The Pinay Solo Backpacker

Harvest festivals are  celebrated by different cultures all over the world primarily to give thanks to their gods for a fruitful harvest.  The Philippines being an agricultural country has its own share of  a colorful and grand harvest  feast , perhaps the most famous dates back to the 16th century and held annually  in Lucban, Quezon, known as Pahiyas Festival. It is a  testament to the Hispanic colonial influence on Filipino culture.

Pahiyas Festival is more of a religious celebration in honor of San Isidro Labrador (Isidore the Farmer), the Catholic patron saint of  peasants and day laborers. (more…)

Viewed 1734 times by 723 viewers

Sorsogon the land of  Kasanggayahan, located at the southernmost part  of  Luzon in the Bicol region made it’s  mark in the world map because of  it’s whale sharks known locally as butanding. Donsol, a small town in  the province of  Sorsogon is the haven of  these gentle giants.  Sadly, tourists only know Sorsogon for it’s whale sharks  when in fact my dear province has a lot more to offer.  Let me give you a glimpse of  the other towns of  Sorsogon…

No, this isn't Calaguas, this is Subic beach in Matnog

(more…)

Viewed 4364 times by 1565 viewers

1st Philippine International Pyromusical Competition was held at SM Mall of Asia or MOA.  It aims to showcase delightful displays of the world’s leading pyrotechnic events.  Participating countries  were: Philippines, Malaysia, USA, UK, China, Japan, France, and Singapore.  It is best viewed over sumptuous dinners at SM Mall of Asia‘s San Miguel bay and the Veranda restaurants. (more…)

Viewed 1147 times by 583 viewers

Panagbenga 2009

Schedule of activities for 2010 :
(more…)

Viewed 1101 times by 576 viewers

Last year, I enjoyed the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon but I didn’t get to see the balloons glow at night.  So this year, my main intent is to witness the hot air balloons at dusk.

Left for Pampanga at around 12 noon. Boarded Victory liner in Cubao. The trip took just 1 and 1/2 hour. I’m confident that I wouldn’t get lost because I’ve traversed that route before.

At 3pm, I was standing outside Clark field, upon seeing the huge banner, I immediately took out my camera and tried to take a photo of it.  But then..ooops! Battery empty! Arggghhh! Not again!!!

Good thing I wasn’t inside the field yet so I crossed the street and boarded a jeep back to Main Gate.  I started thinking of  what to do while sitting uncomfortably inside the crowded vehicle. I  planned to go back to the cheap motel in Dau where my sister and I ended up staying last year, an hour cost Php100,  I could take a rest and charge at the same time but that’s quite far from Clark.  What about SM Clark?  But I’m not even sure if  the establishments there would allow me to charge. So as soon as the jeep stopped at Main gate, I searched for a small store where I can charge. I saw an internet shop beside a restaurant.  Hmm..charging while surfing the net is a great idea! I entered the cafe and asked the staff, he then asked his supervisor I guess and told me NO. I insisted, “I will pay for it and I’ll also rent the internet”. NO, said the guy. So I entered the restaurant beside it and asked the staff if I could charge without even telling her that I will dine there and withour hesitation, she said YES. “Magkano? ” , I asked. She said it’s 10pesos only for about an hour. Because they we’re pretty nice to a poor solo traveler and I am starving too, I  tried their menu.

The small restaurant is called William C. Sisig and sisig is their specialty.  The establishment is located at Main Gate sisig.  in Clark, Pampanga fronting Jollibee. (more…)

Viewed 1236 times by 639 viewers

Last Year, I attended the 14th Hot Air Balloon Fiesta with my sister on Valentine’s day.  I have always dreamed of flying since I was a child, we we’re supposed to take ultralight flight lesson but we opted for a cheaper yet truly unforgettable experience.  The 14th Philippine InternationaHot Air Balloon Fiesta in Clark, Pampanga!!! Tickets are available at the gate, it’s advertised as Php 150 but we only paid Php 100. We don’t  have a VIP pass but watching those huge colorful balloons, the planes, the exhibits, the high-end dSLRs, and lenses  is like a dream come true.  We didn’t get to ride the balloon though since it’s a first come, first serve basis and normally it’s for the VIP’s.  The fee for the balloon ride is US$150 (minimum) per person. Go directly to the Information Booth upon arrival to book yourself a ride.

14th Hot Air Balllon Fiesta (Clark, Pampanga 2009)

If your only purpose in Pampanga is to watch the fiesta, I suggest you leave early in the morning especially if you plan to watch it during weekends because most hotels are fully booked due to Valentines day (more…)

Viewed 1157 times by 580 viewers

My sister and I, left Dau, Pampanga at 5am. It’s 2 jeepney rides away from Clark Field.  There’s  a young couple who are also headed to the event, the guy was so helpful and asked us to join them until we get there.  I’ll be writing about our misadventures in Pampanga the night before the event soon. Anyway, it was still dark when we arrived at Clark field, as expected there’s a lot of people. There’s 2 long lines to the ticket booth but it’s really easy to get in once you get your ticket.  After a few steps away from the entrance, we found ourselves standing in a huge  field full of  stalls  selling all kinds of stuff, drinks, and food.
(more…)

Viewed 1186 times by 590 viewers