

land area. The poblacion is the smallest

town.

Pagudpud was established as a regular,

municipality on February 5, 1954 that was

signed by then our late Former President

Ramon Magsaysay. At first, there were only

nine barangays of the town, but today, there

are already 15.

It is said that during the American Occupation,

there were two Americans (a man and his

son) who accidentally passe4 by the place

looking for a better place to stay in. On their

way, they had to cross a river by boat. While

crossing it, the boy saw ar-arugan (seaweed)

being carried by the water. The boy said "Pa,

good food and the man replied ýYes, my son."

It was from that incident that the town was

named Pagudpud, euphony of "Pa, good

food."

I get this story from one of the Pagudpud

website very interesting that I have to put it

here in my pages.

Pagudpud also is best known for its pristine

beaches and serving as a backdrop for

many Siguion-Reyna films (a movie

producer that love this place very much)

they said, Pagudpud was our main

destination for this holiday tour. After

having been there, we vowed to come back

to experience once again the local

hospitality and explore more of the natural

attractions that the place has to offer.

(members.virtualtourist.com)

Laid In

The

Beauty

Of

Nature…

“Pagudpud”

ISSUE OF JUNE 20106 SPECIAL FEATURE

RAMISCAL'S ESTATE & MOUNTAIN RESORT

Everyone’s looking for a sweet escape, be it from the urban

noise or the demanding routine of daily work. Nowadays

many restaurants and hotels flock in the city offering

traditional cuisines and services, but no one fully captures

the authentic ambiance and pinoy flavor that only rural

places can offer. Long drives used to spoil my idea of rest in

the countryside, but not the cool and accommodating

weather of Quezon. The lush green, sincere smile of rural

folks and the thought of an indigenous gustatory adventure

certainly keep me in a rush. Before its present name,

Quezon province was called Tayabas until 1910 by Spaniard

colonizers. The present town Tayabas, sitting at the foot of

Mt. Banahaw, was once the capital of the province. It may

not be the center of Quezon no more, but it certainly

maintained its stature of mystic, splendor and connection to

nature. The good thing is travelers can now be enthralled at

the peace and quiet of Tayabas while treating their palate to

authentic and traditional dishes of Quezon – all in one place

with the same professional service one can get at prominent

hotels and dining spots in the metro. This is what I

experienced on a fun-filled and rich weekend I spent at the

Palaisdaan Restaurant and Hotel at Tayabas, Quezon. Its

tranquil beauty embraced by a cool climate and surrounded

by lush vegetation will surely indulge your senses. One of

Palaisdaan’s best attractions is the floating bamboo huts

cradled by the spring water flowing to its fishponds. From

the moment I arrived at the resort, I was persuaded to sit on

the floating nipa huts and eat on banana leaves with my

hands! One will surely get a kick of a hearty but indigenous

gustatory adventure with their wide array of dishes, ranging

from their yummy but not greasy grilled porkchop,

longganisa lucban, garlic rice, pancit lucban, and

ensaladang pako (edible fern salad), a truly pinoy salad you

shouldn’t miss! Fishes like tilapia are abundantly grown in

the fishponds which can be prepared grilled, sinugno or

ginataan.

You can also spoil your sweet tooth to traditional treats

with delicacies like budin and nilupak.

If searching for a serene quiet time is your idea of an

escape, one can lay his eyes on the view of trees dancing

to the humming birds at Palaisdaan. One can have an

absolutely clandestine time, away from the stresses of

urban living. The resort has comfy and secure hotel

rooms groomed by warm and accommodating personnel.

The room that I stayed in is unbelievably cozy with a huge

window overlooking the majestic and lush vegetation,

making each waking day radiant and yet peaceful. The

bed, bathroom, shower and hotel services are equally

impressive. Imagine sinking into a delightful hotel room

with all these niceties at a reasonable rate that will make

you smile.

The hospitability of the resort’s owner is also worth

mentioning. With the leadership and foresight of Mr. Rene

delos Santos and his wife Rose, the rustic and quiet

Palaisdaan Restaurant and Hotel, is fast becoming the

symbol of ultimate rest and relaxation at Tayabas,

Quezon. “We really wanted to establish a restaurant and

hotel in one, and not just to give products or services with

a pinoy twist but a 100% experience of Filipino fusion

cuisine coupled with a truly pinoy ambiance,” said the

very warm Mr. Rene delos Santos .

Truly, staying at the Palaisdaan Restaurant and Hotel

gives you the feeling of being an outcast in the heart of

forest a few decades ago, but certainly in a perfect and

idyllic way. The mere breeze of fresh air gently touching

your face will make you want to extend your sweet escape

to a longer vacation, and get forever lost in some real,

honest to goodness unity with culture and nature. It is in

complete address of resort, Tayabas, Quezon.

Touring your heart to TayabasBy Max. Darel Africa

RESTAURANT AND HOTEL

Brgy. Dapdap, Tayabas City,

Quezon Province

Tel # (042) 793-3529

Cel # (0918) 247-5587

ISSUE OF JUNE 2010 7SPECIAL FEATURE

Atypical of Quezon

Province

For the typical Manileño, the

Quezon province in Southern

Tagalog, Philippines is mostly

acres in farm land and coconut

plantations. Its top of mind is nil

around pristine waters and white

sand beaches. I had to revisit

Quezon, and see it for myself to

believe that there is such an island

paradise in this sixth largest

province in the country.

I usually spend my birthday

weekends outside the Philippines.

But this year‟s a bit different: I had

settled my mind to explore an

island in Quezon (plus a few

more!) that‟s practically not too far

away from Manila.

Borawan Island (an instance of

wordplay combining “Boracay” and

“Palawan”), which is one among

the islands in Padre Burgos,

Bondoc Peninsula, in Quezon, had

caught my attention for its unique

marriage of humongous limestone

rock formations and dazzling

white, sandy shore lines – natural

world wonders often attached to

Puerto Prinsesa or Coron in

Palawan, and Boracay Island in

Aklan.

Catching the morning bus alone at

the JAC bus terminal in Kamias,

Quezon City

in order to reach the Grand Terminal

in Lucena City at exactly high noon;

and then boarding a provincial

jeepney (stacked with volumes of

some bagged grain products) that will

pass by the sleepy town of Padre

Burgos at siesta time -- was all fun,

and well worth the travel. The

refreshing sight of nearby Borawan

Island that welcomes you by the gate

of the Tamarind Tree Resort (one of

the major resorts in town; the other

one is Villa Anita) had made me

forget, at least even for a bit, the

extreme heat emanating from the

summer sun or the 70-pound

backpack I was carrying.

The very friendly and helpful staff

(both in their Manila office and in

Padre Burgos) and the owner of the

Tamarind Tree Resort Ms. Vicky

Villena made my three day and lone

visit very relaxing and yes, worry-free

indeed. I stayed in a non-

airconditioned small cottage or kubo,

originally built for two persons. The

sea breeze that envelopes my small

room at night time and/or during day

time is pure bliss. You may opt to

read a good book or sip ice-cold fruit

drink in your room or in a private spot

by the sea any time you want.

Running after the low tide while the

sun sets every late afternoon is like

watching God‟s hand or a surrealist

painter‟s hand as he creates

magic with his paintbrush and pastel

color pallet. All these comforts, perks,

and more are within arm‟s reach at the

resort.

One can pay a visit to the Borawan Island

and other famed beaches of Padre

Burgos and Pagbilao, the Dampalitan

and Puting Buhangin beaches

respectively, by renting a small motor

boat or a motorized banca. Travelling by

water to Dampalitan beach and Borawan

Island is around 30 minutes (one-way)

only . The Puting Buhangin beach is

much farther than the first two

destinations. Travel time to this beach in

Pagbilao takes around an hour (one-

way). Calmer waters are apparent during

the months of February to April according

to Mang Larry, my dependable/exclusive

boat man or bangkero.

We travelled to the Dampalitan beach on

an early Saturday morning. Dampalitan is

a very clean and an unspoiled beach on

this side of Padre Burgos. And I must

add, it‟s a feast for the eyes. The cacti

and pine trees sprouting across the shore

line were small surprises. The cows and

cattle stock gazing at you, as if in quiet

admiration, had made my photographic

eye awaken with childlike excitement!

A stark contrast to Dampalitan beach is

that of Borawan Island – it‟s fiercely real

and not for the faint of heart!

We officially arrived in this famed gem

of Padre Burgos by introducing

ourselves to the rappelling team Yabag,

headed by Mic, who is occasionally

featured in dailies talking about his

fixation on extreme sports. “It‟s quite

rare to find limestone rock formations

that are surrounded by a white sand

beach. It‟s my third time to climb and

rappel down here in Borawan. We bring

a new set of friends each time,” he said.

Pagbilao‟s Puting Buhangin beach, on

the other hand, perfectly matches my

preconception on how a white sand

beach in Quezon would look like –

glistening and all powder like sand with

towering coconut palms one after the

other across an expansive shore line.

This beach resort is much more

crowded compared to Dampalitan and

Borawan. Hordes of half-naked local

tourists were rolling, bathing, and

playing in the waters when we arrived

here on a Sunday afternoon.

“Puting Buhagin has been attracting

people from Metro Manila and nearby

places, and most popular since it was a

favorite beach location for Filipino

movies filmed in the ‟70s. We‟re

developing a new beach resort near

Borawan Island. We‟ll let you know

once it‟s ready.” divulged Ms. Villena,

who is also a journalist based in the

United States.

Travelling to these islands, I must admit,

made my 36th birthday weekend!

Exploring the islands by my lonesome

doesn‟t end my travel tale in that

manner though. As a Manileño, whose

paternal relatives hail from Gumaca,

Quezon, I feel the urge to share these

amazing places I've visited so far in this

part of Southern Tagalog. Quezon

Province doesn‟t only remind me of

coconut trees or the Pahiyas Festival or

its quirky Tagalog accent. Quezon

Province is also the gateway to the

roads less travelled like Bondoc

Peninsula – “a secret haven” (sssh!) for

local travel photographers, and

occasional Pinoy nomads just like me!

- Oliver Oliveros

Brgy. Dingin, Pagsanjan Laguna

contact# 852-6484

+63 9177140508 look for

Raymund

ISSUE OF JUNE 20108 GLOBAL CONNECT

]n 1642 Abel Tasman made landfall while seeking

trading opportunities for the Dutch East India

Company. He named the region Van Diemen's

Land after a high-ranking official in the Company.

Much later, this was changed to Tasmania in honor

of the explorer. Between 1772 and 1793 Bruni

d'Entrecasteaux and Huon de Kermadec explored

the coast naming the Huon River and Bruny Island,

Captain Bligh, of "Mutiny on the Bounty" fame, and

Captain James Cook anchored in Adventure Bay,

which can be seen from the Resolution Road. An

explorer by the name of John Hayes named the

Derwent River.

Aborigines, the original inhabitants of Tasmania

had been indigenous to the island for more than

20,000 years when Europeans arrived. They

greeted explorers with distant tolerance until it

became evident that their land was under threat,

and then retaliated. The Governor reacted in turn,

with an order sanctioning forcible action.

Permission was granted to local settlers to shoot

Aborigines on sight. Sanctioned killing and

programmes of relocation, combined with disease

and the destruction of traditional hunting grounds,

led to the tragic annihilation of the Aboriginal

population. In this dark history, the last full-blooded

Aborigine, Truganini, died in 1876.

Settlement In 1803, afraid of the interest the

French were showing, a British party was sent to

establish a colony. The settlement was to be called

Hobart, named after Robert Hobart, the British

Secretary of State for the Colonies. A site was

chosen on the eastern bank of the river where the

town of Risdon now stands. At the same time,

Captain David Collins was sent to Port Phillip Bay

in Victoria, but quickly decided that the place was

unsuitable for settlement and pressed on to Van

Diemen's Land, arriving in 1804. He immediately

took charge and moved everybody to Sullivan's

Cove, where he founded Hobart Town. The settlers

were constantly under threat from starvation and

raids by bushrangers. It was soon found that wheat

thrived in the areas around Richmond and <Sorell,

and by 1817, excess produce was being exported

to Sydney.

Convicts are the worst criminals, repeat offenders

and unmanageable prisoners were sent to penal

settlements in Van Diemen's Land. It was the

perfect penal colony, because a huge labor force

was required to establish the settlement and

inaccessibility and wildness ensured isolation and

security. The worst of the worst were sent to Port

Arthur Penal Settlement, established in 1830.

Escape was virtually impossible as very few

convicts could swim, and sharks lurked in the

surrounding waters. The narrow isthmus at

Eaglehawk Neck was easily guarded by dogs and

by strategically positioned military outposts, an

example of which still stands at the Eaglehawk

Neck Historic Site. Other sites steeped in

incarceration history are the Richmond Gaol and

Island Produce Building, originally used as a

women's prison. It was not until 1853 that the

transportation of convicts ceased.

Flourishing From 1820 the township blossomed

from a mixture of settlers' huts and rural land into

an ordered and well-planned town. The area

known as Queens Domain, which today includes

the Botanic Gardens, was commissioned for the

Governor. A number of mansions were built around

this precinct, including Runnymede in New Town

(circa 1836). New industries such as the Cascade

Brewery (1824), with its "wedding cake" Victorian

façade were also established, and in 1837

Australia's oldest theatre, the Theatre Royal was

built.

Battery Point Named after the battery of guns built

on the point in 1818, this historic precinct was

originally farmland, but by 1850 the area

developed into a mariners' village, with shipowners

living side by side with sailors and artisans.

Recently, historic homes in this area have been

restored as tourist accommodation. The

Gattonside Heritage Accommodation, Battery Point

Guest House and Ascot are prime examples.

Quince Cottage on Arthur Circus is a lovingly

restored mariners' cottage and the Shipwright's

Arms still operates as a public house. Restaurants

are also popular in the area, with Alexanders of

Lenna exuding elegance and charm and Kelley's

Seafood Restaurant housed in an old sailmakers'

cottage.

Salamanca In the colony a flourishing sea trade and

ship-building industry revolved around warehouses

on Salamanca Place. These buildings, built between

1835 and 1860, represent the best sandstone

Georgian warehouses remaining in Australia. A visit

to galleries such as Salamanca Arts Centre or

Handmark Gallery and fine dining institutions give

the visitor a view of the warehouses from the inside.

Salamanca Market offers an equally impressive

view of the exterior. The docklands have always

been a Hobart focal point, originally used for trade,

and are now the heart of the city's festivals and

celebrations. Constitution Dock is the hub of the

Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race festivities (first raced

in 1945-1946) and is also a venue for the Hobart

Summer Festival.

The 20th Century The depression hit Tasmania

hard, but a thriving mining industry made it bearable.

Despite difficult economic times, new enterprises

such as Cadbury's Chocolate Factory were

established. In 1964 the Tasman Bridge was

opened, connecting both banks of the river, and in

1973 Australia's first casino, Wrest Point, was built.

The magnificent beauty of the southwest wilderness

was added to the World Heritage List in 1983,

making Tasmania the greenest Australian state with

over 40 percent of its area devoted to parks. In 1995

the Aboriginal Land Act was passed, returning

twelve significant sites back to the descendants of

the original Aboriginal inhabitants.

Be a visitor to Hobart can expect to meethistory face to face. It is there in the stonesand mortar used to create it. Take a walkthrough Battery Point, visit Richmond or justwander the main streets to be transportedto another time.

(http://www.travelchannel.com)

A handsome city flanked by the tranquil waters of the Derwent River, Hobart has a

spectacular backdrop in Mt Wellington. Amidst the bustle of a modern city are

National Trust classified buildings, ensuring the preservation of much old-world charm

and a palpable sense of history.

www.sydney-

australia.biztasmaniahobart www.australiantraveller.com

www.discoveraustralia.com.autasmaniah

obart_..

my-facts-about-australia.blogspot.com

HOBART “A HANDSOME CITY OF TASMANIA, AUSTRALIA”