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FAQ.ph is where you can read interesting facts, answers and frequently asked questions about the Philippines, its places, events and people.

10 Longest Bridges in the Philippines

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Bridges are important structures especially for an archipelago like the Philippines. It helps people reach their destination easily by land without spending much by traveling air or risky travel by water. In fact, bridges are also created to be a sign of boundaries of two places.

And now, when we talk about longest bridges in the Philippines, there are amazing architectures you may want to check. Below are the longest bridges in the Philippines.

1. Metro Manila Skyway
The Metro Manila Skyway is the country’s longest bridge with 10 km long and 17 km long including Bicutan-Alabang section and is the first fully grade-separated highway in the Philippines. It is elevated highway in Metro Manila crossing over existing South Luzon Expressway (SLEX).

Manila_Skyway

Image Credit: Wikipedia

2. Candaba Viaduct
Candaba Viaduct is also known as “Pulian-Apalit Bridge.” It is a 5 kilometers bridge in the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), consisting of four lanes. Construction Development Corporation of the Philippines (Now, Philippine National Construction Corporation) built it and was designed by Aas-Jakobsen. Also, the viaduct is raised over Candaba Swamp, which keeps the highway open to traffic even when the swamp gets flooded during the rainy or monsoon season.

Candaba Viaduct

Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons

3. San Juanico Bridge
San Juanico Bridge is one of the longest bridges in the Philippines with a length of 2.16 km. It is part of the Pan-Philippine Highway and stretches from Samar to Leyte across San Juanico Strait. A steel girder viaduct is its longest length and its main span is of an arch-shaped truss design. It is accessible by passenger jeepney, motorcab, bus, or private vehicle. The construction was worth $21.9 million, which started on 1969 and completed four years later. The bridge was also dedicated to Ferdinand Marcos’ wife, Imelda Marcos.

Crossing_the_San_Juanico_Bridge

San Juanico Bridge Image Credit: Wikipedia

4. Narciso Ramos Bridge
Narciso Ramos Bridge is located in the Province of Pangasinan, Ilocos. It has a length of 1.442 km that connects the towns of Asingan and Sta. Maria in the province of Pangasinan. The bridge was opened in year 1997 and is one of the most important projects of former President Fidel V. Ramos.

Narciso Ramos Bridge

Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons

5. Buntun Bridge
Buntun Bridge is considered as one of the longest bridge in the Philippines. It has a length of 1.369 that stretches from Tuguegarao City to Solana, Cagayan and spans over the mighty Cagayan River (the largest river basin in the country). It was constructed for the sake of the travelers who want to cross Cagayan River. The bridge has also been known as the gateway to the City of Tuguegarao.
The Buntun Bridge has a total of 15 spans, long enough to carry more than 18 tons of vehicles. The construction was worth 4.6 million-dollar and was contracted to the Construction and Development Corporation of the Philippines (now the Philippine National Construction Corporation).

Buntuan Bridge

Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons

6. Patapat Viaduct
Patapat viaduct is located at the municipality of Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte. It is elevated 31 meters over sea level and has the length of 1.3 km that connects the Maharlika Highway from Ilocos Region to Cagayan Valley. It is also one of the most scenic and photographed destination in the province.
The concrete coastal bridge has two lanes of traffic. It was constructed by Hanil Development Co, Ltd . and was completed in October 1986. San Juanico Bridge and Patapat Viaduct are both projects done under the Marcos administration that’s why the roads has similarities.

Patapat Viaduct

Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons

7. Marcelo Fernan Bridge
Marcelo Fernan Bridge is an extra-dosed cable-stayed bridge located at Metro Cebu, which has the length of 1.237 km. It is the second bridge that connects the mainland Cebu to Mactan and has four lanes. It was also constructed with the help of the Japanese Government and was opened in August 1999.

Marcelo_Fernan_Bridge

Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons

8. Magat Bridge
Magat Bridge is a road bridge located at Cabatuan, Isabela with a length of 0.926 km and was completed in 1991 under the administration of Corazon Aquino.

9. Macapagal Bridge
Macapagal Bridge is the longest bridge in Mindanao; it is located in the outskirts of Butuan City in the province of Agusan Del Norte. It has a length of 0.9076 km that connects the Butuan-Cagayan-Iligan Road and the Philippine-Japan Friendship Bridge. It was completed in May 2007 and was a project funded by Japan bank for International Cooperation for the people in Butuan.
The bridge was lobbied to former President Fidel V. Ramos, then was approved by former President Joseph Estrada, and finally implemented under the administration of former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

Macapagal_Bridge

Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons

10. Mactan Bridge
Mactan Bridge is officially the Serging Osmeña Bridge that connects Mandaue City with lapu-lapu City in Metro Cebu. It has a length of 0.864 km and is one of the two bridges that spans across the Mactan Channel. It was constructed during the term of late President Ferdinand Marcos, which began in 1970. It was then inaugurated in 1972 at 65 million pesos.

Mactan-Mandaue_Bridge

Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons

People have been using bridges to facilitate mobility since the ancient time. Bridges cross valleys and waters to shorten distances and also reduce travel time. With its the amazing construction that people have accomplished over time, it is interesting to see how these lists changes as bridges become longer.

 

Top 15 Strongest Typhoons to hit in the Philippines

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Philippines encounter numerous typhoons every year. Over the decades, people have witnessed series of typhoons with different strength, duration, and impacts. Not all typhoons are bearable especially with those folks who suffer in misery due to lives and properties lost. However, because of these storms, Filipinos became stronger and resilient as a nation.

Now, here are the lists of deadliest typhoons throughout the history in the Philippines.

  1. Haiphong -1881

Even in the modern days, Typhoon Haiphong still ranks as the deadliest typhoon that hit the Philippines. It happened in October 8, 1881, killing over 20,000 people in the northern part of the country. It has three times the death toll of Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) where it also ravaged Vietnam leaving more than 300,000 people dead.

  1. Typhoon Amy (Yoyong)-1951

Typhoon Yoyong caused floods and landslides throughout the central Philippines on December 1951 where it killed a total of 991 people.

  1. Typhoon Trix- 1952

Typhoon Trix, caused floods and landslides in the Bicol region where it caused the death of 995 people back in October 1952.

  1. Typhoon Nina (Sisang)- 1987

Sisang hit the Bicol region in 1987 where it caused mudslides down Mayon Volcano. The devastation of the said typhoon also killed 979 people.

  1. Typhoon Mike (Ruping)- 1990

Typhoon Ruping ripped mostly in Visayas region, where about $241 million (10.8 billion pesos) worth of properties and crops were destroyed, mostly in Visayas Region. Millions of people also lost their homes upon hitting the Cagayan De Oro. A total of 3.2 million Filipinos fled to schools and evacuation centers for temporary shelter. Also, a total of 116, 512 homes were totally destroyed while 294, 131 others were damaged. Visayas was placed under state of calamity, due to the catastrophic effects of the typhoon.

  1. Tropical Storm Thelma (Uring)-1991

It was November 04, 1991 whenTyphoon Uring hit Ormoc, Leyte. It killed people ranging from 5,081 to 8,165 and about over 3,000 were declared missing or presumed dead after the devastation of the Typhoon in the country.

  1. Typhoon Angela (Rosing)- 1995

Typhoon Angela battered Bicol and Manila in November 1995. It brought winds up to 260 Kms per hour which inflicted damages worth $241 million (10.8 Billion pesos) in the country. Nine hundred thirty six people lost their lives while more than 96,000 homes, roads, and bridges were ruined by storm surges, flooding, and extreme winds.

  1. Typhoon Winnie- 2004

Winnie was a tropical depression that hit the Philippines on November 27, 2004. It had gusts of as strong as 55 km/h (35 mph) and a barometric pressure of 1000 mbar (hpa; 29.53inHg).  It unexpectedly possessed the disastrous power of a typhoon. IIt left nearly 1,600 people dead and 751 others missing.

  1. Typhoon Durian (Reming)-2006

Typhoon Reming affected five countries in Southeast Asia namely Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia and Yap State.More than 1,500 of fatalities skyrocketed these countries. In the Philippines, the typhoon hit the city of Albay, worsening the ongoing effects of Mayon Volcano at that time. Due to the areas buried with lanar, the final death toll is still unknown, but estimates range from 800 to 1,000 casualties.

  1. Typhoon Fengshen (Frank)- 2008

The typhoon struck central Philippines on June 21, 2008 that lost over 1,371 lives and left 87 people missing. It was also known for the capsizing of MV Princess of the Stars ship during the height of the storm, causing 846 dead out of 922 passengers it held.

  1. Typhoon Ketsana (Ondoy)- 2009

Typhoon Ondoy has reached $244 million (11 billion pesos) worth of agricultural and infrastructure damages in 2009.  It made its landfall on the borders of Baler, Aurora. Main roads including EDSA were also declared untraversable due to the strong flood currents and clogged vehicles. Interruption in power, water connection, and communication were also experienced in the major cities.

  1. Typhoon Parma (Pepeng)- 2009

Typhoon Parma had costed the Philippines about $608 million (27.3 billion pesos). Its movement around the country went back and forth. It became severe and returned devastating the country especially the Northern, Luzon. Different dams were released, causing flash floods, storm surges, and landslides. The authorities also have placed a red alert status nationwide.

  1. Typhoon Washi (Sendong)- 2011

Typhoon Sendong hit the Northern Mindanao area in December 2011, where 1080 people lost their lives. It became very deadly, since it hit an area that is not typically visited by typhoons. Sendong dumped as 50 millimeters of rain.

  1. Typhoon Bopha (Pablo)2012

Just a year after Typhoon Sendong, another deadly typhoon hit Mindanao in December 2012. It was named as the strongest tropical cyclone that ever made a landfall in the Southern parts of Mindanao. The number of casualties caused by the Typhoon climbed to over 1,067 deaths while 834 people went missing.

  1. Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda)- 2013

Typhoon Yolanda is one of the strongest tropical cyclones that hit the Philippines on November 8, 2013. The super typhoon had gusts of as strong as 315 km/h. It claimed more than 6,300 lives and another 1,061 were declared missing. Most of the fatalities were recorded in Eastern Visayas.

Despite of the devastation every Filipinos have experienced due to typhoons, the tragedies, however, taught them to become a strong nation and a better prepared country. Nature has a way of staging its surprises, and for sure, you wouldn’t want to be caught unprepared when it happens.

 

10 Unique Christmas Traditions in the Philippines

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When it comes to Christmas, no one celebrates it better than the Filipinos. Philippines is known for celebrating the longest Christmas season in the world. As a matter of fact, you’ll already feel its season once the “ber” months hit your calendar and it officially ends on the Feast of Epiphany (Three Kings) on the first Sunday after the New Year.

While Christmas is a holiday celebrated worldwide, some Filipino traditions uniquely embraced and have transformed into something that can totally call “ours”.  Below are the customs and traditions that are uniquely Pinoy.

  1. “BER” MONTHS

There is no other country that celebrates Christmas longer than the Philippines. As a matter of fact, once the “ber” months set in, Filipinos will begin decorating their houses, establishments, and streets with gleaming displays, huge Christmas trees, and astounding decorations. Aside from that, you’ll start hearing timeless Jose Marie Chan Christmas classics as well as different Christmas carols in shopping malls and on the radio.

  1. PAROLS

Parol or also known as Philippine lantern is a unique Filipino decoration traditionally made from colorful papers, bamboo sticks, and shaped-like five-pointed star.  In 1928, these lanterns were originally designed to help villagers find their way to chapels and churches to pray. Also, these lanterns are used to further enhance the spirit of Christmas. Putting up parols in homes, schools, establishments, offices, and schools is a common Filipino tradition.

Image Credit: Vanjuan

  1. SIMBANG-GABI

Completing the Simbang Gabi or Misa de Gallo is in almost everyone’s bucket list. It is a tradition originated in the early Spanish colonial period as a practical compromise for Filipino farmers who began working before sunrise, to avoid working in the fields under the heat of the sun. Simbang gabi is a nine-day series of masses to honor Blessed Virgin Mary. The mass starts from December 16 to Christmas eve. Filipinos wake up before the crack down to attend the mass in hopes of having a granted wish once they complete the nine days.

Image Credit:  engr.MARVIN

  1. CAROLING

Like any other countries, Christmas is celebrated with songs and praises. Usually, in the Philippines, group of people would fill the streets visiting houses with their instruments like tambourines and guitars singing their favorite Christmas songs. Then after the homeowners reward the carolers with money, they would sing their words of thanks. Recently, caroling has become a fund-raising activity by private organizations and Socio-economic groups.

  1. PANUNULUYAN

“Panunuluyan” is another Filipino tradition ob served in some provinces in the Philippines. This tradition is similar to Mexican Posadas where the journey of Mary and Joseph in search for shelter while Mary was pregnant is being re-enacted. In the Philippines, the re-enactment is done on the eve before Christmas.

Image Credit: flickr

  1. NOCHE BUENA

After the midnight mass on Christmas, everyone’s looking forward to this event. Noche Buena is a grand family dinner and a hearty feast full of delicious Filipino food such as lechon, pancit, ham, queso de bola, and a lot more. This has also been a favorite family tradition in the Philippines.

  1. AGUINALDO

Aguinaldo is a common tradition for every Filipinos to visit their relatives during Christmas day. Kids often wear their finest clothes when visiting their relatives. During the visit, kids would practice the old-age tradition “mano” as an act of respect to elders. For the most part, they are rewarded and presented with gifts like toys or money by their relatives or godparents. This is when they receive their “pamasko”. These gifts are popularly called as “Aguinaldo”.

Image Credit: sketche.de

  1. MONITO-MONITA

Speaking of gifts, another adaptation of Secret Santa is called “Monito Monita”. It is a form of exchanging gifts where every participant has his or her anonymous gifts. This is usually done during Christmas parties in schools, houses, or offices.

Image Credit: Primer

  1. BELEN

Another popular decoration in the Philippines are the belen The Belen is similar to the Nativity Scene in many western nations that shows the Holy Family t the birth of Jesus. This is often showcased in many churches, schools, homes, offices, and establishments. This are being displayed until the Feast of Epiphany or Three kings, which marks the end of Christmas season in the Philippines

Image Credit: Commons Wikimedia

  1. THREE KINGS

Three Kings is a religious event in the Philippines celebrated with a mass, every January 6. It also marks the end of the Christmas season. The celebration of Epiphany is also known in the Philippines as “Pasko ng matatanda” (feat of the elderly) to honor the senior citizens.

Image Credit: ChristmasNightInc.com

Christmas is much celebrated everywhere in the world. This is a season to give love and give thanks. Filipino Christmas may feel like in the middle of summer or it neither has snow nor mistletoe, there’s still no doubt that Pinoys always have a jolly Christmas. This is why everyone can say “Iba talaga ang pasko sa Pinas.” (Christmas is indeed different in the Philippines.)

 

15 Reasons to Visit Museo ng Katipunan-Pinaglabanan Memorial Shrine

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Museo ng Katipunan-Pinaglabanan Memorial Shrine

Every time people ask me where San Juan City, Metro Manila is, I usually answer them, “It is where Greenhills Shopping Center is.” They easily recognize it since it is one of the famous landmarks in the area. However San Juan City is not just about the shopping center. Less known to many that this city holds a lot of memories significant to the Filipinos. San Juan City has been a witness to numerous historical events.

Passing by the street of Pinaglabanan, you will find the Pinaglabanan Memorial Shrine and just within the shrine is the Museo ng Katipunan. The shrine and the museum have many interesting stories to share. If you have not been there, these are the things that will make you want to visit the place: [Read more…]

Epifanio de los Santos: 25 Things to Know about the Man Behind EDSA’s Name

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Epifanio de los Santos EDSA

Epifanio de los Santos on the left (image: Wikimedia Commons) and EDSA-Guadalupe, Makati City on the right (image: Wikimedia Commons)

Anyone who either grew up in Metro Manila or have been living here for quite some time have at least experienced both the highs and woes that the Epifanio de los Santos Avenue, known to Filipinos as EDSA, has to offer in terms of everyday commuting or holiday road tripping.

For foreigners who wish to visit the Philippine’s busy metropolis, a quick research will tell them that EDSA is a limited access circumferential 23.8-kilometer freeway that will take you around the capital, Manila. In addition, it is the main channel that will guarantee even a neophyte driver or anyone unfamiliar to the roads of the big city that they can find their way around six (6) of the National Capital Region’s (NCR) seventeen (17) local government units from south across north: Pasay, Makati, Mandaluyong, San Juan, Quezon City to Caloocan City.

Everything about EDSA can easily be looked up online or anyone who has been living in the metro for a long time. However, two interesting questions that a culture enthusiast might ask are, why is it called, “EDSA” and not any other name? Who was Epifanio de los Santos? [Read more…]

12 Landmarks of the Philippines that You Can See in the Philippine Money

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Philippine landmarks printed in peso bills

Philippine landmarks, whether they are shaped by nature or historically built by people, are among the most valuable treasures of our nation. That is why the Central Bank of the Philippines or Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) decided to print a selection of these tourist destinations on the surfaces of our money.

If you like to visit and explore the best and most famous places in the Philippines, you might want to consider adding these 12 Philippine landmarks, which can be see in the new series of Philippine money, in your bucket list.

 

1. Malacañan Palace, Manila

Malacanang_palace_view

The view of Malacañan Palace along Pasig River. Image via Wikimedia Commons.

The Malacañan Palace or Palasyo ng Malakanyang is the official residence of the President of the Philippines. It is located along Jose P. Laurel Street in San Miguel, Manila. The palace was originally built in 1750 by Don Luis Rocha as a summer house along Pasig River. Since bought and owned by the government in 1825, the buildings have been remodeled, demolished, rebuilt, and expanded. Now, with a floor area of 160,000 square meters (1,722,226 sq ft), it is considered as the 7th largest palace in the world

Where can you see it?
Malacañan Palace can be seen at the front side of ₱20 bill, together with Manuel L. Quezon (the second president of the Philippines) and the declaration of Filipino as the national language.

New_PHP20_money_Obverse

 

2. Banaue Rice Terraces, Ifugao

Pana_Banaue_Rice_Terraces

Panoramic view of Banaue Rice Terraces. Image via Wikimedia Commons.

The Banaue Rice Terraces or Hagdan-hagdang Palayan ng Banawe of Ifugao province in the Philippines is considered by Filipinos as the “Eighth Wonder of the World”. It is a 2,000-year-old terraces built by our ancestors using stone and mud walls to construct and form pond fields for the cultivation of rice in the mountains of Ifugao. It is said that our ancestors built this amazing structure by hands or using only ancient tools for farming. In 1973, the Banaue Rice Terraces was declared as a National Cultural Treasure by virtue of Presidential Decree No. 260.

Where can you see it?
The Banaue Rice Terraces can be seen at the back of ₱20 bill, together with Paradoxurus hermaphroditus philippinensis or Palm civet (Musang or Alamid in the Philippines) and Cordilleras weave design.

New_PHP20_money_Reverse

 

3. MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park, Leyte

Leyte landing monument

The Leyte Landing Memorial Monument in Palo, Leyte. Image by FAQ.ph.

MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park, also called Leyte Landing Memorial Park and MacArthur Park, is a protected area that commemorates the landing of the allied forces under the command of General Douglas MacArthur during the WWII on October 20, 1944 in Palo Beach, Leyte. This historic event preceded the beginning of the Battle of Leyte Gulf and eventually the liberation of the Philippines from the Japanese occupation. The park is located at Brgy, Candahug and Baras, Palo, Leyte.

Also read: 8 Facts about the Battle of Leyte Gulf that Will Blow Your Mind

Where can you see it?

The Leyte Landing Memorial Park can be seen at the face of ₱50 bill, together with Sergio Osmeña (the fourth President of the Philippines) and the First Philippine Assembly.

New_PHP50_money_Obverse

 

4. Taal Lake and Taal Volcano, Batangas

taal lake

Taal lake and Taal volcano as seen from Tagaytay City, Cavite. Image by FAQ.ph

Taal Lake in Batangas is one of the most famous tourist attractions in the Philippines. The beautiful landscape of the lake which surrounds Taal Volcano (the smallest active volcano in the world) can also be seen in an overlooking view from Tagaytay City in Cavite. By crossing the lake through a motorized banca, tourists can visit Volcano Island.  On the island, they can hike or ride a horse to reach the top of the volcano where a breathtaking view of the crater containing a crater lake and the Vulcan Point awaits them.

Where can you see it?
Taal lake and Taal volcano can be seen at the reverse side of ₱50 bill along with Caranx ignobilis or maliputo (a large type of fishes inhabiting Taal Lake), and Batangas embroidery design.

New_PHP50_money_Reverse

 

5. Luneta and Intramuros, Manila

KM Zero Luneta

KM Zero and the original location of Independence Plaza in Luneta, Manila. Image by FAQ.ph.

Luneta and Intramuros are two historically significant places, not only in Manila, but in the entire Philippines. The proclamation of the Philippine Independence on July 4, 1946 was held at Independence Grandstand in Luneta. The original site was located just across the Monument of Rizal and the Independence Flag. Independence Grandstand was moved and now known as Quirino Grandstand. A walking distance from Rizal Park is Intramuros, a historic walled city where you can travel back in time and reflect on how the Filipinos lived during the colonial rule of Spain. The old building of the BSP was also located inside Intramuros.

Also read: 10 Reasons Why Every Filipino Should Visit Rizal Park in Manila

Where can you see it?
Although the Independence Grandstand does not already exist in its original location, the declaration of the Philippine independence in 1946 as shown in the front side of ₱100 will be remembered as held in Luneta. Along with the declaration of the Philippine Independence, are Manuel A. Roxas (the fifth President of the Philippines) and the old BSP building in Intramuros.

New_PHP100_Money_Obverse)

 

6. Mayon Volcano, Albay

Mayon Volcano Landscape

Mayon Volcano also known as Mount Mayon in the province of Albay, Bicol Region.

Mayon Volcano or Bulkang Mayon in the province of Albay in Bicol region is known as the most perfectly formed stratovolcanic cone in the world. It’s one of the most famous landmarks in the Philippines. It’s also one of the most popular places you will see in a Philippine postcard. But behind its incredible landscape is a volcano which is considered the most active in the Philippines. That is why it is regularly monitored by PHIVOLCS.

Where can you see it?
Mayon Volcano can be seen at the back of ₱100 bill, along with a Rhincodon typus (whale shark or butanding), and Bicol textile design.

New_PHP100_money_Reverse

 

7. Aguinaldo Shrine, Cavite

Aguinaldo Shrine

Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite. Image by Star Sabroso via Wikimedia Commons.

Filipinos celebrate Independence Day every 12th of June. This is the day that the independence of the Philippines from Spain was declared in 1898 at Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite. The shrine is the ancestral home of General Emilio Aguinaldo, the first officially recognized president of the Philippines. The house was originally built in 1845 and reconstructed in 1849. On June 12, 1963, the house was donated by Aguinaldo to the Philippine government to perpetuate the spirit of 1896 Philippine Revolution that ended the Spanish colonization of our country.

 

8. Barasoain Church, Bulacan

Barasoain Church

The facade of Barasoain Church. Photo by Enrico S. Dela Cruz via Wikimedia Commons.

The Barasoain Church (also known as Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish) in Malolos, Bulacan is considered the most important religious buildings in the Philippines because of its role during the important events that occurred in the country. The church is the place of the First Philippine Congress convention (September 15, 1898), the drafting of the Malolos Constitution (September 29, 1898 to January 21, 1899), and the inauguration of the First Philippine Republic (January 23, 1899). The church has also earned the title of the Cradle of Democracy in the East. It was built in 1630 and founded by Augustinian Missionaries in 1859.

Where can you see them?
The images of Aguinaldo Shrine in Cavite and Barasoain Church in Bulacan are both shown at the face of ₱200 bill, along with Diosdado P. Macapagal (the ninth President of the Philippines) and the EDSA People Power in 2001.

New_PHP200_money_Obverse

 

9. Chocolate Hills, Bohol

Chocolate Hills Bohol

Chocolate Hills in Bohol. Image via Wikimedia Commons.

Chocolate Hills, the pride of Boholanos are Mother Nature’s work of wonder and beauty. There are at least 1,260 hills covered in green grasses that turn brown during summer or the dry season, which make them look like chocolates. These amazing hills are spread over the municipalities of Carmen, Sagbayan and Batuan. Tourists can get a great view of these incredible geological formations at Chocolate Hills Complex in the municipality of Carmen and at Sagbayan Peak in Sagbayan town in Bohol.

Where can you see it?
The Chocolate Hills in Bohol can be seen at the reverse side of ₱200 bill, along with the Philippine tarsier, and Visayas weave design.

New_PHP200_money_Reverse

 

10. Benigno Aquino Monument, Makati

Benigno-Aquino-monument-

The Monument of Benigno Ninoy Aquino in Makati City. Photo by Jun Acullador via Flickr.

The monument of Benigno Aquino in Makati City commemorates the great sacrifice of former Philippine senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino to fight for and earn democracy for the Filipino people during the Marcos regime. The bronze monument depicts the fearless Ninoy held by two bodyguards. The monument is located at the corner of Ayala Avenue and Paseo de Roxas in Makati, Metro Manila.

Where can you see it?
The monument of Ninoy can be seen at the front side of ₱500 bill, together with his wife and former president Corazon C. Aquino, and the EDSA People Power of 1986.

New_PHP500_money_Obverse

 

11. Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, Palawan

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River. Photo by Carrie Kellenberger via Flickr.

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is a protected area in Palawan, Philippines. It is located approximately 80 kilometers north of Puerto Princesa City. The park has a stunning limestone karst landscape containing an 8.2 km long underground river that flow directly to the West Philippine Sea. The cave system contains stalactites, stalagmites, small underground waterfalls, and more river channels. It is also inhabited by large bats and marine creatures. The park was inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site on December 4, 1999. The Puerto Princesa Underground River is also considered as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature.

Where can you see it?
The Puerto Princesa Subterranean Underground River can be seen at the back side of ₱500 bill, along with the blue-naped parrot (Tanygnathus lucionensis) and the cloth design in Southern Philippines.

New_PHP500_Banknote_(Reverse)

 

12. Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, Sulu Sea

Tubbataha Reefs

Tubbataha Reefs. Photo by q phia via Flickr.

The Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is a 97,030-hectare marine and bird sanctuary located near the middle of Sulu Sea (150 kilometers southeast of Puerto Princesa City, Palawan). It consists of two large atolls and the smaller Jessie Beazley Reef. There are more than 1,000 marine species that inhabit the reefs, including manta rays, sea turtles, clownfish, lionfish, sharks, and the endangered hawksbill sea turtles. Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park was declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in December 1993 and as the 35h ASEAN Heritage Park by ASEAN’s Center for Biodiversity in November 2015. Tubbataha was also named one of the best dive sites in the world by the CNN travel.

Where can you see it?
Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park can be seen at the reverse side of ₱1,000 bill, along with the South Sea pearl (Pinctada maxima) and the Mindanao design for Tinalak or Ikat-dyed abaca.

New_1000_peso bill

 

There you are, so how many of the Philippine landmarks above have your already visited and explored? What other historical or natural sites in the Philippines do you want the BSP to include in our future designs of money? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.

 

Other references:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banknotes_of_the_Philippine_peso
http://malacanang.gov.ph/about/malacanang/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World%27s_largest_palace
http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/world-heritage/philippine-rice-terraces/
http://malacanang.gov.ph/75324-the-aguinaldo-house/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barasoain_Church
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chocolate_Hills
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puerto_Princesa_Subterranean_River_National_Park
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tubbataha_Reef
http://travel.cnn.com/explorations/escape/outdoor-adventures/worlds-50-best-dive-sites-895793/

Images of Philippine Peso Bank Notes courtesy of Bworldonline.com and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas via WikiCommons.org

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

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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

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M/V Eva Jocelyn

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:

M/V Jocelyn

A memorial of M/V Eva Jocelyn

M/V Eva Jocelyn

M/V Eva Jocelyn

M/V Eva Jocelyn

M/V Eva Jocelyn

M/V Eva Jocelyn

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.

Top 10 Strongest Earthquakes to hit the Philippines

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Maribojoc Church

What’s left of Maribojoc Church after the magnitude 7.2 earthquake in Bohol.

We all know that the Philippines is located along the Pacific Ring of Fire, which is the reason why our country is prone to seismic and volcanic activity.

Now, the country is preparing for “The Big One”, a magnitude 7.2 magnitude earthquake from the West Valley Fault which is expected to hit Metro Manila and Quezon City. Thus, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in coordination with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and other government agencies has been conducting series of earthquake drills. This is to prepare the people for the estimated impacts projected in the 2004 Metro Manila Earthquake Impact Reduction Study (MMEIRS). According to MMEIRS, “The Big One” could destroy about 40% of residential buildings and damage 35 percent of public buildings. It could also result to 34,000 casualties, 114,000 individuals will be seriously injured, and the possible fire incidents that would follow could add another 18,000 deaths. With the drills and information campaigns conducted, the authorities are hoping that those numbers would be lessened.

Actually, there had been many stronger earthquakes which hit the Philippines since 1600s but they caused lesser damage to properties. Casualties were also fewer because the cities then weren’t so densely populated unlike today. And as we know, Manila is the most densely populated city in the Philippines, if a magnitude 7.2 earthquake hits, there would surely be thousands of casualties and billions of damages on properties and infrastructures.

The following are top 10 strongest earthquakes in the Philippines that caused major destructions and casualties:

1. Magnitude 8.0 earthquake in Mindanao (August 17, 1976)

A magnitude 8.0 earthquake took place near Mindanao and Sulu a little past midnight of August 17, 1976 that was felt as far as Visayas. It was then followed by a massive 4 to 5 meters high tsunami covering 700 kilometers of coastline bordering the island. Because it was dark, the people were caught by the raging water which claimed 8,000 lives, injuring 10,000, and leaving 90,000 more, homeless.

2. Magnitude 7.8 earthquake in Northern and Central Luzon (July 16, 1990)

A total of 2,412 people died and at least ₱10-billion worth of damages to public and private properties was reported after a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck Northern and Central Luzon at around 4:00 p.m. of July 16, 1990.

Hyatt Terraces Plaza, Nevada Hotel, Baguio Hilltop Hotel, Baguio Park Hotel, and FRB Hotel, all in Baguio collapsed trapping and burying people alive.

Although the epicenter was recorded in Nueva Ecija, it caused more damage in the City of Pines. And the quake that just lasted for about a minute was one of the tragedies in the country that would never be forgotten.

3. Magnitude 7.5 earthquake in Luzon (November 30, 1645)

The magnitude 7.5 earthquake that crushed Luzon on November 30, 1645 at about 8:00 pm was called the “most terrible earthquake” in Philippines history. The Epicenter of the said quake was in Nueva Ecija caused by the San Manuel and Gabaldon Faults.

The extent of the tremor was felt as far as Cagayan Valley. It has caused many landslides which buried many people alive and destroyed many buildings and churches including Manila Cathedral.

That time, only Spanish are counted so the recorded number of casualties was only 600 while the injured was 3,000.

4. Magnitude 7.3 earthquake in Casiguran (August 2, 1968)

Most of the people in Casiguran, Aurora was still fast asleep when a magnitude 7.3 earthquake struck at 4:19 a.m. of August 2, 1968.

It was another deadly and shocking seismic activity in the country. And the City of Manila got the most severe damage. Many buildings were either damaged or destroyed totally.

The said event was also called the Ruby Tower earthquake after the said six-story building located in Binondo collapsed, and caused the death of 260 people. A total of 268 people died that day and 261 more were injured.

5. Magnitude 7.2 earthquake in Bohol (October 15, 2013)

I can still remember how people panicked in the morning of October 15, 2013. It was around 8:12 a.m. when a strong earthquake was felt here in Tacloban City. Only to find out after the lights came back that what we have experienced was nothing compared to the damage it caused in Bohol which was the epicenter of the magnitude 7.2 earthquake.

The quake affected most of Central Visayas, particularly Bohol and Cebu. It was felt in the whole area of Visayas and reached as far as Masbate Island in the north and Cotabato in Southern Mindanao.

According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), a total of 222 people died, 8 went missing and 976 others were injured. An estimated 73,000 structures were damaged wherein more than 14,500 of which were destroyed totally.

6. Magnitude 7.1 earthquake in Mindoro (November 15, 1994)

November 15, 1994, at around 3:15 a.m., a magnitude 7.1 earthquake rocked Mindoro. A gigantic 8.5 meters (28 ft) tsunami then followed which devastated the islands of Baco and Calapan, Mindoro.

A total of 7,566 houses were washed out and some 78 people died because of that tragedy.

7. Magnitude 6.9 earthquake in Central Visayas (February 6, 2012)

A total of 51 people died, 62 still missing and 112 were injured when a 6.9 earthquake Central Visayas, particularly Negros and parts of Mindanao on February 6, 2012.

It caused a landslide which buried a barangay, damaged 15,483 houses, and a total damage of ₱383-million on infrastructures and buildings was recorded.

8. Magnitude 7.5 earthquake in Central and Southern Mindanao (March 5, 2002)

A magnitude 7.5 earthquake resulted to the death of 15 people and injuring around a hundred more in Central and Southern Mindanao on March 5, 2002.

The said quake originated near the Cotabato Trench that was followed by a tsunami. But it was the flood that was generated by landslides and falling debris that caused damage to an estimated 800 buildings.

9. Magnitude 6.5 quake in Ilocos Norte (August 17, 1983)

The magnitude 6.5 quake in Ilocos Norte on August 17, 1983 happened around 8:18 p.m. and resulted to 16 casualties and 47 people got injured.

It caused damages on various establishments such as schools, buildings, malls, residences, and etc. There were also landslides and sand boils that followed the event.

10. Magnitude 7.6 earthquake happened near Guiuan, Eastern Samar (August 31, 2012)

A very strong earthquake with a magnitude of 7.6 happened near Guiuan, Eastern Samar on August 31, 2012 that was felt as far as Mindanao.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) issued a tsunami warning Level 3, but it was lifted 5 hours later.

The quake caused damage on homes, bridges, and other infrastructures. There were also power interruptions in the affected areas. But despite the intensity only one person was reported dead and one injured because of the landslide in Cagayan de Oro City.

The bad thing about an earthquake is that we cannot prevent it and we cannot predict it. We do not know when exactly it would happen. Because of that, it would be better for us to be prepared at all times. Participate in Earthquake drills conducted by authorities, keep an emergency kit in the house, don’t panic when it happens and most importantly don’t forget to pray.

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