Coron: The Most Beautiful Island in the World

[image by triptheislands]

Imagine yourself in front of these naturally carved beauty marveling on their structure and wonderful formations.  This picturesque spot is courtesy of the most beautiful island in the world. Rich in marine life sanctuary and listed as one of the best scuba diving sites by Forbes.  Coron Island is just one of the Philippines’ many top tourist destinations. It can be found in the province of Palawan, one of the largest among the archipelago islands of the country.  Coron is just less than 450kms away from the Philippine’s capital city of Manila or just an hour long trip using a local airline and one can see the most beautiful island in the world. The impressive mysterious fortress like rocky formation which was home to its ancient inhabitants called the Tagbanuas who lived during the early times by fishing on the surrounding lakes of the rock island.

The mysterious rocky cliffs.

The enchanting and unique karst rock formations of Coron were originally made from corals reefs formed about 260 million years ago that rifted and shifted through tectonic movements some 30 million years ago from its original position of the main Calamian group of islands.  The islands are part the connecting islands of the Southeast Asian ridge and those of China’s continental crusts to its existing position north of Palawan. Great wave erosion and heavy monsoon rains helped created these towering cathedral-like limestone formation that further move north of the archipelago region. The formation have also risen dramatically by 400 meters above sea level through time. And due to these natural Earth movements, the area was made not only by these gigantic gray limestone but also with numerous coves, lagoons and blue-green lakes.

The Tagbanua people and the mystery tales of the waters.

Palawan specifically the Calamian group of islands to which Coron belongs was a rich source of folklores and ancient mythological superstitions dating back to the early people inhabitants of the Philippines.  The Tagbanuas belong to the ancient tribe people called Taga Banwa literally translated as ‘from the inland area’ which was believed to have come from Borneo and Brunei. The Tagbanua tribe believes that the surrounding lakes of the coral island were sacred burial grounds of their ancestors and visitors are highly restricted unless they have parts to do in the rituals performed by these ancient tribe. According to the myth, the place was inhabited by spirits and ghostly creatures from the dead such as the Bal-bal or the corpse thief and other dark creatures such as the Aswang. Amalanhig and Busaw. Folks are cautioned not to even mention their names so as not to disturb them and attack the living. Myths like these are in present in some hidden scenic spots all over the country to ward off visitors from spoiling these paradise-like places.  But most adventurers find these myths an equal excitement adventure to discover the place. And they have truly found the place one of the most unspoiled and captivatingly amazing.

[image by allaboutgoodlife]

Discover beautiful Coron!

Visiting the most beautiful island in the world was not just about enjoying its enchanting rock formation, swimming and diving on its fine beaches and the blue-green waters. Coron is simply but a great escape from the turmoil of urban living and the rewarding feast on discovering the ultimate beauty of nature. Come, start your life’s greatest adventure. Discover Coron, the most beautiful island in the world and experience nature’s paradise at its best!

[image by allaboutgoodlife]

AMAZING PHILIPPINE SUNSETS

Sunset. The most calming and becoming event to see on the horizon.  Not every country were graced to have that one lovely setting on the horizon.  Some people even try to catch it with their lenses travelling all across the globe just to have a peek at its glory. The stunning and ecstatic scene most likely could not be replicated nor captured twice.  No two sunset captures are alike. And there are only a few places in the world graced by such occasion. The Philippines fortunately was blessed with such beauties. Aside from the world renowned 'Sunset in Manila Bay,' there are certainly other places that equally are worth every click and worthy to be pinned on a canvass.   Below are some of the captured beauties of the Philippine sunset through the lens of Che Gurobat, a Filipina traveler who have tried to photographed sunsets of  80 of the 81 provinces of the Philippines.  See some of her majestic shots of sunsets that can only be found only in the Philippines.  Though she have seen and experienced the sunset phenomenon every time in her life, she still find each moment a blissful luxury not everyone can exactly feel. Prepare to be captivated by her ecstatic captures.
Boracay Island, Aklan

Ahhhh... what a sight! The glorious splendor of the Visayan skies as if drawn vividly in crimson shades with back drop of fishing boats and mountains from afar. What an escape from the sights of the skyscrapers in the city and the congested city streets. One would surely drop dead seeing this natural canvass of views.

Balanacan Port, Mogpog, Marinduque

Fire and ice meet each other. The captured  transitioning skies are but just wonderfully ecstatic. God was a real master of of all art with the perfect blend of every colors and elements. Picture perfect in astounding expressive nature's beauty.

Manila Bay

Who could ever miss this? The postcard beauty known across the globe. See that ball of fire glowing to hide somewhere that even the fleet of sails and boats couldn't simply hide it. Amazingly worth a momentarily glance. A masterpiece indeed!

Tanay, Rizal

The mystery lies deep within. As the sun draws flat on the horizon. The boatman and the lighthouse tower seem to be overwhelmed with its spectacular grandeur that watching it set was all they could traverse.

Siquijor

Mystical beauty in pale sunset hue. The beauty hides within releasing the mystery of the nocturnal transition. The abyss is ready to engulf and hide them soon.

Bangui, Ilocos Norte

The wind howls as the mountains breathe. The failing luster is about to cast not even those mighty windmill blades can stop its journey of hiding. One perfect capture of nature's mighty  powers.

Batangas

A peek behind leaves the colossal mountain just a shadow that will soon be hidden from the eyes of many.  But the fiery wonder was worth an immense feast that last forever.

San Juan, La Union

O heavenly goodness what wonderful grace you are? Even the solitary drifter shy away somberly  if only to catch you til the next time you peek anew from the horizon.

Coron, Palawan

Stunning azure captured in magnificent wonders. Only sunset hues, natural mountains and deep blue waters can create such wonderful blend of hues in perfect harmony. No Rembrandt or Goya nor any of the renaissance scholars  can simply replicate such scene. Magnifico!

Panglao Island, Bohol

A dreamer's refuge in a dreamy landscape. One will be permitted to sigh with awe and make this scene a rendezvous in their imagination. But why imagine, if you can catch your dream, the island and the sunset awaits, be sure to catch 'em on your next journey to this place.

Mt. Manabu Sto. Tomas, Batangas

Captivating layers of earth and sky. What bizarre secrets do you hide behind such enigma? It will truly be exciting to wait until the horizon totally settles in constant tone. It would be nice to take a glimpse before it's gone forever.

Anawangin Cove, San Antonio, Zambales

Watch the intense crown of glowing ball go down to the waters. Kissing everyone warmly 'Adieu'  only to back in a couple of moments. But don't get impatient it leaves you with a view that will leave you addicted seeing its glory again and again.

Apo Reef, Sablayan, Mindoro Occidental

The lush green is an ally. Neutralizing and refreshing the intense colors. It only defines the diversity of life. in its most shining glory.  Let's celebrate life in vivid colors!

Dapitan City

The angel up above. The silver lining up above the sky.  That look and resembles that of an angel's pair of wings. God must have sent a real one. Rejoice for God blesses us with angelic beauties we see beyond our expectation.

Zamboanga City

The colors representing the south in purely amazing colors.  The beautiful vintas meet the glorious colors of the sun setting on the horizon. This completes the colors of sunny Philippines graciously blessed with beautiful people , captivating places and natural events like these amazing sunsets. Come visit the Philippines and see these amazing wonders.

Chinatown: Leaving a Worldwide Legacy

Wikipedia described Chinatown as an ethnic enclave of expatriate Chinese people outside of China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao.  The huge population in China made some of its people left their country to seek work and opportunities for a better life.  Nowadays, Chinatown are in most key cities worldwide and become prolific business areas and prominent landmarks.  Aside from being a business district, Chinatowns are fascinating tourist destinations and in some areas distinct landmarks.

The oldest Chinatown was built in the Philippines.   The Manila Chinatown community has been established as a trading area since the 15^th century.  Since then, Chinatown has grown like sprouting mushrooms all over the world.  In the US alone, one can find a Chinatown in most of its key cities.

But what made these places unique?  Perhaps these are few of the reasons why there are Chinatowns elsewhere in the world:

ü  Chinatowns are landmarks.  In almost every continent in the world, one can find a Chinatown.  Name it, you can find Chinatown in Africa, Asia, Australia, Canada, Europe, the Latin America, Oceania and the US.  In every continent in the world, one can find a Chinatown.

ü  Chinatowns are business district.  Most Chinatowns are center of commerce and trading primarily Chinese products from mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong or Macao or even products made in its host country that defines Chinese craftsmanship and attributes.

ü  Chinatowns are tourist destinations and landmarks.  In most Chinatowns around the world, one can find elements that are uniquely Chinese.  There are Chinese pagodas which are symbols of Chinese architecture.  Chinese lanterns, dragons, lions, calligraphy and signs which decorate and identify establishments creating the atmosphere of the Chinese culture.  The smell of incense, Chinese cuisine and delicacies will carry your feet to where it will lead you. 

ü  Chinatowns are communities.  .  Chinatown is where you can find Chinese from all walks of life, whether they are permanently settled in that country or not.  The racial features of the people you will meet defines you are in a place where China and its people converge.  Despite their diversity from their host country, Chinatown still thrive to relive the greatest value and legacy in their being a family away from their native China.

Although the basic pattern of Chinatowns are clusters or communities relating about China, its people, and its trade.  It is worthy to know that China’s rich culture and people are traveling around the world.  It is leaving footprints and legacy throughout the world through this thriving communities we call – Chinatown.