HUNDRED ISLANDS ALAMINOS: AN ECO-GETAWAY TRAVEL

Nothing compares the uniqueness and picturesque  beautiful  islands of  Alaminos Protected National Park. With it's natural landscape formation and geographic location at Northern Philippines it captures the interest of local and foreign tourists and visitors.

Brief History

Take a few moments to learn the history of  Hundred Islands National Park  situated in Alaminos City, Pangasinan. Also known as “Kapulo-puloan” or “Taytay-Bakes,” these little Islands are one of the most magnificent natural geological formations in the Philippines.
Interesting to note that the islands are dispersed along the Lingayen Gulf and have a total land area of 1,844 hectares or 18.44 square kilometers. Amazingly there are 124 islands here but one gets submerged in water during high tide.

Our group take a pose at the entrance port in going to hundred islands. After registration and fees at Tourism Office, a boat  awaits our group which will take us to the 3 developed islands mainly the Quezon, Governor and Children's Islands. The boatman  patiently wait our group on the agreed time of  waiting to return to the port area.

Concern for Environmental Cleanliness and Safety

What I like most in this travel is their concern for cleanliness wherein you are strictly obliged to get your  trash bag  to the office and return it when you came back and they will refund the money for the trash bag. At the end of the day I learn something new.

I liked most  their Island Slogan "Basura Mo, Iuwi Mo" really strictly implemented.

You are insured once you visit their islands

Beautiful Natural Environment

The islands are beautiful  and magnificent formation of shaped like giant umbrellas or mushrooms. The islands are about two million years of age; it was theorized that they are part of the seabed a long long time ago. Take note that among the islands, only three have been developed for travelers and vacationists, namely: Governor Island, Quezon Island, and Children's Island. Not all the islands have names maybe it’s not yet develop. These islands are made of limestone roofed with think shrubbery and other flora.  Cutting or getting flora and fauna  is strictly prohibited.
Hold your breath, as you reach the place you will be surprised by the whole place because it is really like a paradise since its clear water and sparkling blue sky which are very refreshing to the eyes.

Top Three Island
Only these 3 islands are allowed to tour by the Ministry of Tourism and  strictly followed by boatman since these are already developed other islands are soon to develop.

• Quezon Island – This is the most developed and most visited island, which is actually composed of three islets. It is catered mainly for picnickers and campers. There are dining and grilling areas where visitors can cook and eat their food. There are also stores in the area where you can buy snacks. Aside from swimming, you can also try kayaking. Kayaks are for rent. A kayak is a small human-powered boat primarily designed to be manually paddled. On January 18, 1940, the Quezon Island was proclaimed as the first National Park in the Philippines by the former President Manuel L. Quezon because this is the biggest island among the other islands. In fact, the name of the island is derived after him. He also has a statue in one of the islets.

  

  THE QUEZON ISLAND
  

  
• Governor Island – This island is used to be the shooting area of the reality show “PBB” or Pinoy Big Brother, which is one of the most popular shows in the Philippines. Aside from that, Governor’s Island also has rooms complete with facilities and utensils. This is perfect for families who wish to stay overnight. There are picnic tables at the entrance to the island. At the peak of the Governor Island,  you can spot the fantastic view of the Hundred Islands.

  

  THE GOVERNOR'S ISLAND

• Children’s Island – This island also a nice area in Hundred island. The beach here is very calm which is perfect for swimming, especially for children. There are floating cabanas in the Children’s Island where you can enjoy sitting and relaxing. There are cottages in the area that are for rent, provided with cooking facilities and comfort rooms. The visitors can also build their own tent. 

THE CHILDREN'S ISLAND

Other Islands:
Please take note that other islands are not yet ready for tour so just read the following for additional knowledge. Other islands that would ignite your interest are the Century Island (whose cave was said to be one of the hiding places of Alaminos locals during World War 2, and also known for snakes and bats), Lopez Island, New Scout Island, Marcos Island (with Imelda Cave – one can jump into emerald colored waters and swim out into the sea and back onto the beach), Clave Island, Old Scout Island (with the Quirino Cave), Children’s Island, Martha and Ramos Islands which are joined together by a tiny strip of white sand bar, Cuenco Island, Romulo Island and the Devil Island which is also known as Cagao Island. The Cathedral Island is named for a big cavern where one can swim as well. Other islands in the National Park are Guiya Island – the northernmost, Bangar Island, Turtle Island (shaped like well, a turtle), Braganza Island, Hernandez Island, Abad Santos Island, Sulpot Island, Cariaz Island, Monkey Island (monkeys apparently don’t show themselves anymore though, that is if there are any left), Sison Island, Shell Island, and Camantiles Island.

Some Activities that can be done in the Islands

• Kayaking or Paddling
• Swimming
• Snorkeling
• Photoshoots
• Picnics
• Spelunking
• Trekking
• Camping

Your travel to Hundred Islands National Park may be one of the memorable and meaningful experiences you will ever have. Why because you become nearer to the nature and you will take pleasure in seeing colorful tropical fish in the coral grounds under the water. This is also a place where you can see the world’s biggest bivalve mollusks the Giant Clams, also called “Taklobos.” Their shell is very long and each can weigh up to 225 kilograms!

ISLAND RATES :

 Please contact  directly the office  to learn the rates, the rates posted on this blog was obtained March 2018 :
Contact Details
Alaminos City Tourism Office (24/7 in service)
Facebook:Alaminos City Tourism
Address: Brgy. Lucap, Alaminos City, Pangasinan
Mobile No. : 0910.328.7833 / 0917.973.7575 / 0998.597.5153
Email: alaminoscitytourism@gmail.com
ALAMINOS CITY’S 24/7 EMERGENCY HOTLINE NUMBERS
*Emergency, Lost, Need more information on how to get to Hundred Islands national Park.
Pls. Feel Free to Reach these updated Contact Numbers.
Alaminos City Action Center (Medical emergency)
Pldt: 075.632.1058 / Smart: 0947.551.1420
Philippine National Police
0999.930.5901
Philippine Coast Guard- Lucap Detachment
0939.134.1011
0928.397.7489
Public Order and Safety Office (POSO)
0918.345.2681

OTHER PLACE TO VISIT IN ALAMINOS CITY:

1. City Tour
2. St. Joseph Cathedral
3. Mangrove  Propagation & Information Center
    Mangrove Park, Brgy. Bued
4. E-Kawayan Factory, Brgy. Tangcaran
5. Techno-Demo Farm, Brgy. Tangcarang
6. Material Recovery Facility, Brgy. Santa Maria

City Best Products:
1. Alaminos - Longganisa
2. Alaminos Boneless Bangus
3. Binungey
4. E-Kawayan Novelty Items


HOW TO GET THERE
The trip to Pangasinan is only 250 kilometers from Manila. Take a bus (Five Star Bus and Philippine Rabbit from Manila. ) from Manila to Dagupan or Alaminos City. Travel time is about 4-5 hours. From Alaminos,  there is a terminal in front of the SUKI supermarkets where you can ride a tricycle going to Lucap pier, the jump-off point to the Hundred Islands.

About

ABOUT ME

Hi ! A blessed morning to all.  My name is Cris Ferreras and welcome to Pinoy Ecotraveler, an eco-travelogue about my travel experiences and journey in life.
By profession I am a Teacher/Instructor in Psychology and had just resigned from my job last 2007 to become a freelancer in search for a more meaningful life.

I put up small computer Xerox/printing shop to cater the deserving students of Payatas. I love taking pictures from different places while traveling and became interested in developing and helping in promoting sustainability and greener environment.

 

Being an entrepreneur also I put up additional shop for the recycled paper craft products which I personally made & invented to showcase and share livelihood in our community and to others. This is also my advocacy in helping and creating solutions to waste management problems.

ABOUT PINOY ECOTRAVELER

Pinoy Ecotraveler is all about an environmental travelogue from the author's life and travel experiences,health lifestyle  and other related resources. So expect more environmental related discussions here. It's mission is to share, help, develop and promote healthy lifestyles, livelihood, environmental awareness, real life experiences, restoration and practices.

The Humble Beginning

Out of curiosity when I  started writing a blog. Way back 2007  whenever I had ample time to look for a computer shop  just to read and study on how to make a blog.  It's really difficult  to start  since I am so busy working in school.  It's so funny that  some  of my  writings are incomplete for so long time and then  I  came back to  continue writing .

Start of a Meaningful Name 

It was last 2015 when I went home from an African travel . This travel experiences had opened my mind and got interested in writing blogs about Ecopsychology and environmental care.

It was in Ghana, Africa particularly in Tamale where I gain understanding how disabled person can be more productive in his skills and talents. A blind person despite of his total blindness but still can make colorful beautiful chairs. So amazing and I was touched and almost cry. I am fortunate to learned from this disabled persons.When I went home I felt that I was reborn and started  creating useful products from recycled paper materials. With my meaningful travels where environment, livelihood and spiritual are the main concern, I thought that "pinoyecotraveler" name is best fitted for me. Within the  area of travel and environmental problems , I wanted to make a difference and contribute the best that I can by writing blogs base on the reality of life's journey, health, experiences and environmental awareness. 

Help to Offer:
Currently accepting

• computer tutorials in basic computer
  

• demo tutorial in  eco-crafts 
• b-day/weddings gift items
• personal development coaching 
• blog writing 
• open to new other possible collaboratons/ventures

Professional Achievement:

• Masters Study in Psychology at Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, Intramuros Philippines
• Masters Study in Special Education at EARIST College, Sta. Mesa Manila
• Bachelor of Science in Psychology  at Manuel L. Quezon University
• Secondary Education at St. Anthony Academy, Gubat Sorsogon
• Primary study at Beriran, Gubat Sorsogon

Professional Experiences:

• Senior High School Teacher at Quezon City Science High School
• Social Studies teacher/ Pre-School Asst. teacher at NSDN Himamaylan Negros Occidental.
• Social Sciences Instructor at Saint Marys College of Nursing, San Juan Philippines
• Social Sciences Instructor at St. Francis of Assisi College System, Las Pinas City, Philippines
• Personnel/HRD Officer at Jesu Marie School School< Paranaque City Philippines
• Special Education Teacher
• Filipino and Social Studies Teacher
• Psychometrician and Guidance Staff

Training /Seminars Attended:

• Attended Mass Training for SHS Teacher , Eurotel Makati  and  Taf Ave. 2018
• Joined "Exhibit of Crafts at Brgy. Payatas  2017 
• Educational Training  at Tamale Rehabilitation Center, Tamale, Ghana Africa 2015
  
• Novice Training for Christian Brothers at Tamale, Ghana, Africa 2015
• Seminar/ Study on Cross Cultural Study of Ghana, Tamale Ghana Africa 2015
• Workshop on Myers Briggs Inventories Tamale Ghana 2015
• Language Study  on African Local Language , Tamale Ghana  2015
• Bible Study at Edmund Rice Christian Brothers Kabankalan, 2014
• Psycho -Spiritual Seminar , La Paz Iloilo City  2014 
• Retreat Seminar for Edmund Rice Christian Brothers, Lahug, Cebu City  2014
• Seminars on Latest trends in Teaching for all Subject Areas
• Seminar on Teaching English Strategies
• Seminar/Lecture Series on World Peace
• Seminars on New Perspective for Teachers in in the 21st Century
• Seminar on Workshop on Academic Excellence Across the Curriculum
• Faculty IN Service Training
• Seminar on Multiple Intelligences

Others: 

• Member Distributor New MC Healthy Juice Drink
• Member Distributor Essensa Naturale

Contact

You can contact me on my number or email below if you have any other comments, business discussions or questions ? 

CONTACT NUMBER:
09277947940



EMAIL ADDRESS:
circferreras@gmail.com


ADDRESS OF CBF PAPER CRAFTS GIFT SHOP
Blk. 6 Phase 3 Payatas B, Quezon City Philippines 1119

EUROTEL TRAVEL: Mass Training for SHS Teacher

It is the affordability plus the traditional Filipino hospitality that you will like and love to stay at this hotel.

Eurotel  welcomes couples, tourists and travelers seeking respect and comfort in one of the amazing spots of this country. Elegantly designed with subtle modern European influences, guests are assured of comfort and convenience with a good range of rooms.

  
I had the opportunity to stay at Eurotel hotel Makati branch during the 1 week stay-in seminar for SHS Mass Training. The other schedule that I attended was in  Eurotel Hotel Pedro Gil Branch which lasted 2 weeks but I failed to finish it due to some family problems that arise during those days.

Traveling on this hotel  on the day of our seminar was already  a sacrifice on my part since it was declared "mass jeepney transport stoppage "  so there were no jeepney traveling by on that day. While I'm sure other teachers also experienced the same as mine. But thanks to MRT train it's not a hassle anyway.

     

EUROTEL MAKATI
Chino Roces Ave. cor Arnaiz Ave.

Tel. No.: (02) 844-8645 | (02) 844-8603
Mobile: (+63) 922 734 1198
Central Reservations:
Tel. No.: (02) 935-6732 | (02) 736-5859
Mobile: (+63) 999 888-3876

When we arrived at the venue, the hotel staff at Eurotel Makati was accommodating and we started on time as we proceed to orientation seminar room. Unlike Eurotel Pedro Gil, at our arrival there were problems on the checking in of participants that the manager has to resolve first. As usual we waited at the lobby.

STRANGE  HOTEL STORIES
 

BEHIND closed doors at hotels you can discover all sorts of secrets, according to inside accounts from those in the hospitality industry.

But my personal  strange  experience suggesting it might be true. That somebody is watching me that I can't  see. 

First Scenario :  I  was waiting alone in front of the elevator  because I am going  down to ground floor. All of a sudden  I  changed my mind  when I saw a stairs at the  left side going down. Then I  follow the stairs  but   it’s too late for me to notice that  it was a small  door gate and  I banged  my head on the concrete wall that I almost  faint but thanks to God I was saved.  My two room mates can testify all of these accounts.

Second Scenario:  I  went  up to our room alone  after lunch  and while I was sitting down on the table waiting for my room mates  I suddenly heard sounds running on ceiling  like a rat  near the  light bulb and   the light started  flickering   to my surprised  I checked it out  what is happening  but it disappeared after  3 minutes.

Third Scenario:  This is the time when we are about to  go down to went home together with one of my  room mate  but to our surprised  instead of going down to  ground floor the elevator  bring us back to  floor where our room is situated.  Oh my God , it’s scary imagine we find ourselves  in front of  our room again. We then  immediately  go back to the elevator and  in a hurry to go down at the ground floor and we’re safe thanks to God.

EUROTEL MAKATI GROUP AND PEDRO GIL GROUP

                                       

My group mate working on modules

Free time at night inside our room

INSIDE OUR ROOM AT EUROTEL PEDRO GIL

Eurotel Pedro Gil is located at616 Pedro Gil. St. Ermita, Metro Manila

Tel. No.: (02) 523-5256 | (02) 523-5164
Mobile: (+63) 923 141 7878
Central Reservations:
Tel. No.: (02) 935-6732 | (02) 736-5859
Mobile: (+63) 999 888-3876

Eurotel Makati, Lobby

Eurotel Makati, Veranda

The .lobby at Eurotel Pedro Gil

 EUROTEL HOTEL BRANCHES

• EUROTEL VIVALDI ARANETA

• LAS PIÑAS

• PEDRO GIL

• MAKATI

• NORTH EDSA

• BAGUIO

• ANGELES

• BORACAY

LAMESA ECOPARK : A DAY TO REMEMBER TRAVEL

Do you love nature and green environment? Well , I'm sure you will love and liked this place. The La Mesa Ecopark in Quezon City is a well-developed sanctuary around the La Mesa Watershed via a joint partnership between MWSS, ABS-CBN, and Quezon City. The public park spans 33 hectares aims to preserve and protect the La Mesa Watershed, not only by generating revenues, but also promoting environmental awareness in saving the environment. Primary focus of the EcoPark is for outdoor recreation and forest experience. Students, families, environmentalist, tourist, fitness buffs flock the park everyday, seeing it as an alternative to the shopping malls in the metropolis.

The beautiful green entrance at Lamesa Ecopark

It's a blessing to visit one of the beautiful reserved forest in Quezon City.  I seldom visit this place and it's funny because  my residence is just a few minutes travel in going to this nice place. Way back before this forested area is only just a reserved watershed of Lamesa Dam. Today it is now open to public for recreation leading to be famous and with it's mission to preserve the beauty of  environmental area wherein people can feel and interact with the beauty of the nature.

One beautiful sunny day but very cool and relaxing inside the ecopark. After working for a week this place is really a nice place to unwind, refresh and recharge. I really enjoy my visit here.

You can sit down in here and feel the cool air

Enjoying the beautiful natural environment

The La Mesa Ecopark is home to the following attractions:
1. Lopez Picnic Grounds - five hectares of picnic area under and surrounded by a forest of huge tall trees with grilling provisions.
2. Salt Water Swimming Pool - a public pool that utilizes salt granules instead of chlorine giving, not only a close-to-the-sea atmosphere, but also a safer and less toxic filtering process
3. Superferry Boating Lagoon - couples, families, barkadas, and anyone can enjoy a boat ride by paddling in this lagoon
4. Fishing Lagoon
5. Petron Fitness and Mountain Bike Trail - a fitness trail with exercise stations and connects to a mountain bike trail in a forest full of trees
6. Shell Flower Terraces - a dam wall converted into hectares of flower terraces
7. Ecomuseum
8. Butterfly Trail and Hatchery - an educational walking tour through the world of butterflies
9. Pavilions for rent for different private and public functions
10. Overnight camping zone
11. Paintball field - Global Glutz is also in the house!
12. Wall climbing, rappelling, and zipline!

GENERAL OPERATING HOURS: 8am to 5pm daily
Open daily including holidays.
Closed on the 25th December and the 31st December.
Park may be closed without prior notice due to severe inclement weather.

Park Admission Rates
Persons above 3ft P50
3ft & below Free
QC Residents (w/ valid proof of residence) P40
QC Students (w/ valid ID) P20
QC Senior Citizens (w/ valid ID) FREE
Non-QC Senior Citizens P40

AMENITIES
SWIMMING POOL (operating hours 8am-4pm Daily)
Persons above 3ft P80
3ft & below P40
-Proper swimming attire is strictly enforced.
-Pool admission rates apply to all who enter pool compound whether they will swim or not.
BUTTERFLY HAVEN. P60/person
FISHING. P80/kilo
BUNGEE FUN. P120/2mins
HORSEBACK RIDING. P50-single/ 100-w/calesa
BIKE RENTAL. P60 - P90/hr
ZIPLINE Slide for Life. P200/person
PAINT BALL. P350/person w/50 bullets and safety gear

PAVILIONS
IPIL PAVILION - P5,000/ day
Max. Capacity: 250 persons (80 persons free park admission)

NARRA PAVILION - P5,000/ day
Max. Capacity: 150 persons (80 persons free park admission)
MULTIPURPOSE HALL/ ECO ACADEMY HALL
P7,500 day time (8:00 am to 5:00 pm)
P12,500 night time (5:00 pm to 10:00 pm)
Max. Capacity: 250 persons (80 persons free park admission)

ORCHIDARIUM EXCLUSIVE - P20,000/ day
Max. Capacity: 150 persons (80 persons free park admission)

OLD SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX EXCLUSIVE
P15,000 day time (8:00 am to 5:00 pm)
P20,000 night time (5:00 pm to 10:00 pm)
Max. Capacity: 300 persons (100 persons free park admission)

AMPHITHEATER - P5,000 (Park admission not inclussive)

BOATING PAVILION
P7,500 day time (8:00 am to 5:00 pm)
P10,000 night time (5:00 pm to 10:00 pm)
Max. Capacity: 150 persons (80 persons free park admission)

RENTALS & SERVICES
(No reservations. First come first served)
CABANNA RENTAL P500/day
TABLES & CHAIRS RENTAL P120/set (1 table & 4 chairs)
TOUR GUIDE P500/ tour (max. 50 persons)
FISHING ROD RENTAL P30/day

OVERNIGHT CAMPING AVAILABLE BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT.
At least a week advance booking needed.
P200/night/person
Additional P100/succeeding night.
Minimum of 15 campers.

PARK RULES & Camp; REGULATIONS
1) Strictly no littering. P500 fine is implemented.
2) Videoke & loud music is strictly prohibited.
3) Liquor, alcoholic beverages & illegal drugs are strictly prohibited.
4) Only emergency & authorized motorized vehicles are allowed beyond the main entrance.
5) Swimming pool is for recreation purpose only. Water baptismal activities are not allowed.
6) Bonfire is prohibited.

How to get to Lamesa Ecopark?

From Quezon Memorial Circle

1. Commonwealth Avenue Turn right from Elliptical Road

2. At Commonwealth Avenue Just straight ahead

3. Pearl Street Turn right from Commonwealth, between City Oil and Sangkalan

4. Winston Street Turn right from Pearl Street

5. Dunhill Street Turn left from Winston Street

6. La Mesa Eco Park Just straight ahead thru Dunhill Street

From North Avenue

1. At North Avenue Go straight ahead via North Avenue to Elliptical Road

2. Elliptical Road Turn right from North Avenue

3. Commonwealth Avenue Turn right from Elliptical Road

4. At Commonwealth Avenue Just straight ahead

5. Pearl Street Turn right from Commonwealth, between City Oil and Sangkalan

6. Winston Street Turn right from Pearl Street

7. Dunhill Street Turn left from Winston Street

8. La Mesa Eco Park Just straight ahead thru Dunhill Street

Guanellian Home for the Special Children Spiritual Eco-travel

This building houses the children with disabilities and abondoned

        Have you tried visiting a place that is meaningful and fulfilling in your part. If you are looking for this type of journey then you can visit the Guanellian Home for the Abandoned Special children. There are lots of special children and adult as well who are being taking cared by the Guanellian missionary .

One blessed morning I had the opportunity to visit this place and  be with the children the whole day. It was meaningful in the sense that  personally i was able to listen, play and realized their status and feelings.

Additional History:

For the past 16 years, it has run a pre-school program for children living in the poor district of Pingkian, Pasong Tamo, Quezon City. The school gives emphasis on catechism and value formation.
The Congregation continues to expand as it constructed the House of the Holy Family (Harong Kan Sagrada Familia) in Legazpi City in 2003.
In 2005, the Philippine-Italian Association helped in the construction of a bakery within the compound of the Congregation in Pingkian, and in 2010 a home for special children was inaugurated.
With the help of generous benefactors, the Servants of Charity inaugurated a physical therapy department that is used for the rehabilitation of persons with disabilities who could not afford expensive physical therapy services of private hospitals.
The humanitarian work of the Servants of Charity is a continuation of the apostolic mission started by St. Louis Guanella 148 years ago. 

 How to get there:

         Guanellian Servants of Charity House is located at Centerville Subd. Tandang Sora Quezon City. If you are commuting take Tandang Sora jeepney at the corner of Commonwealth Ave. and Tandang Sora. Tell the driver to drop you at Centerville, then take a special trip tricycle going to Guanellian servants of charity house.