PALAWAN: THE PALAWAN EXPERIENCE

July 17-20, 2009

The following posts present a journal of the three-day Palawan adjective. Our cluster is utmost humbled by the experiences of the cumulative three-day vacation leave.

PALAWAN: THE FRIDAY BONANZA
- documents the cluster's memorable arrival at the Puerto Prinsesa Airport to our eventual visit to Palawan's secret wonders.

PALAWAN: THE SATURDAY SERENADE

- the splash, the waves, the snorkles. All these and more written in the sands of Hunda Bay.

PALAWAN: THE SUNDAY ESCAPADE

- a first-hand visit to the World Heritage Park of the Sabang Subterrenean National Park becomes the exclamation point of our final day in Palawan.

PALAWAN: THE MONDAY ADJECTIVE
- we have experienced the adjective. So should you. The post is a summary, in words and in snapshots, of the wonderful Palawan adventure.

My hands had been as adventurous the whole trip. They produced three Palawan-born posts.

PALAWAN: FUNDADOR
- a drunken poem written while the author was mid-way sober and half-way asleep.

PALAWAN: HINGA MALALIM

- the simple talk that eventually lead to a deeper silent breath.

PALAWAN: BARAS

- written literally in the sands of the Sabang Beach, this poem has been translated by our tour guide to Cuyuno, Puerto Prinsesa's local dialect.

Enjoy.

PALAWAN: THE FRIDAY BONANZA

Friday, July 17

10:30 a.m.

“PALAWAN!”


That was the first word my officemates exclaimed upon our plane’s arrival at the Puerto Princesa Airport, July 17 Friday at approximately thirty minutes past ten - amidst the jubilant welcome of the “military band” that greeted every tourist as if we were Very Important Palaweños (VIPs).

With the unexpected first-hand hospitality, I expected much after the warm airport reception.

I was not mistaken. Our Travel Agency, 3B’s Tours and Travel, made our JHE Cluster embrace the warm-er VIP reception via their custom-made streamer, shell-adorned necklaces, and of course, that au natural Palaweño charm.

Talk about an all-out VIP experience in just the first thirty minutes of your trip.

And so, our three-day VIP adventure began with…

12:30 p.m.

…hungry stomachs eager for some native cooking. Seafood and native restaurant Bilao at Palayok concocted the perfect ingredients for this craving.

Bilao at Palayok’s ambiance was exceptional, the mood relaxed with soothing jazz music fitted for a quiet conversation or two. True to its name, the restaurant boasts of a native atmosphere - a brief refresher to the quiet and laidback Palaweño lifestyle. My favorite part would definitely be the tribal statues and images strategically located in different parts of the resto. My fascination for Survivor still follows me wherever I am.

Food-wise though, the lunch was just great, not superb nor a must-try. Dishes served were as enticing as how they were presented, but the meal was, in Tagalog, “bitin.”
Either the serving in the bilao was just too economical or our stomachs wanted an upsurge from its recession.
Or Both.

I give Bilao at Palayok seven out of ten spoons.

2:30 p.m.

To Puerto Princesa City we tour.

With our guide Edna B. De Los Angeles at hand, the tour around the main pueblo of Puerto Princesa began with some important facts about one of the cleanest city in the Philippines.

“…The largest Philippine city in terms of total land area, Puerto Princesa was named after a Spanish princess born in 1864. The place was initially known as Puerto de la Princesa, but was later change to its present name after the princess’ untimely death. The town’s bay area became center for Spanish naval operations during the conquestadors’ occupation.

The town was formally inaugurated provincial capital of Palawan during the American regime; then a Philippine city by 1970. Puerto Princesa and the rest of Palawan belong to the MIMAROPA region.”

Intrigued by these facts and more Palawan gossips shared inside the van, we ogled over what lies behind this Puerto Princesa vibe.

The city is a spectacle of progress, evident in small-to-medium-scale business establishment surrounding the pueblo. Of course, Jollibee was a sure sign of the development in this quaint town populated by the warm and amiable personalities of pure-blooded Palaweños.

Puerto Princesa is much like my old place back home. It imbibed the aroma of my Dipolog – quiet yet ambitious, serene but adventurous, cozy although expanding. This made me easy to embrace the beauty of the Princesa and the many pearls she has unraveled throughout the years.

Two of these magnificent pearls were the Immaculate Conception Church and the Plaza Cuartel – two adjacent reminders; one of faith, the other a testimony of it.

Situated a few yards from the Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral, Plaza Cuartel is a grimful reminder of the Palawan Massacre of 1944. The note on the marker reads, “Sa pook na ito na dating taggulang militar noong ikalawang digmaang pandaigdig naganap ang pagsunog ng mga sundalong Hapon sa humigit kumulang 150 Amerikanong bihag ng digma noong 14 Disyembre 1944.”

Of the enlisted prisoners-of-wars, only eleven men survived the massacre – most of them swam across the bay and were rescued by Iwahig Penal Colony inmates. Survivor Eugene Nielsen of the 59th Coast Artillery recounted that ‘the [Japanese] would laugh and shoot or bayonet the [prisoners-of-wars] in the stomach.’ Marine Sergeant Douglas Bouge revealed ‘the Japanese resorted to dynamites in forcing men out of the rocks where they hid.’ Meanwhile, Marine Glen McDole survived the massacre and an ‘apendectomy without anesthesia’ while hiding in the camp garbage dump with two other prisoners. (More stories from survivors on the link provided in Palawan: The Monday Adjective.)

After the short detour to history lane, we were lead to another local wonder – a vibrant masterpiece of the unique Palaweño craftsmanship
.
Binuatan Creations became the venue for a much-demanded pasalubong spree. The products offered were mostly ‘made of local fibers and grasses endemic in Puerto Princesa City beautifully [crafted] by women, out-of-school-youths, and working students.’ Some officemates even got a first-hand experience in weaving indigenous fiber-made mats, which sells for Php 20.00 to Php 30.00 per yard. The souvenir shop beamed with its native products – from colorful bags to practical table runners and accessories; to personalized notepads and even attractive wall decors.

I bought only few items though - three notepads, a bookmark, and one table runner were a good enough buy. Something told me to be rather stingy on that spree, knowing the next days may lead to better and cheaper deals. (As day three revealed, I was right all along.)

From a historical insight to Palaweño ingenuity, Puerto Princesa next showcased her natural wonder via the Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center.

Founded in 1987 with support from the Japan International Cooperative Agency, the Crocodile Farming Institute was established with the aim ‘to conserve [two] endangered species of crocodiles, C. porosus and C. mindorensis,’ and ‘to introduce and develop suitable farming technology to uplift the socio-economic well being of the [country].’

Renamed Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center, the institute is a sanctuary to wildlife species and a free retreat for stressed Makati associates with Mother Nature.

Among the activities in the Center included a visit to the Hatching House for newly-born crocodiles, the stimulating stroll to witness the motionless nocturnal adult reptilians take their lazy afternoon naps, and the immediate insight to the Nature Park, a clandestine haven for wildlife animals – from the graceful ostrich and the noble eagle, to the loquacious myna bird and the timid bearcat.

But the main highlight was the photo-ops with the kid crocs, tagged reasonably at Php 30.00. I did not dare hold those crocodiles though, even if that stranger ordered me to. Their skin would just remind me of snakes, and (argh) I fear snakes.

The visit to the Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center revealed the vulnerable side of being a ‘buwaya’, contrary to its usual connotation with greed and selfishness. In that, the buwaya and the rest of wildlife deserve our utmost respect.

Freedom within walls, instead outside of, has been exemplified in our next stop, the Iwahig Penal Colony.

Dubbed ‘the world’s largest prison without bars’, the Iwahig Penal Colony was established in Palawan in 1904 to serve ‘as a depository for prisoners who could no longer be accommodated at the Bilibid Prison in Manila.’ The tour guide narrated that the inmates today are subdivided into three major groups: minimum (identified with brown shirts), middle (blue), and maximum (orange) security inmates.

The inmates are given livelihood programs during their term. These include farming, fishing, forestry, carpentry, and hospital paramedical work, to name a few. These projects would probably explain why most inmates choose to live within the communities near the Colony once they are emancipated.

“Mas mabuti na dito sa Iwahig kasi may ikinabubuhay sila; mahirap maghanap ng hanapbuhay sa labas kaya dito na rin sila namamalagi kung nakalaya na,” explained our tour guide.

As a gesture of respect towards the inmates, no pictures were taken within the facility. Products handcrafted by the inmates were purchased instead.
From the Penal Colony, we proceeded to our next destination that redefined ‘picturesque viewpoint.’

The retreat house of former House Speaker Ramon V. Mitra, Jr. displayed the untouched scenery of Palawan and painted lush greens perfect for cattle grazing. The house is reflective of the former House Speaker’s long-time involvement with cattle, particularly his post as a Chairman of the Farm Management Enterprises Corporation which operated farm cattle ranches.

Mitra was elected Palawan congressman for two terms, 1965 until 1973, but resigned during midterm. He became senator in 1971, and after the EDSA revolution in 1986, was appointed Agriculture Secretary. He later became Speaker of the House of Representatives in 1987.

A sneak peak for day two’s itinerary, the Hunda Bay, can be seen from the retreat house.
A quick stop at the Baker’s Hill stamped the final wonder for day one.

Baker’s Hill has became a local tourist spot not only for their local pastries and delicacies (their Halo-Halo sold at Php 60.00 is a guaranteed must-try) but also for their unique decorations, mostly figures from our favorite cartoons, ornamenting the place. An officemate even confirmed the reasonableness of one piece. He was more than satisfied.

Much has happened during the first day of our Palawan adventure. Needless to say, the first day was only a primer to the incredible escapade of days two and three.

Writing-wise, my hands gave birth to Fundador, the love child of that stranger and the hypnotic breath of alcoholic liquid. See Palawan: Fundador for this post.

Off to day two. Or should I say, tayo na’t magbabad sa mainit na alon ng ikalawang sikat ng araw.

PALAWAN: THE SATURDAY SERENADE

Saturday, July 18

8:00 am

The second day of our stressed-free vacation leave could be summed in two words: HUNDA BAY.

Hunda Bay is situated in Sta. Lourdes, Tagbanua around 12 kilometers east of Puerto Princesa City. Recognized as ‘the Last Frontier’, the Bay reflects the magnificent canvass of white sand beaches, pristine snorkeling and diving spots, and a rich and well-preserved coral reef system.

These God-given gifts have been generously distributed to the bay’s group of islets which adventurous nature lovers could visit through island hopping via hired pump boats abundant in the bay’s wharf.

Among these islands include the Cowrie and Bat, named after large fruit bats ‘coming out of holes at sundown for the evening fee.’ Equally worth visiting is the Snake Island with its curvaceous strip shaped like a wandering snake. The island is host to the Pambato Reef, our cluster’s snorkeling playground for the entire day. Other famous islands include the Canon, Lu-li Island (an acronym for ‘lulubog-lilitaw’, the island is apparently visible only during low tide), Senorita Island (a breeding site for the Lapu-Lapu), Meara Marina, Pandan Island and Starfish Island.

Officemates named the Hunda experience, ‘astig’, ‘sulit’, and ‘sarap ulit-ulitin’. And it truly was.

There were many stories created amidst the basking heat of the Palawan sun. We had our cluster fun games that eventually turned into a contested riot of equality and fairness, in all material respects. (My team won second, by the way.) Fellow snorkel-geared new hires became immediate marine enthusiasts, equally conversing with the aquatic life forms and creating a much-thought appreciation to Nemo’s heritage. Some became novices at boat rowing; while others revived the college flame via a heated volleyball game.

Personally, it was ‘salamat sa ganda ng Palawan.’ The bay’s undeniable charm became the inspiration for Hinga Malalim and the backdrop for most of the pictures seen in Baras. See Palawan: Hinga Malalim and Palawan: Baras for the actual posts.

PALAWAN: THE SUNDAY ESCAPADE

Sunday, July 19

7:00 a.m.

And the finale should be grand.
Day three’s itinerary comprised unraveling the marvel of Sabang, Puerto Princesa – the Subterranean River National Park, the Mangrove Paddleboat Tour, and the unexpected plunge into the Sabang Beach.

The 81-kilometer travel to Barangay Sabang from the city proper took two hours to complete.

Between our rambunctious chorus for Eraserheads’ Huling El Bimbo and the intense revelation of Lucas in Ricky Lee’s ‘Para Kay B’ were the magnificent stretch of quiet mountains and untouched virgin forests gently cascading the long drive to Sabang. An unexpected detour to the Buenavista Viewpoint, a project of the celebrated Mayor Edward S. Hagedorn, became a breather for that refreshing view and a revival for another pasalubong spree.And after being in an almost stationary arrangement in the crowded van, we have finally arrived at the Puerto Princesa Subterranean National Park. A marker declares the location as ‘A World Heritage Park’.

We first navigated towards the Underground River via a twenty-minute pumpboat ride. The scene in the pumpboat ride was coated with the unending horizon of blue crystal waters, crashed only with angry moving waves and gigantic rock creations that commanded our respect.

The arrival at the Underground River was like the cinematographic start-off from my favorite reality show – castaways dropped at an unfamiliar island to survive a game against nature and against each other. A smooth Jungle Trail was the Heritage’s brown carpet preview for tourists before arriving at the underground river.

After the pumpboat ride and an Amazing Race hike, we were welcomed by the imposing structure that is the Palawan Underground River.

Navigated by means of a paddle boat, the Palawan Underground River features 8.2 kilometers of God’s perfect creations. The river flows ‘within a deep cavern under rugged limestone and marble cliffs,’ with visitors greeted by the welcoming committee of the underground bats. The secrets of the stalactite and stalagmite pillars, the mysteries of the famed Cathedral Chambers and the enigma of the geological formations were all revealed by the magic of the trusty flashlight and the words by our paddle boat master.

To unravel the truth of these formations, one must definitely test his imagination.

Formations like the Holy Family, the ethereal Guardian Angel, a grotto for Saint Roque, and a snapshot of the Three Kings adorned the Cathedral Chambers. A trip to the fresh market, este the Fruits and Vegetable Section, offered the vegan tourist a gargantuan feast of Carrots, Cabbage, Pepper, and the Male Mushroom. Other well-remembered images included the silhouette of the perfectly-curved woman (yeah, man!), the neighing of the horse’s head, and the enchanted twist of the mythical dragon. It was near impossible to take a perfect snapshot of these formations though. A split-second click would spell the difference between a photo-worthy image and an ordinary rock formation The Underground River Tour was a blast. And that explosion was followed by another entertaining aftermath.

The Mangrove Paddle Boat Tour was a direct access to the ideal ecosystem – a tranquil hideaway for the diverse wildlife, converging in that safe place undisturbed by human development. The endearment with conserving the mangroves was further enriched with FYIs narrated by our nature guides, Lady Mangrove and Manong Untoy. One could just grasp the guide’s love for these mangroves, even offering the Mangrove Song to the tune of Paru-Parung Bukid at the end of the tour.

But the right of passage for the Paddle Boat Tour was Palawan’s version of Fear Factor: the Tamilok Experience.

Tamilok, scientifically known as Bachtrophorus thoracites, is ‘bivalve mollusk of the teredinidae family.’ These woodworms thrive in trunks of wood scattered within the mangrove ecosystem. After the insides have been removed and cleaned, the Tamilok is dipped into vinegar seasoned with ample amount of spices. Rich in protein, calcium, and iodine, the local Sabang delicacy is believed to be an aphrodisiac. Mmmm….a better version of kinilaw.

The mangrove planting ceremoniously marked the end of our Mangrove Paddle Boat Tour. Maraming Salamat Lady Mangrove and Manong Untoy. May your advocacy towards preserving the mangrove ecosystem paddle to deeper and wider seas. You have made the tour worth reminiscing. Sa Sabang may tamilok, uy. Uy, uy, uy….

An unexpected splash with the big, inviting waves of Sabang Beach followed the Mangrove Paddle Boat Tour.

It was an easy temptation for my officemates – not for me though. The sand and the majestic wind whispered lyrical words that eventually became Buhangin or Baras in Kuyunin. It was the best compromise for fighting the temptation, I thought. Refer to Palawan: Baras for this post.

The group eventually left the Puerto Princesa Subterranean National Park at around four in the afternoon.

It was part three of our pasalubong spree upon our arrival at the city proper. And yes, we have arrived at the best and cheapest deals at the Tiangge. Palawan shirts at Php 80.00, key chains at three pieces for Php 50.00, colorful bracelets at Php 100.00 per dozen. Plus you can haggle if you can use your old Makati charm.
Sadly, (ahh) the Palawan souvenirs have to be with our bags on our return flight the following morning.

PALAWAN: THE MONDAY ADJECTIVE

Monday, July 20

Palawan. Princesa, the Princess. Puerto, the Port, the Entrance.

For three wonderful and unforgettable days, Puerto Princesa unlocked its gates, wide-opened, to young professionals from the busy outskirts of Makati. And in that three days of being welcomed strangers into the Philippines’ Last Frontier, we have witnessed Palawan’s unexplainable charisma – from its relentless pursuit to environmental conservation to our first-hand commune with nature’s wildlife, from the treasures of its historical reminders and the many stories behind them, and from the laidback Palaweño lifestyle to the warm hospitality of its people.

All these and more. All these in a princess’ immaculate turf. All these made us crave for more of…


“PALAWAN!!!”

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EXPERIENCE THE PALAWAN ADJECTIVES…

CULTURAL...

...INVITING

...RELAXING...

INVIGORATING...

...CAPTIVATING




...ENTICING...



REFRESHING...

NATURAL

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Special mention for the following officemates who have shared their Palawan pictures: Miss Ghislain Barro, Miss Jemaica de la Cruz, Mark Joseph Pizana, and Jonathan Servania. Without these snapshots, the articles would have not been complete. The following links have provided invaluable references for the Palawan experience:

For Palawan and Puerto Princesa
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puerto_Princesa_City
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palawan
http://www.puertoprincesaboard.com/
For Plaza Cuartel
http://www.historynet.com/american-prisoners-of-war-massacre-at-palawan.htm
For Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center
http://www.experiencepalawan.com/crocodilefarm.php
For Iwahig Penal Colony
http://www.wirephoto.com/swallace/iwahig.files/Iwahig.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iwahig_Prison_and_Penal_Farm
http://www.thepinoy.com/sites/archipelago/html/dalisay2.html
For Mitra Retreat House
http://www.senate.gov.ph/senators/former_senators/ramon_mitra.htm
For Hunda Bay
http://www.philippinecountry.com/philippine_beach/hondabay.html
http://www.wowphilippines.com.ph/explore_phil/place_details.asp?content=famousefor&province=22
For Palawan Underground River
http://www.e-philippines.com.ph/destinations-puerto-princesa-palawan-c-343_354.html
http://www.wowphilippines.com.ph/explore_phil/place_details.asp?content=famousefor&province=22
For Mangrove Paddle Boat Tour
http://bararing.blogspot.com/2008/10/exotic-tamilok.html

EXPERIENCE THE PALAWAN ADJECTIVE!!!

Contact 3B’S TOURS AND TRAVEL at (048) 434-1436.

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