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Siargao Island: The Philippines’ surfing capital

If you’re searching for the great experiences this year, probably after the COVID-19 pandemic, you get the chance to consider surfing in Siargao Island. This place like a paradise gives you an exhilarating experience. It can be your greatest adventure to paddle and surf the waves.

Quite interestingly, surfing seems the perfect physical activity to experience. You’ll get some experiences like diving underwaters and witness the magical creatures underneath. Surfing is like scuba diving and sky diving because of the danger in the air and the water. It is like doing yoga in which you need to concentrate and focus on things. Despite this risk, you’ll enjoy the feeling and the experience that you manage to create a great masterpiece of happiness that money surely can’t buy.

Doing Yoga by the Sea

Why surfing? It isn’t right to think that surfing is a plain physical activity. Surfing is life. It is an experience of a moment that you can be part of it. It is a way of overcoming challenges and fears of facing life. Well, you look stunning when you poise yourself on the surfboard, and do your moves as the approaching waves will flash your very eyes. As the arching waves form like a hole moving toward you, you’ll see yourself happy to move a muscle and push yourself into a race against the waves. It is so stunning moment. That is an absolute joy.

Why Siargao is the best place for surfing?

Well, you can surely call Siargao as the surfing capital of the Philippines. You can include the dreamy 15 spots for catching the perfect waves. Oh, you are not an expert in surfing. It’s not a problem. You can learn surfing since surfing schools are just right there. Plus, you can rent your surfboards and join for the newbies. I tell you this. You like Siargao since its crystal clear water offers you the perfect place to learn paddle boarding, diving, and swimming.

Where can I sleep in Siargao? At this point, you can pick your finest places to stay in Siargao.

    • Reef Beach Resort
    • Isla Cabana Resort
    • Patrick’s on the Beach
    • Bravo Beach Resort
    • Romantic Beach Villas
    • Siargao Bleu Resort & Spa
    • Nay Palad Hideaway
    • Sandy Feet Siargao

Is Siargao safe? Are there sharks in Siargao?

Siargao Island is open to tourists. The management makes sure that it gives its guests and tourists the best surfing experiences. The management can vouch for the safety of the tourists since no predatory animals like sharks wade deep into the water.

How much is the plane ticket from Manila to Siargao?

Well, international tourists can go to Siargao via plane. The cheapest return price from Manila to Siargao is probably P5,000. Please note that this price changes from time to time. There can be 15 flights per week with average flight time and a total distance of 750 kilometers.

Is there a direct flight from Manila to Siargao?

Going to Siargao from Manila takes two hours or so. Only one airline goes to Siargao Island from Manila Ninoy Aquino.

Siargao Island Location map, Source Photo: fromjessie.com
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CDO-RTC, to Issue TRO to Stop Public Spending: A Dilemma to Confront

CDO – Misamis Oriental (5 July 2020) – The provincial government operations had halted when Cagayan de Oro City Regional Trial Court Judge Vincent Rosales issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) on June 29. It happened when Vice Governor Jeremy Jonahmar Pelaez and board members Jerry Khu and Jessa Josephine Mugot filed a complaint against the preparation of the 2020 Annual Budget on June 26. According to the camp of Vice Governor Jeremy Jonahmar Pelaez and his associates, the annual budget infringed on the current rules of not posting the documents, as mandated by law.

Misamis Oriental Governor Yevgeny Vincente Emano mentioned that the 20-day TRO would expire on July 19. He lamented over the TRO since its impact would affect the stable measures to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the TRO restricted Misamis Oriental to execute ₱3.5 billion yearly budget for 2020 to sustain the operations, the Misamis Oriental provincial government struggled to find other means to provide financial solutions to the entire province and its expenditures.

Due to this issue, the MO Governor ordered the postponement of all expenditures until the CDO RTC lifted its order. As well, Attorney Jeffrey Saclot, the representative of the anti-COVID-19 task force in the province, said that they had to suspend all viable activities that dealt with the coronavirus pandemic.

Moreover, this TRO could affect the following:

    • Operations in the provincial jail operations with 600 prisoners
    • Operations of the eight provincial hospitals
    • Operations for the financial aid to indigents
    • Operations on a 50-bed isolation facility

For further details, you can view this link https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/

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Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020

On July 3, 2020, the President of the Philippines Rodrigo R. Duterte signed the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 known as the Republic Act No. 11479. This Act intends to inhibit, outlaw, and punish terrorism in the Philippines (1). In other words, the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, in general, would curtail any actions and measures that promote terrorism.

What Covers the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020

The definition of terrorism as prescribed by the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 would mean the following (1):

    • Developing, manufacturing, possessing, acquiring, transporting, supplying, or using weapons; and
    • Engaging in acts intended to cause death or serious bodily injury to any person or endangers a person’s life;
    • Engaging in acts intended to cause extensive damage or destruction to a government or public facility, public place, or private property;
    • Engaging in acts intended to cause extensive interference with, damage, or destruction to critical infrastructure;
    • Releasing dangerous substances or causing fire, floods or explosions when the purpose is to intimidate the general public, create an atmosphere to spread a message of fear, provoke or influence by intimidation the government or any international organization, seriously destabilize or destroy the fundamental political, economic, or social structures in the country, or create a public emergency or seriously undermine public safety

Exclusion of Safety Measure against Illegal Arrest

This Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 eliminates a section under the Human Security Act (HSA) of 2007. It removes the duty to safeguard against the wrongful charge and detention of the accused. Under HSA, any person would receive compensation for wrongful detention. The police agency or the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC) that brought the sanctions would provide financial obligations.”(2)

The Establishment of the Anti-Terrorism Council

Under this Act, the law can form appoint an organized body by the president, the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC). This ATC would designate the persons to arrest targets “terrorists.” These arrested persons would stay up to 24 days without any compensation for wrongful imprisonment. In contrast, the accused persons could file a case against those who wrongfully charged them.

Protesters in the Philippines during the Independence Day

Warrantless Arrest

Based on this law, ATC and its associates could arrest their targets without a judicial warrant of arrest. The law, as well, could allow ATC and its associates to detain their targets for 14 days plus an extension for 10 more days under surveillance for 60 days. Moreover, this law can detain targets when usual criminal charges require further technical considerations. Lastly, the law does not have any obligation to provide the remuneration of the targets for the inconvenience they caused.

In conclusion, President Rodrigo Duterte signed the Act on July 3, 2020, to replace the Human Security Act of 2007. Howard Calleja, the De La Salle brothers led by former education secretary Brother Armin Luistro and other civic groups stood to challenge the law in the Supreme Court.

References

    1. https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/downloads/2020/06jun/20200703-RA-11479-RRD.pdf
    2. https://thediplomat.com/2019/10/the-trouble-with-the-new-anti-subversion-act-push-for-the-philippines/
    3. https://www.bulatlat.com/tag/human-security-act-anti-terrorism-law/
    4. https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/6791657/philippine-protest-slams-anti-terror-bill/?cs=14232#gsc.tab=0
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Misamis Oriental: A province that wows us with wonder

I have been writing about adventures and travels for months now. I have been inspiring people and readers to go on an escapade and to trek to the famed places to enjoy themselves while forgetting the stress in life. As well, I have been spending my time with you guys telling the best places to go diving, snorkeling, and swimming on the famous beaches on the planet. However, I have never been convincing myself to go alone. I have lost the chance to plan to go somewhere due to untoward incidents. COVID-19 has been stressing me for months – no job, no money, and no support services from whatever and whoever has the duty yo help.  I have been facing my battles against stress due to pandemic and other things. For that reason, I have lost the chance to beat the odds, leaving myself open for suggestions on what to do.

This photo highlights Pading Lagoon in Balingoan from Kentot Travels.

However, some people may have similar experiences. I know I am not alone in this challenge of time. Like me, they also struggle to live and survive. They make the most of their time to discover various activities at home – cooking, composing songs, creating e-Books, gardening, and watching films. For me, I like to take my time off doing what I love – setting up an adventure. Lately, I have come to realize to take a new adventure in life. Mountain climbing, snorkeling, surfing, and the like will do. For me, it is time to talk to these matters and forget the troubles brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. For me, spending my time with my loved ones appears to the best action and decision to do this season. Rather than doing nothing, I believe I can beat the pandemic by making myself productive.

Well, the good news is, I have many things to do in life. Even if I don’t a job at the moment, I still have things to do live the day again and again. I can think of going boating, diving, snorkeling, and swimming. I know I can’t go now to splash the turquoise water on the beach. I know the police officials may catch me and charge me of violating the stay-at-home and social distancing policy.

Finally, removing stress is good to do. I can do plenty of these activities – boating, diving, snorkeling, and swimming if I want to. How about you? What have you been up to this time? Have you been planning to go boating, kayaking, and surfing to make you feel better? Well, it is good to know. Send us a message about what you do this time.

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Pading Lagoon, Balingoan: A hideaway to plan this year

The lure of the exciting beaches and resorts has continuously charmed us with its cold cerulean waters under the cobalt sky. The green forests and plants surrounded the place create a reflection of nature that our bright eyes cannot ignore but notice. But, we can’t go out this time due to the COVID-19 pandemic where travel restrictions from here and there compel us to stay at home and get bored for months inside the four corners of our rooms.

Well, the enticement of the beaches and resorts has been made available to us. All are set. However, when the go signal is on, business organizations get usual. This time I am going to take you to Pading Lagoon in Balingoan, Misamis Oriental. Wikipedia says that Balingoan ranks 5th class municipality in the jurisdiction and region of Misamis Oriental, Philippines. Wikipedia sources, again, give us the 11,051 people as a 2015 population survey.

Now, Pading Lagoon offers us such as refreshing waters to cool down. It is just reachable in the Misamis Oriental area since it resides along the Balingoan highway. It isn’t surely Boracay, Siargao, and the Maldives to think; however, this remarkable and splendid place is apt for everyone. Get ready as you won’t miss this opportunity after COVID-19 ends.

This time, please check the following treats we can find from Pading Lagoon. Surely, these treats give us special moments when family get-together and friend bonding happen almost here. However, please check the place since prices may vary considering time constraints and updates, but this one is close that you can get.

Picture Taking:                    20 Pesos.

Swimming (DAY):               50 Pesos Adult / 40 Pesos Kid

Swimming (NIGHT):          100 Pesos Adult / 50 Pesos Kids.

Cottage:                                 100, 200, or 300 Pesos

ROOMS:                                1500 or 2000 Pesos

FOODS:                                 Sutokil and Short Orders (etc.) 

Cerulean Pool Water under the Azure Sky

Finally, Pading Lagoon invites us to visit the place. Kentot Travels also confirms this location and vows that this place provides us with excitement and joy. Visit the Facebook Page of Kentot Travels as well. This time let us enjoy packing our things up and wait for the bells to ring for us to go. So, what are we waiting for?

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Puerto Galera: A home for boundless pleasure

Today, I am going to take you to Puerto Galera. This amazing place to travel is a town on the Philippine island of Mindoro. The Department of Tourism reports  its records that many tourists go to Puerto Galera. Its records show that Puerto Galera conveys a limitless excitement. Tourists can choose their activities to take their plunges in cerulean waters under the sapphire sky or to go diving or snorkeling. What makes this island quite astounding is its shape. Its long curve that stretches up highlights the beach site. And then, this long curve even stands out in Oriental Mindoro. This extraordinary abode, which showcases some bars and resorts back-to-back, delivers holiday delight. This means that the place does, indeed, have boundless excitement.

As well, Puerto Galera lures many tourists. The forests in the interior part of the island that lead to the out-of-the-way Talipanan Falls are perfect for pictorials. Probably, this view makes this place even more stimulating. Another thing is the hillside where tourists can enjoy their photography skills. Moreover, one can witness the 9-hole golf course that sits above the shoreline. It is fascinating. Tourists can see the northeast part known as the Sabang Beach in which its waters are filled with marine life and corals. Tourists can, finally, decide on the best place to stay for weeks and months.

A father and daughters walking on the white sand

Well, some people ask if Puerto Galera is worth visiting. I do not know the answer. For me, all places have dangers whether you like it or not. In my opinion, Puerto Galera is safe since it is a tourist destination in the world. The business managers of the beaches and resorts do not allow any internal and external forces to destroy their management operations. Therefore, they guarantee the safety and security of the place. Perhaps, the best question is if Puerto Galera is pricey. Again, this question depends on the tourists’ choices and their expenses. But, I tell a different way. Puerto Galera is worth-spending for holidays and vacations. The best thing you can in Puerto Galera is to enjoy and participate in various activities, such as island hopping, diving, and snorkeling.

Indeed, Puerto Galera fascinates tourists from all walks of life. Wherever you are, you can visit Puerto Galera anytime. Some people ask me again and again of which is better – White Beach or Sabang Beach in Puerto Galera. Well, White Beach is better in terms of the beach. In terms of nightlife, Sabang gives you entertainment and ecstasy. In the end, Sabang Beach and White Beach offer good rooms and food services. Oh, before I forget, tourists can choose some Airbnb places in Puerto Galera.

Photo Attribution:

Photo via <a href=”https://www.goodfreephotos.com/”>Good Free Photos</a>

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South Palms Resorts, Panglao: An idyllic home to hang loose

We just travel from place to place for years. And yet, we lose somewhere in the sun. And yes, we do scout from different websites to check on some exciting beaches and resorts here and abroad. We even check some promotional strategies that offer discounted trips. But, we lose in space and time again and again. We just don’t know why we keep on thinking to go international when we know the Philippines has much to offer.

We will try Panglao this time. Of course, Panglao is in Bohol. It is an island in the north Bohol Sea. Tourists can find it easily on a map as Bohol positions itself in the Central Visayas region. It means that Panglao is in the south-central Philippines. It is home to some beautiful and exhilarating beaches and resorts. It offers South Palms Resort, Henann Resort Alona Beach, Dumaluan Beach, and more and serves the table of fun and excitement. However, what brings me to highlight South Palms Resort isn’t the money. I haven’t been sponsored for this article. I just wrote this article a couple of days ago to promote the place and the country in general. Now, I am happy to tell you that Panglao fulfills its promise to be a picture-perfect destination to lure tourists locally and internationally. I just love the place and the fascinating scenery that tell me I will never think of going home after the vacation again.

Henann Alona Beach near South Palms Beach from Panglao, Bohol

South Palms Resort showers delights and enjoyments for tourists to relax. It quarters local and foreign tourists alike as it provides the best customer services. It seems fair to say that South Palms Resort gives us wonderful scenic background that attracts more tourists due to its rich culture. Therefore, the resort tells you more about it once you visit the place.

Now, if you want to go to South Palms Resort, Panglao, you need to consider some important matters to bring and get ready:

    • Internet to check on Maps
    • Contact Numbers for Police and Emergency
    • Money for Expenses
    • Guidelines from the Department of Tourism (Please check if this one is necessary)
South Palms Resort at its Spectacular View

One more thing, if you want to go to Bohol in general, you may be happy to check up on some remarkable places to enjoy and stay for holidays. At this point, Bohol Island as said by its oval-shaped island is an anchorage of sultry natural beauty. You may check the Chocolate Hills and meet the smallest primates of the world – the tarsiers. You can also tour around the place to visit some sites that showcase rich cultural heritage and old stone churches. As Panglao gains a reputation to be one of the famed tourist destinations in the Philippines, you know I am right once you visit the white sand seashores and world-class somersaulting locations. You can’t ignore Panglao and its connections to its natural wonders. Once you visit, you can never abandon the promising Chocolate Hills, the myriad springs, caverns, cascades, and watercourses, and the ever-cute primate known as tarsiers. Because of these, South Palms Resort in Panglao, Bohol attracts many local and foreign tourists for more stirring and electrifying water adventures such as scuba diving, somersaulting, and dolphin-watching.

Happy Faces of Tourists who Spend Holidays out in the Sun

Do you know how to get to Panglao Island? Well, wherever you go, you can reach Panglao via Tagbilaran, the capital of Bohol Province. According to the source, tourists can land on Tagbilaran port where the ferry terminal resides. Please visit this site for more updates on the province.

References

https://www.booking.com/hotel/ph/south-palms-resort-panglao.html

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Second Blow: NTC still hunts ABS-CBN despite COVID-19

Misamis Oriental (1 July 2020) – On May 5, 2020, the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) issued a Cease and Desist Order (CADO) against the broadcasting company ABS-CBN due to the expiry of the legislative franchise. The expiry of the franchise would be on May 4.

As well, the NTC, on an order letter on May 4, compelled ABS-CBN to discontinue its broadcast operations – radio and television broadcasting nationwide. This issue between the network and the NTC happened again due to the former’s side of having expired Congressional Franchise license.

The NTC highlighted the Radio Control Law or the Republic Act No. 3846. In this Act, “no person, firm, company, association, or corporation shall construct, install, establish, or operate a radio transmitting station, or radio receiving station used for commercial purposes, or a radio broadcasting station, without having first obtained a franchise therefor from the Congress of the Philippines,” as echoed by the NTC.

ABS-CBN Logo in a Black Mode

As well, the cessation of the Republic Act. No 7966 that granted the network a 25-year contract to function and work its TV and radio broadcasting stations became real as the NTC confirmed the verdict.

Solicitor General Jose Calida succeeded in a quo warranto petition against the giant network of which he filed on May 3. He also warned the NTC to grant a provisional authority to ABS-CBN. He said that the NTC could not grant provisional authorities to ABS-CBN Corporation and its affiliate since they should secure a franchise from Congress first.

On June 29, the NTC again made a scene to stop ABS-CBN’s digital broadcast on TVPlus in Metro Manila and SKY’s satellite broadcast nationwide. The reasons why and how ABS-CBN faces its challenges and more are available at the Inquirer.Net <newsinfo.inquirer.net> and Manila Bulletin <news.mb.com.ph>.

References

Mercado, N. A. (5 May 2020). Breaking: NTC orders ABS-CBN to stop broadcast operations. Retrieved July 1, 2020, from https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1270074/ntc-issues-cease-and-desist-order-vs-abs-cbn

Rosario, B. (29 June 2020). NTC to stop operations of ABS-CBN TV Plus, affiliate network. Retrieved July 1, 2020, from https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/06/29/ntc-to-stop-operations-of-abs-cbn-tv-plus-affiliate-network/