Posted by Josiah on May 22, 2011
I’ve been to Batad twice, one on July 2008 and the recent was just this April 2011. On both my trips, I found these 3 floras that are unique to a person that grew up in the city such as me.
1. The Dotted Leaf (Unknown Name)
This leaf got my attention with its 5-centavo-sized-nipple-like features. When you look below you’ll see orange spots on where the features can be seen.
It may just be a plant disease but its uniformity along the leaves of the plant makes me think that it is » Read more…
Posted by Josiah on May 19, 2011
Filipinos are popular for being hospitable even to complete strangers.
Growing inside the negative and cautious atmosphere of Metro Manila, I had doubts if this so-called hospitality-to-strangers of Filipinos was real. I’ve heard such a concept from teachers, radio, television and other blogs but never really considered it as a reality until I experienced it first-hand in Batangas.
It could have been an isolated case in Batangas and can never be found elsewhere in other regions of the Philippines but these 7 Pinoy Travel Bloggers proved me wrong.
Ivan of Batang Lakwatsero
People that showed Ivan what hospitality is all about
Sa Ilocos libre po ang bahay na tinuluyan namin for 4 days, transpo from Vigan to Pagudpud, pagkain namin sa daan at isang supot ng tupig para ipasalubong. Talagang willing po silang iikot kami sa buong Ilocos. Nagastos ko lang po ata nuon ay pamasahe sa bus (Manila-Paoay-Manila) tsaka konting pasalubong at souvenir shirt.
Nung Masira yung jeep na sinasakyan namin papuntang Currimao Beach, akala namin hindi na tuloy pero nag-insist sila na kailangan kaming makapagbeach bago umuwi ng Maynila. Kaya ang sinakyan namin ay yung truck nila sa negosyo. Asa likod kaming lahat.
Thanks sa Abundo Clan, most especially kay uncle na hindi namin natanong yung » Read more…
Posted by Josiah on May 12, 2011
During our leisurely walk around Bokiawan, Hungduan for the Tungoh Ad Hungduan I saw these carved sculptures.
The carver of the sculptures said that it was a trophy for a race. I mistook the race for the Hungduan Climbathon 2011 since it was the reason why I’m in Hungduan.
Nearing the end of our walk we passed by the Tourism Office where I saw this poster of a » Read more…
Posted by Josiah on May 5, 2011
At one of the viewpoints of the famous Banaue Rice Terraces, an old man suddenly asked donations for the children who swept the floor every morning. “O sige po, basta papicture tayo.” I was planning to get his picture and report him to the tourism office.
(Left) Kuya Kevin, our tricycle driver; (Center) Man asking donations; (Right) Me
Pointing to the metal plate
Since I got a picture and will be “donating” some of my hard earned money I might as well get some information. I asked his name, he answered “Aguian (Agi – an)” and pointed to one of the metal plates.
(Left) Metal Plate; (Right) List of names on the plate
THERE’S NO AGUIAN ON THE LIST! Does he really think he can fool me to get some of my hard earned money? » Read more…
Posted by Josiah on May 1, 2011
Ate Weng Sicat, the local DOT Officer, showed this one of a kind zipline-like ride in Hungduan.
Hungduan Tramline
It is operated by an engine that push and pulls the ride and could carry a weight of 200kg from one mountain side to the other.
Engine that controls the tramline
Tramline Wire
Excitedly, I asked Ate Weng if I could ride, then I got this look telling me that I could not ride the tramline. She then explained that the tramline is NOT FOR PEOPLE TO RIDE, but to help the locals to transport palay and » Read more…
A travel blog by Josiah Sicad that aims to make Filipinos Travel Responsibly and observe the unique culture of the Philippines. 
