THE LEGEND AND ORIGIN OF GUAVA FRUIT - ANG ALAMAT NG BAYABAS

Where did the Bayabas fruit came from? Another Philippine legend and story about the Alamat of Bayabas.

A long time ago, there's a king who ruled a rich, prosperous island. He had all the things a king could ever ask for: the power, the wealth, and all the delicious foods one could only imagine.The king's name was King Barabas.

King Barabas is a rude king and overweight, indulging himself to all the foods available, hesitant to share. And his castle is starting to become filthy. He would spend most of his time sitting and eating with his bare hands. As he eats, he drips food on the floor and smile mockingly at the people around him, specially his servants.

People in the kingdom would approach with requests for his help, but he would always refuse. As he neglected his kingdom, people started to complain and starve.

After some time, an old hunched-back woman showed up at the castle begging for food while the king was eating. The old lady asked for food as she was starving.

"Go away! I don't have anything to give. Can't you see I'm eating?" said the king.

"Please, my king, " said the old woman. "I'm asking for anything, anything you could give me as I am so hungry. Even a little piece of bread or fruit would do."

"Get out at once! You disgust me," the king belittled the old beggar.

The old woman stood up straight, casting aside her stooped posture. "I've heard much about you and how your kingdom is suffering." The tone of her voice had changed. It was no longer the voice of a weak, old woman. "I asked for help, and you shoved me away. You have a lot for yourself, but when I only asked for a little food, you belittled me. You are selfish. No one loves you and no one will remember you when you are gone!"

And the beggar disappeared.

After a few more days, the king slowly weakened and became sick. No one knows what's wrong with him. He got weaker and weaker and lost much weight. He looked older than his age. Soon after that, the king died. As unfortunate and unexpected as it was, no one cried and nobody showed up at the king's burial. He died alone.

And where the king was buried, his people noticed a strange plant growing, a plant they had never seen before. The plant soon grew into a tree, which bore rounded fruits that turned yellowish when ripe.

People also noticed that the fruit seemed to have a crown as it develops, which reminded them of their selfish, arrogant king. The flesh of the fruit tasted a bit sour, just like the sour personality of the king towards them.

The people learned to eat the fruit, which helped them with starvation. And because the tree was from the grave of their King Barabas and it has crown just like their king, they named the tree after him: barabas, which in time they called bayabas.

The fruit is still called, as to this day, bayabas.

And although the guava may have came from the rude, selfish King Barabas, guava fruit is one of the fruits that offers many health benefits when consumed, the fruit is a good source of vitamin C. The leaves are made into tea and treats many diseases as well from a simple toothache, to treating diarrhea, lowering blood sugar, and many more. And it is used amongst young boys after their circumcision in the Philippines.

KAI SOTTO - THE KAIJU ARRIVES

Note: This is commentary.

For FIBA ASIA U16 tournament, many Gilas fans are eager to witness how Kai Sotto, the Philippines' version of unicorn, the probably once in a generation specimen will fare against tougher competition. 

The first three games were underwhelming, but when it mattered the most, trans: a match versus Japan with ticket to the world Cup in Argentina at stake, this happened:

That stellar performance helped Batang Gilas defeat Japan to book a date in Argentina. More importantly, during that game, we saw him played a significant role on an important game, no, historical game.

With a world cup ticket on hand, the game against China will be a test on how he would fare versus equally tall, hefty, but a little bit aged (evil grin) Chinese front line.

The result: for the first time in history of battling China, our front line actually won. Oh, do we need to remind everyone of this move:

We lost the game but confident that with the coming wars ahead, we have a Kaiju as a weapon.

What is important to note is this, Kai arose to the occasion. He embraced the moment, he did not falter. Sure there is so many (that would be an understatement) on his game that needs to be polished and to be improved on, no doubt and debate on that.

What's glaring though, is that he welcomes it. He is aware of not only of it, but he is aware of the expectations, and he is up to the tasks.

SIARGAO ISLAND BASIC INFORMATION AND TUTORIALS

SIARGAO ISLAND - THE MYTH, THE LEGEND, THE TRUTH
Where Is Siargao? How To Get To Siargao?

Siargao Island
Off the northeastern tip of Mindanao lies the teardrop-shaped island of SIARGAO, a largely undeveloped backwater with languid beaches, dramatic coves and lagoons battered by the Pacific Ocean and a verdant hinterland of rustic little barrios and coconut groves.

Some of the first tourists here were surfers, who discovered a break at Tuason Point that was so good they called it Cloud Nine, and though it’s still off the tourist trail, word of mouth is bringing an increasing number of surfers from around the world.

Arrival and getting around
Most visitors arrive by ferry at Dapa, 16km from the modest but comfortable resorts around the island’s friendly little capital of General Luna, known as GL, on the east coast. There are no banks and credit cards aren’t accepted in most places, so bring cash.

Your choices for getting around the island are fairly limited. Most locals use the habal-habal (motorcycle) drivers, good for up to two people and light luggage. Rates are fixed: Dapa to Cloud 9 is P200, while Dapa to GL is P150. Rides between GL and Cloud 9 should be P15. Drivers will take you to Magpupungko for P300 or the Tak-Tak Falls near Burgos for P1000; in both cases the price includes the trip back. If you intend to do a lot of roaming around, ask your accommodation about renting a motorcycle (P500/day).

The other options are tricycles and minivans: tricycles will charge at least P30 per person (P150/vehicle) between Dapa and GL, but sometimes ask for a lot more (it depends on how much commission they are expecting from your hotel). Minivans charge P300 per person or P1500 per trip to the airport – other trips will be charged according to time and distance. For bangka trips see opposite.

Accommodation
Accommodation in Siargao covers the whole range, from modest lodges aimed at backpackers and low-budget surfers, to upmarket tropical resorts. Most accommodation is a short distance from GL, and can help arrange motorbike rentals, bangka trips and other forms of transportation.

Exploring the island of Siargao
Resorts line the coast north of GL, and though there isn’t really a beach here it’s a lush laidback strip, with swathes of coconut palms linked by a sand road. The whole area is generally referred to as Cloud 9, though the world-renowned break is actually at Tuason Point, 2km north of GL, towards the end of the hotel strip.

The peak surf season is September and October, while things tend to slow down at the end of the year; beginners will find the weaker surf in June and July more manageable. Even if you don’t surf, wander out to the viewpoint at the end of the Cloud 9 boardwalk, a rickety wooden pier that cuts across the lagoon to the edge of the biggest waves.

Some 35km north of GL via mostly dirt road is PILAR, a village of traditional wooden stilt houses on the edge of the mangroves. It’s best known for Magpupungko Beach, 2km further north and the site of regular beach parties every Friday night (P20). The sandy beach is one of the island’s best, but the highlight is the giant natural swimming pool (basically a huge rockpool) that forms to the far left of the beach at low tide.

The water is beautifully clear and inviting, assuming the weather cooperates. There’s a nominal charge of P50 per person, but this isn’t always enforced. Minivan drivers should take you for P2000–2500 (1hr). It’s a long and bumpy ride by motorcycle.

Siargao island-hopping
The seas around Siargao are littered with unspoiled and rarely visited islands, but you’d need your own boat and lots of time to explore them all. The easiest to visit are the three islands just off the coast of GL (around 30min by bangka): day-trips to all three cost P1500 or P2500 depending on the size of the boat. Most resorts can fix you up with local bangka operators.

Naked Island is little more than a giant sand bar and perfect for lounging in the sun. Dako Island is the largest of the three, smothered in coconut palms and home to a small fishing community. The villagers will happily serve you fresh coconut (P20) or even barbecue chicken (P150) if required. Tiny Guyam Island comes closest to the stereotype of a classic desert island, a circular clump of sand and palm trees ideal for picnics, swimming or sunbathing.

The island caretaker usually charges a fee of P10 per person. Snorkelling isn’t much good off any of these islands – the best reefs lie in between them, so ask your boat to make an extra stop. Another appealing day-trip from Siargao is to La Janoza and Mamon, the easternmost islands in the archipelago – the bangka ride takes around one hour and costs around P3500 per boat.

There’s a powdery white sand beach and a quaint fishing village on La Janoza and between the two islands is a pellucid lagoon that’s wonderful for swimming and snorkelling; both islands are also surfing hotspots.

CEBU PACIFIC TOP 3 SERVICE FAILURES IN RECENT TIME

CEBU PACIFIC RECORD OF TOP 3 FAILURES
Epic Fails of Cebu Pacific

Cebu Pacific if the leading air passenger carrier of the Philippines. It is a budget airlines, but with wide reach (local and abroad) and a relatively good service.

However, part and parcel of its operations are its complaints and failures in services as well. We are listing the top 3 epic fails of Cebu Pacific in recent times.

NUMBER 3 - OFFLOADING A CHILD WITH MENTAL DISABILITY (DECEMBER 2010)

On December 23, Alcantara and her son, John Arvin, was pressured by Cebu Pacific's purser and cabin crew to get off a plane bound for Manila from Hong Kong.

Alcantara said the crew members flatly told her that John Arvin was a special child and was banned from boarding Cebu Pacific planes as stated under company rules.

Gokongwei-led Cebu Pacific Airlines is facing a P5-million civil suit for attempting to offload a child with developmental disability from one of its flights last December.

Marites Alcantara and her family, represented by their legal counsel Salvador Panelo, filed the case before the Antipolo City Regional Trial Court on Thursday.

Cebu Pacific had apologized to Alcantara and her son, saying that the incident was "a result of the cabin crew's misinterpretation of government regulations designed to assure the safety of passengers."

"Cebu Pacific has no policy that discriminates against persons with special needs," the airline previously clarified. "We taken all the necessary measures to make sure similar incidents do not happen again and that passengers with special needs are properly attended to."

NUMBER 2 - CHRISTMAS SEASON FLIGHT CANCELLATION FIASCO (DECEMBER 2015)

The Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) imposed a P52-million fine against the Gokongwei-led airline for operational lapses and a disproportionate number of delayed and canceled flights over the Christmas holidays.

The performance of ground handling agent for domestic operations was inadequate. "Our ground handling agent failed to meet manning and service level commitments."

There was a shortfall of "promised domestic check-in agents on the afternoon and evening of 25th.

"By the early morning of 26th, we were faced with unprecedented absenteeism which created chaotic situation at our check-in counters," he added.

Gokongwei said the airline is reviewing the performance of its ground handler "in order to ensure that the appropriate service levels are maintained in the future."

Cebu Pacific earlier said the widespread cancellations were due to air traffic congestion, weather conditions, and sudden absence from work of ground crews.

"In hindsight, we should have been more aggressive in pursuing remedial measures including increasing number of frontline staff and being more vigilant in supervision of ground handler," he said.

Cebu Air took initial steps to prevent a recurrence of the massive flight delays and cancellations over the Christmas holidays, Gokongwei said.

Data submitted to the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) showed that Cebu Pacific had 20 canceled flights and 288 delayed flights at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 from Dec. 24 to Dec. 26.

NUMBER 1 - DAVAO CITY LANDING OVERSHOOT (JUNE 2013)

Cebu Pacific on Monday apologized for Flight 5J-971’s skidding off the runway at Davao International Airport Sunday night and offered to transport passengers from Davao to General Santos at no extra charge.

The carrier also waived rebooking fees and mounted 16 additional flights to “reaccommodate” passengers.

Despite the apology offered to its passengers for their harrowing experience on Sunday night, however, Cebu Pacific Air, the country’s biggest budget airline, is threatened by a boycott by longtime customers who felt they were neglected during the emergency.

The management of the Davao airport is also facing an investigation, with the Davao City government itself asking the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) to “make heads roll” for the airport’s alleged concealment of information from the city government and refusal of an offer of help.

Jacones said the pilots and the crew seemed to have been stunned by what had just happened that they failed to attend immediately to the passengers.

“They (cabin crew) apparently lacked crisis management training because they performed so poorly during the emergency. A few of us passengers were the ones who tried to calm down the rest of the passengers,” he said.

Jacones said it was only 15 minutes later that the pilot came out of the cockpit to speak to the shaken passengers.

“He told us that it was the heavy rain and that they lost sight of the runway lights,” he said.

Narciso also said it was 15 minutes after the incident before the pilot came out to speak to the passengers.

“He explained that the problem was caused by the plane’s wiper,” he said.

Menard Dacono, 26, a business development manager working in Singapore, said it took a while for the passengers to be evacuated.

“When the passengers reached the terminal, there was no one there from Cebu Pacific to face them,” Dacono said.

“No one from the airline offered an explanation,” he said.

“We were even barred from taking photos of the aircraft,” Dacono said.

CAAP Deputy Director General John Andrews told a news conference on Monday that the Cebu Pacific plane overshot the runway probably because the pilot failed to correct the aircraft’s heading while landing against a crosswind.

HOW POLLUTED IS THE PHILIPPINES?

AIR QUALITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
Just how clean (or dirty) is the air in the Philippine?

The title might be a little presumptuous, as it denotes that the Philippines is polluted. But is this really the case though?

A fair question to start off is to know, how air quality is being measured. What are the metrics?

Total Suspended Particulates

Total suspended particles (TSP) is an archaic regulatory measure of the mass concentration of particulate matter (PM) in community air. It was defined by the (unintended) size-selectivity of the inlet to the filter that collected the particles.

The air quality of our country is still dirty but improving in terms of TSP. For 2008, TSP level is 99ug/Ncm, for a 29% reduction from 2004 to 2008.

In 2015, National Capital Region reached 130 micrograms per normal cubic meter (µg/Ncm).

The acceptable level is 90 ug/Ncm – annual air quality guideline value for Total Suspended Particulates (TSP).

Salient Features of the Philippine Clean Air Act

The State shall pursue a policy of balancing development and environmental protection. To achieve this end, the framework for sustainable development shall be pursued. As such, it shall be the policy of the State to:

Formulate a holistic national program of air pollution that shall be implemented by the government through proper delegation and effective coordination of function and activities;

Encourage cooperation and self-regulation among citizen and industries through the application of incentives market-based instruments;

Focus primarily on pollution prevention rather than on control and provide for a comprehensive management program on air pollution;

Promote public information and education to encourage the participation of an informed and active public in air quality planning and monitoring; and Formulate and enforce a system of accountability for short and long term adverse environmental impact of a project, program or activity.

This shall include setting up of a funding or guarantee mechanism for clean-up and environmental rehabilitation and compensation for personal damages.

BLACK NAZARENE OF MANILA PHILIPPINES RITUALS AND PROCESSION

Black Nazarene of Manila and its procession is one of the most spectacular events in the country. It is in fact the largest procession in the Philippines, held every 9th of January. Its home church is the Church of Quiapo.

The figure Black Nazarene refers to a black wooden sculpture of Christ decorated in beautiful fabric. It is pulled through the streets on a cart. (Black Nazarene is Quiapo's patron saint)

This sculpture was brought by the Spaniards in the 16th century.

Hundreds of thousands of people would join the procession each year. It is believed to be a "miraculous" and life altering experience.

Black Nazarene procession. Credits to Philstar

Many of the participants would try to the touch the Black Christ, in the hopes that doing so will bless them. Some even claimed that it cured them from ilnesses.

HOW CRUCIAL AND HISTORICAL THE 2016 VICE PRESIDENTIAL RACE MAY BECOME

With less than 45 days before election time, everybody is talking about the Presidential Race. Not much is being spoken on the Vice Presidential derby. Rightfully so, as the battle for Malacanang is turning out to be one of the tightest races in recent memory.

But let us shift our focus a bit on the Vice Presidential Race. Who's here, and how the victor might become more than what they seek to be.

Officially, there are six (6) candidates as finalized by the COMELEC.

The following are:

Senators Francis Escudero, Alan Peter Cayetano, Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr, Antonio Trillanes IV, and Gregorio Honasan, and Camarines Sur Representative Maria Leonor "Leni" Robredo.

Five Senators, One Congressman. Not that it mean much.

Let's play first impression here. That is, I will describe the aforementioned candidates based on the first thing that would come to my mind (and probably yours too).

Francis Escudero

Makata, Evil Scheming Grin, Heart Evangelista

Alan Peter Cayetano

Taguig, Companero, Duterte's Vice

Ferdinand "Bong Bong" Marcos

Martial Law, In denial, Half Cup Rice Bill

Antonio Trillanes IV

Oakwood Mutiny

Gregorio Honasan

Coup d Etat

Maria Leonor "Leni" Robredo

Asawa ni Jesse Robredo

Look, it is obviously very unfair to judge and base your votes on those little and obscure descriptions, but this post is not about who they are, what they have done or failed to do. You can find it almost everywhere these times (election time), and we are not about to add anymore. By now, you know better. And we are not endorsing anyone.

HOWEVER. Contemplate and think about this. Due to the "fragility" of the Presidential Candidates we have right now, one of these VP Candidates may end up a step higher than they initially hoped for, in no time.

It is now time to play President X will be ousted because!!! 

Imagine these possibilities.

Binay Wins

Then impeached in no time due to all of his cases.

Duterte Wins

But steps out of the position if he fails to clean house in 6 months, knowing that he is a man of honor.

Poe Wins

But a final decision on her Nationality states that she does not qualify.

Mirriam Wins

Then realizes that she if not fit enough.

Then Roxas, well he's not gonna win.

No F8cking Way.



That is how crucial and could be historical the upcoming Vice Presidential Race is.

We may have not realized it at the moment.

CAMOTES ISLAND CEBU TOURIST DESTINATION GUIDE BASIC INFORMATION AND TUTORIALS

The Camotes Islands

About 30km northeast of Cebu City, the friendly, peaceful Camotes Islands, which once sheltered Magellan’s fleet, are gradually opening up to tourism, with fast boats from Cebu now bringing them within a couple of hours of the city.

The two principal islands, Poro and Pacijan, are linked by a causeway, which makes exploring by motorbike an appealing prospect.

The main town on Pacijan is San Francisco, but most of the resorts are on the beaches of the northwest and southwest coasts. In the north beyond Lake Danao, Tulang is a picturesque islet lapped by turquoise waters, which has good snorkelling and diving.

Over on Poro you can pay P10 to swim in a series of small underground caves in Bukilat, while easier swimming awaits at Busay Falls just a short walk from Tudela on the south coast. To get the lay of the land head up to Arquis Viewing Deck on Pacijan.

From here you can see Lake Danao, site of Greenlake Park where you can take sakanaw (local boats; P500 for a 10-person boat) trips out to the mangroves.

Arrival and information
The Oceanjet fast ferry departs for Poro daily from Cebu City Pier 1. There are also daily bangkas and Supershuttle Ferry (T0928/371-3113) services from Danao to Poro and Consueles on Pacijan. Poro is also linked by public bangkas from Mandaue. Hiring a motorbike (P500/day) is the easiest way to get around, while short trips on a habal-habal cost P50. The easternmost (and smallest) Camotes island, Ponson, can be reached by small bangka from Poro. There’s a tourist information desk and post office at the town hall in Poro, but there are no banking facilities anywhere in the Camotes, so bring enough cash to last.

Accommodation and eating
For food, the better restaurants are mostly in the resorts, but the Green Lake Restaurant on Lake Danao does delicious tilapia. Keshe Beach Resort In the northwest of Pacijan Island, next to Borromeo T0929/892-5792.

Situated on beautiful Bakhaw Beach, Keshe has
attractive simple nipa huts.

2 Mangodlong Rock Resort Heminsulan on Pacijan Island T032/345-8599, Wwww.oceandeep.biz. Sister resort to Santiago Bay, Mangodlong has rooms set in a coconut plantation overlooking the beach, plus a dive centre.

4 My Little Island Hotel In Esperanza on Poro Island T032/497-095 Wwww.mylittleislandhotel .com. The best rooms on Poro, and a pool (P75 for non-residents), but it’s not on the beach. 4

Santiago Bay Garden and Beach Resort In the southwest of Pacijan Island T032/345-8599 Wwww.camotesresorts.com.ph. Great views and comfortable a/c rooms with cable TV. 3

OLANGO ISLAND CEBU TOURIST DESTINATION BASIC INFORMATION

Olango Island Cebu

Five kilometres east of Mactan Island, Olango Island supports the largest concentration of migratory birds in the country. About 77 species, including egrets, sandpipers, terns and black-bellied plovers, use the island as a rest stop on their annual migration from breeding grounds in Siberia, northern China and Japan to Australia and New Zealand.

Declared a wildlife reserve in 1998, the island is also home to about 16,000 resident native birds which live mostly in the northern half; the southern half of the island is made up of a wide, shallow bay and expanses of mud flats and mangrove.

The reserve is at its best during peak migration months: September to November for the southward migration and February to April northbound.

Most resorts on Mactan can organize a day-trip here, though you could visit independently: there are hourly bangkas (P40) to Santa Rosa on Olango Island from the wharf near the Hilton on Mactan Island or you can hire your own bangka from the area around the Tambuli Beach Resort for around P2000 to the island and back.

From the small Santa Rosa wharf it’s only a short tricycle ride to the sanctuary. If you want a knowledgeable guide, make arrangements with the Coastal Resource Management Project of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (T032/346-9177) located in the Capitol Building in Osmeña Boulevard in Cebu City, which runs an Olango Birds and Seascape tour.

Jump Off Point Outfitters (T032/236-5678, Ejump_offpoint@yahoo.com) can also arrange kayak trips to Olango and Sulpo islands. The only place to stay is the lovely Nalusuan Island Resort & Marine Sanctuary (T032/516-6432, Wwww.nalusan.mencaresorts.com; 5), a wonderful place on an islet rising out of Olango’s western coastal reef with rooms and duplex cottages on stilts in the water.

The open-air restaurant specializes in seafood caught on the doorstep and there are nightly campfire cookouts where you can barbecue food as you like it. The resort can collect you in Mactan if requested in advance and there are kayaks available to explore the area.

APO REEF MARINE PARK MINDORO OCCIDENTAL TOURIST DESTINATION BASIC INFORMATION

Apo Reef Marine Natural Park

Lying about 30km off the west coast of Mindoro, Apo Reef stretches 26km from north to south and 20km east to west, making it a significant marine environment. There are two main atolls separated by deep channels and a number of shallow lagoons with beautiful white sandy bottoms.

Only in three places does the coral rise above the sea’s surface, creating the islands of Cayos de Bajo, Binangaan and Apo.

The largest of these, Apo, is home to a ranger station and a lighthouse. The diving is really something special, with sightings of sharks (even hammerheads), barracuda, tuna and turtles fairly common.

Most of the Philippines’ 450 species of coral are here, from tiny bubble corals to huge gorgonian sea fans and brain corals, along with hundreds of species of smaller reef fishes such as angelfish, batfish, surgeonfish and jacks.

If you’re not staying at the Pandan Island Resort, you can head to the reef on one of the liveaboard trips offered by many dive operators in Coron Town (in Busuanga; see p.377) or Manila.

Alternatively the Sablayan Eco-Tourism Office can organize a 10-person boat out to the reef for P6500. However you get here, to snorkel on the reef you need to pay a fee of P350, or P1300 to dive.

PHILIPPINE EAGLE AND NATURE CENTER DAVAO CITY PHILIPPINES

Philippine Eagle Research & Nature Center in Davao City, information sheet.

To view the largest eagles in the world (in terms of their 7ft wing span), head to the  Philippine Eagle Center (PEC;   %082-224 3021; www.philippineeagle.org;  adult/child P100/50;   h8am-5pm), which is dedicated to conserving this  endangered species.

Also known as monkey-eating eagles, these birds, with an  average lifespan of 20 years in the wild (longer at the centre), are threatened by  deforestation and hunting. About 500 remain in the wild in the Philippines and  around 20 of the 35 here were bred through artificial insemination. The complex is  set in a lush pocket of native forest near Malagos, 36km north of Davao.

There are  other wild birds flitting around and other animals, including the Philippine brown  deer and Philippine warty pig. Volunteer guides are around to answer questions.  To stay overnight in the area, try the collection of cottages at Malagos Garden  Resort (   %0917 625 2467, 082-221 1545; www.malagos.com; dm per person  P350, q from P2400;   a), set in a large landscaped property with gardens, walking  paths, a bird park and a butterfly sanctuary.

Dr Bo, a veterinarian who owns  Malagos with his wife Olive, and known as 'the bird whisperer', runs his own eagle  (mostly serpent and fishing eagles) rehabilitation center and puts on a 'bird show' (P125) every Sunday at 10.30am (in good weather).

Tents for large groups are  provided for those interested in camping (P350) and nonguests can visit for P100.  Popular with corporate retreats and weddings and the like. Easy to find, around  300m before the Eagle Center.

How to get to Philippine Eagle and Nature Center?
 From Davao, catch a bus to Calinan (P45, one hour) from the Annil Terminal  across the street from Bankerohan Public Market. Though decrepit, the bus is still  a more comfortable option than a jeepney (P45).

The latter leave from in front of  Ateneo University across from the Marco Polo Hotel. In Calinan, grab a motorcycle  or tricycle uphill to the research center or Malagos (P20, 10 minutes). A taxi from Davao runs around P400 one way.

HOW TO GET TO SIARGAO BASIC INFORMATION

Information in going and around Siargao.
 
Air 
Cebu Pacific has daily (50 minutes, 12.45pm) direct flights between Cebu and Siargao’s Sayak airport near Del Carmen. Another option is to fly from Manila to Surigao and connect by boat from there. A few habal-habal (motorcycle taxis) wait outside the airport’s gates for arrivals; however, it might be more convenient to arrange transport in advance with your accommodation.

Boat 
Three early-morning boats leave from Dapa to Surigao (all departure times are approximate): 5.30am is a small, local-style bangka; the 5.45am Fortune Angel (2½ hours) with an indoor air-con cabin is most recommended; the 6am Montenegro lines boat is a roll-on, roll-off (RORO) ferry. The 10.30am boat is the slowest.

You can purchase tickets (P270) the morning of departure. The early-morning boats allow you to connect to flights in Surigao or travel by bus to Cagayan de Oro and Davao in a single day (these would be long, tiring days); however, it means leaving Cloud Nine extremely early. Arrange a motorcycle to Dapa through your accommodation. Bangkas to Socorro on Bucas Grande leave from the municipal wharf next to the main one.

Getting Around Siargao
Jeepneys run from Dapa to GL (one hour); a better option is to hop on a habal-habal (motorcycles large enough to seat more than one passenger with bags and usually jerry-rigged with a canopy to guard against the elements) to GL or the nearby resorts (P100 to P200, 20 minutes) or Cloud Nine (P150 to P300, 30 minutes).

Price depends on your negotiating skills and time of day (early morning Getting Around Jeepneys run from Dapa to GL (one hour); a better option is to hop on a habal-habal (motorcycles large enough to seat more than one passenger with bags and usually jerry-rigged with a canopy to guard against the elements) to GL or the nearby resorts (P100 to P200, 20 minutes) or Cloud Nine (P150 to P300, 30
minutes).

Price depends on your negotiating skills and time of day (early morning trips always P300). Tricyclescost nearly the same but are much slower. A great way to spend the day is to tour the island on your own (the majority of the 'circumferential road' is now paved); the going rate for motorcycle hire is around P300 for half a day to P500 for the day.

RELLENONG TALONG (STUFFED EGGPLANT) RECIPE AND PREPARATION

How to prepare Stuffed Eggplant or Rellenong Talong?

Filipino eggplants, or talong, are perfect for stuffing. Similar in size to Japanese eggplants, these purple-skinned eggplants are just the right size to accommodate a layer of cooked ground meat, providing a wonderful texture and taste to the meat mixture. After the meat is stuffed into the eggplant, it’s then dipped in egg and fried or baked.

Pierce the eggplant(s) with a fork, place in a large pot of boiling water, and cook for about 10 minutes or until just tender (the larger globe eggplant will take longer to become tender). Holding the eggplants by their stalks, slice them lengthwise to open them like a book—do not slice all the way through—leaving the stalks intact. Place the eggplant(s) on a clean surface and flatten with a pestle or a back of a large spoon. Set aside.

Heat a large skillet over medium heat, and add 1 tablespoon of the oil. Add the garlic and sauté until lightly browned. Add the onion and tomato, and sauté for 3 minutes. Add the beef and sauté for 5 minutes. Add the salt, pepper, and sugar, and stir to combine. Remove the meat mixture from the skillet and divide into four portions. Set aside.

Beat the eggs in a large bowl. Submerge each eggplant in the egg, and place cut-side up on a large plate or a clean flat surface. Top each eggplant with one portion of the meat mixture and spread it evenly, pressing firmly. Pour the remaining egg over the stuffed eggplants.

To the same large skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil and set over medium heat. Fry the stuffed eggplants, stuffed-side up first, until browned. Fry the other side. If baking, place the eggplants, stuffed-side up, on a sheet pan and bake in a pre-heated 400°F (200°C) oven for 30 minutes. Serve hot with banana ketchup and steamed rice.

Serves 4 Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 30 minutes

4 Japanese or Italian eggplants or 1 large American “globe” eggplant
3 tablespoons oil
3 cloves garlic, crushed with the side of a knife and minced
1 onion, minced
1 tomato, minced
1 1/2 lbs (750 g) ground beef
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon sugar
4 eggs

PAKSIW NA ISDA (Piquant Fish Stew) PREPARATION AND RECIPE

How to make Paksiw na Isda, known as piquant fish stew.

Paksiw na Isda

The city of Dagupan in Pangasinan organizes a yearly festival to celebrate their production of milkfish, and this Paksiw dish is one of the popular dishes served at the festival. In the old days, freshly caught fish were immediately soaked in vinegar to preserve them; this recipe evolved from this method of preserving fish.

This is a slightly spicy version that I like to prepare for weekday meals (the leftovers keep well in the refrigerator). Any fresh fish will do, although milkfish and galunggong, a type of mackerel popular in the Philippines, are favorite choices.

Combine the water, vinegar, garlic, bitter gourd, if using, and ginger in a saucepan. Add the fish and bring to a boil.

Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the fish sauce, salt and chili peppers. Simmer for about 20 minutes, or until cooked.

Fish should flake easily with a fork.
Serve hot with steamed rice.

Serves 4 Preparation time: 5 minutes Cooking time: 20 minutes

1 1/2 lbs (750 g) fish fillets (milkfish, rainbow trout, sea bass or mackerel)
1 cup (250 ml) water
2 cups (500 ml) Filipino cane vinegar (or white vinegar or cider vinegar diluted with water, page 13)
5 cloves garlic, crushed with the side of knife
1 bitter gourd (about 1 lb/500 g), cut in half lengthwise, deseeded and sliced into half-moons (optional)
One 2-in (5-cm) piece ginger, peeled and finely sliced
1 tablespoon fish sauce
1 teaspoon salt
3 finger-length green chili peppers