Travel Philippines

Taal and Mayon could Erupt in the Next 100 Years and Cause 1 Million Deaths Each

November 17, 2015 By Rig Man Leave a Comment

Taal Volcano (top picture) and Mayon Volcano (bottom picture).

Taal Volcano in Batangas and Mount Mayon in Albay are among the ten most dangerous volcanoes in the world according to a list published by the University of Manchester and volcano enthusiasts.

In order to raise awareness of the threats that active volcanoes pose to the world, a collaboration between a group of volcano enthusiasts and the University of Manchester has created a list of the world’s ten most dangerous volcanoes. The volcanoes included are identified as likely to erupt in the next 100 years and cause 1 million deaths or more each. [Read more…]

Sunset at Manila Bay: A Must Wait and See When You’re in Manila

November 15, 2015 By Victorino Q. Abrugar Leave a Comment

Sunset views are amazing, romantic, and relaxing. The breathtaking scenery of a sunset turning the sea and the skies into gold can take our problems and stresses away. One of the best spots to watch the sun kisses the sea in the Philippines or probably in the world is at Manila Bay. So when I had the chance to visit our country’s capital city, I made sure that a walk along Roxas Boulevard to catch the sunset was on my itinerary.

On 4 November 2015, I strolled along Roxas Boulevard to capture the different views of the sunset at Manila bay, including the people and notable landmarks near the area.

Here are some of my photos. Enjoy!

[Read more…]

Linao Cave in Guiuan: How to Get There and be Closer with Nature

November 14, 2015 By Victorino Q. Abrugar Leave a Comment

Guiuan is known for its white sand beaches and big waves from the Pacific Ocean. But who would have thought that this major town, which is also composed of several islands and islets, in Eastern Samar is hiding a gem of nature? At the seaside facing the Pacific Ocean, we can spot the huge waves that delight the surfers. At the opposite side, we can see the rocky forest that will challenge anyone into a great adventure.

The day before I went to ABCD beach in Calicoan Island to try surfing for the first time, me and my cousins went to Linao Cave, a hidden cave in the tropical forest located just a thrilling walk away from Calicoan and Brgy. Sulangan.

Also read: Surfing in Calicoan, Guiuan, Eastern Samar: Tips and Photos

The name Linao Cave is derived from the word Linao or Linaw, a Waray-waray term (the local dialect of Samareños) which means clear. The locals called the cave as such because of the cold, fresh and clear waters that it houses.

So are the waters in Linao Cave really clear?

Here are some photos and the stories of our journey into Linao Cave. [Read more…]

Surfing in Calicoan, Guiuan, Eastern Samar: Tips and Photos

November 12, 2015 By Victorino Q. Abrugar 4 Comments

I’ve been to Guiuan, Eastern Samar several times, since my parents were born from its nearby towns. My father is from Mercedes and my mother is from Salcedo. I have also been to Sulangan Church or the San Antonio de Padua Church which is well-known in Eastern Visayas for its miracles and for granting the prayers of its pilgrims. However, I have never set my foot in Calicoan, an island between Sulangan and the town proper of Guiuan.

Calicoan Island is famous for its beaches, resorts, and surfing hubs. But after Super Typhoon Yolanda hit Visayas, I wasn’t already sure if the tourist attractions in the island are already back. So when my family decided to visit Eastern Samar on October 31, 2015, I did not hesitate to go with them. [Read more…]

2nd Typhoon Yolanda Commemoration: A Look Back, Starting Anew and Moving Forward for a Better Tacloban

November 7, 2015 By Lyza R. Sabornido Leave a Comment

M/V Eva Jocelyn

It has been two years since the Super Typhoon Yolanda hit the provinces in Eastern Visayas, but it still feels like yesterday. I would never forget the sound of the raging wind mixed with the sound of shattering glasses, cringing roofs, and most of all the voices of people asking for help or calling for their loved ones being carried away by the storm surge.

We were wrong when we thought that it will all be over after the storm passed because more challenges came after. Fires broke out, the communications were down, there was no source of water or food, dead bodies and debris all over the streets. It seemed like all hell break loose, it was a perfect picture of a hopeless situation but thanks to the international Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) who came to help. [Read more…]

The Unveiling of Anibong Memorial Marker

November 6, 2015 By Lyza R. Sabornido Leave a Comment

M/V Eva Jocelyn Memorial at Anibong District Tacloban City

Time flies so fast, two days from now we will be commemorating the darkest day ever faced by the people in Eastern Visayas specially Taclobanons. I am sure those who were here that dreadful morning have a story to tell. An experience we would never forget until we grow old.

Many lives have been taken away, many lives have been ruined because of the loss and destructions but with the help of various local and international Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO’s) the region have slowly risen back and even better.

Almost two years ago, 10 cargo ships were swept ashore by the storm surge caused by the force of the Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan). Eight (8) of which were stuck within in barangays 68, 69, and 70. For some months, there had been deliberations whether they should be dismantled or be pulled back to the sea. The last option faced a huge problem, though. Residents of Anibong and Rawis, Tacloban City started to rebuild their houses even if the government had declared the area to be a no build zone.

One of the most visible cargo vessels was M/V Eva Jocelyn which reached the edge of the road in the Anibong area. It was one of the shipping companies who got the salvage permit from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). For some months, the company tried to get the ship back in the sea but before the first year anniversary of the super typhoon, Sangguniang Panlungsod of Tacloban have decided to transform the said vessel into a memorial.

Even before the city council resolution, the remnant of the M/V Eva Jocelyn already attracted local and foreign tourists who would go to that area to take a photo of the most visible evidence of how strong the typhoon was.

August of this year a building permit was issued to the construction of Super Typhoon Yolanda Ship Remnant Monument and it will be unveiled tomorrow in a ceremony at around 6 in the evening as part of the commemoration events sponsored by the City Government of Tacloban. A Holy Mass will also be held right after the unveiling ceremony.

Because we could not wait for tomorrow, FAQ.ph team went to Anibong yesterday to take some pictures of the memorial. And we would also like to share them with you:

A memorial of M/V Eva Jocelyn

Aside from the unveiling there are also other events lined up starting this midnight. An Ultra Marathon from Tolosa, Leyte to Tacloban City was organized by private organizations. By 10:00 AM tomorrow, a blessing and turn-over of Health Center at Abucay Bus Terminal will be held. This project was sponsored by the Rotary Club of Makati South and Rotary Club of Jonan, Japan.

There will also be a premiere showing of a documentary film entitled, “Fields of Hope” at Robinson’s Movie world. This free showing will be until November 8 only. If you can’t make it to the premiere, no worries you can watch it in advance tonight at exactly 8:00 PM via CNN Philippines.

There are still more events to look forward to on November 8 but to give you a little suspense, we’ll save that for my next post tomorrow.

24 Photos that Show Why San Juanico Cruise is a Must in Eastern Visayas

November 5, 2015 By Victorino Q. Abrugar 1 Comment

Recognized as the longest and most picturesque bridge in the Philippines, San Juanico Bridge is not only a famous landmark in Eastern Visayas but also in the country. It connects the islands of Leyte and Samar across the San Juanico Strait, the narrowest navigable strait in the world.

On 29 October 2015, we had the opportunity to join the soft launching of San Juanico Cruise, a brilliant initiative organized through the collaboration of the Department of Tourism, NGOs, local government, and a group of business owners in Eastern Visayas. The tour was attended by Department of Tourism Regional Director (Karen Tiopes), the staff of Mr. Philip Romualdez, the operators of Leyte Gulf Travel and Tours (Mr. Gerry Ruiz and Mrs. Ludette Ruiz), Tour Director Butz Eguia, Mr. Oliver Cam of Welcome Home Pensione House, and other stakeholders.

The soft launching of San Juanico Cruise, which has traversed the San Juanico Strait and passed under the infamous San Juanico Bridge, is one of the several test runs conducted by the organizers to improve and perfect the cruise when they officially launch it in December or next year.

Here are some of the photos I took during the cruise. Enjoy! [Read more…]

A Cruise along San Juanico Strait

November 5, 2015 By Lyza R. Sabornido 1 Comment

San Juanico Bridge

Last year, I wrote about 10 Facts You Should Know About San Juanico Bridge in Samar and Leyte. I talked about my first visit to this magnificent structure in Region 8. I described it to look like a dragon from afar.

Sure, most of us have seen it from a picture, from afar or have passed through it but how does cruising through it sounds like? Interesting, isn’t it? Never in my wildest dream have I imagined going (sailing) under it until October 29, 2015.

Thanks to the people who have thought of the brilliant idea of converting the fishing boats donated to the Yolanda survivors by Oxfam (an international non-governmental organization) into a tourism-related livelihood, a cruise through San Juanico strait is now a reality. [Read more…]

List of Telephone Area Codes in the Philippines

November 4, 2015 By Lyza R. Sabornido Leave a Comment

A rotary dial telephone made in 1966. Photo by Holger Ellgaard via Wikimedia Commons

The telephone was the first communication device granted with a United States patent in 1876. It was invented by a Scottish immigrant Alexander Graham Bell and has long been one of the most used communication devices in the world.

Sorry to say, but telephone (landline phone) is not on the list of my most favorite communication device. I usually get confused on what to dial. I am not particular with area codes and I am not just good with memorizing numbers. Unlike the mobile phone where you could talk to your contact with just one click, when using a telephone, you have to dial all the numbers. So, I only use it when necessary.

If you have the same problem of memorizing various area codes here in the Philippines, here is the complete list of the area codes that could help you.

National Capital Region (NCR)
Caloocan City 2
Las Piñas City 2
Makati City 2
Malabon City 2
Mandaluyong City 2
Manila City 2
Marikina City 2
Muntinlupa City 2
Navotas City 2
Parañaque City 2
Pasay City 2
Pasig City 2
Pateros City 2
Quezon City 2
San Juan City 2
Taguig City 2
Valenzuela City 2

Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR)
Abra 74
Apayao 78
Benguet 74
Ifugao 74
Kalinga 74
Mt. Province 74

Region I – Ilocos Region
Ilocos Norte 77
Ilocos Sur 77
La Union 72
Pangasinan 75

Region II – Cagayan Valley
Cagayan 78
Batanes 78
Isabela 78
Nueva Vizcaya 78
Quirino 78

Region III – Central Luzon
Aurora 42
Bataan 47
Bulacan 44 (Abangan Bulacan 4422) (Saint Francis 4463)
Nueva Ecija 44
Pampanga 45
Tarlac 45

Region IV-A – Calabarzon
Batangas 43
Cavite 46 (Bacoor 02, 046)
Laguna 49 (Majayjay 49305)( Liliw 043)
Quezon 42
Rizal 2

Region IV-B – Mimaropa
Marinduque 42
Occidental Mindoro 43
Oriental Mindoro 43
Palawan 48
Romblon 54

Region V – Bicol Region
Albay 52
Camarines Norte 54
Camarines Sur 54
Catanduanes 52
Masbate 56
Sorsogon 56

Region VI – Western Visayas
Aklan 36
Antique 36
Capiz 36
Guimaras 33
Iloilo 33
Negros Occidental 34

Region VII – Central Visayas
Bohol 38
Cebu 32
Negros Oriental 35
Siquijor 35

Region VIII – Eastern Visayas
Biliran 53
Eastern Samar 55
Leyte 53
Northern Samar 55
Samar 55
Southern Leyte 53

Region IX – Zamboanga Peninsula
Zamboanga del Norte 65
Zamboanga del Sur 62
Zamboanga Sibugay 62

Region X – Northern Mindanao
Bukidnon 88
Camiguin 88
Lanao del Norte 63
Misamis Occidental 88 (Plaridel 88344)
Misamis Oriental (Cagayan de Oro 8822, Gingoog City 8842, Tagoloan 88)

Region XI – Davao Region
Compostela Valley 84
Davao del Norte 84
Davao del Sur 82
Davao Oriental 87

Region XII – Soccsksargen
North Cotabato 64
Sarangani 83
South Cotabato 83
Sultan Kudarat 64

Region XIII – Caraga
Agusan del Norte 85
Agusan del Sur 85
Dinagat Islands 86
Surigao del Norte 86
Surigao del Sur 86
Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM)
Basilan 62
Lanao del Sur 64
Maguindanao 64
Sulu 85
Tawi-tawi 68

Important things you need to remember when using a landline phone:

– The international exit code is 00
– The country code of the Philippines is 63
– The Subscriber’s Numbers (without an Area Code) are 7 digits
– When calling from abroad to the Philippines – dial “00” + 63 + Area Code + Subscriber Number
– When calling a landline within the same Area Code – simply dial the Subscriber Number.
– When calling a landline outside an Area Code – you have to dial “0” + Area Code + Subscriber Number.
– When calling any cell phone number – dial “0” + Area Code + Subscriber Number.
*Calling cell phones from landlines used to be considered “long distance” because it does not have a geographical location which means you pay per minute. But now, telecommunication companies offer unlimited calls from landline to cellular phones for a particular service provider.

List of Postal Codes (ZIP codes) in the Philippines

November 3, 2015 By Lyza R. Sabornido Leave a Comment

Sample on how to address an envelope.

Before the invention of cellular phones, writing a letter and sending it via air mail was the best way of communicating to our loved ones. People then must be very patient because they would have to wait for a week just for their letter to reach its destination and it would take another week for them to get the reply. Now, people would be aggravated if their text mates would not reply within an hour. And with the fast changing world most of the youths now don’t even know the Postal code or ZIP code of their own town. Why would they when they don’t need to send letter through the post office anymore, right? Instead of going to a post office to send a letter, we could just send it via e-mail, and as for packages, there are now fast cargo companies that are more reliable.

Most of us don’t even know what a ZIP Code is. ZIP actually stands for “Zone Improvement Plan”. It was first used in the U.S and was adopted by the Philippine Postal Corporation (Phlpost). America uses five digits while the Philippines use only four digits. The main purpose of using ZIP code is to simplify the distribution of mails.

If you want to send a letter, greeting cards or packages this Christmas season in an old fashioned way but don’t know the Zip Code to the place where you want to send it to, FAQ.ph got you covered; here is the complete list of Postal Codes (ZIP Codes) in the Philippines: [Read more…]