A Dreamy Haven

A Dreamy Haven By JO ERLINDA G. NEBRES Printed in Fil-Am Megascene Chicago February 25, 2009

Basking under the cerulean sky, lying lazily at the immaculate white sandy beach beside the calm waves of the azure seawater makes a getaway perfect for intimate moment at Caramoan Peninsula !
There is no paradise like Caramoan Peninsula, the hidden treasure of the Philippines located in the province of Camarines Sur!
Getting there, you will readily fall in love with the beautiful place. Its beauty never stops to entice each visitor who comes to this place. The pristine white sand and the crystal indigo sea found in the cape of Caramoan are very alluring to the eyes of many. You’ll never stop wondering what’s beyond this dazzling azure water when riding in a boat. What promises lies ahead?
Seashore that can match a beach in Miami, Florida and privacy, a quiet, serene Caramoan Peninsula can be a wonderful retreat, a seventh heaven to be part and enjoy the nature. The place has its own beauty and pride of its own uniqueness. An undeniably charming paradise!
Caramoan Peninsula’s beaches are truly magnificent with its immaculate powdery white sand surrounded by sparkling cerulean water, unexploited by commercial tourism. Each beach has its own uniqueness.
Touring around the place gives island hopping a new significance to witness its enthralling beauty in many ways. A great ocean adventures for kayakers, snorkel and scuba dive to experience the diverse marine life, trek and search for the unfathomable lagoon, rock climb the limestone cliffs, explore the caves or star gazing at night!
There are many islands and caves clustered in Caramoan to hop around, each boasting its own beauty and individuality.
Here are some exciting islands to see.
The Lahos Island, the most popular, has its name which means "overflow" where the sea can wash over a part of this narrow island from one side to the other.
Matukad Island exemplifies the portrait of a perfect tropical island.
Honongan Island is the first resort in Caramoan to open. This hundred-room development is set off the cliff facing the beach. Its beachfront has beautiful views of immaculate islands right across the calm sea.
Island hopping won’t be complete without seeing the mysteriously majestic caves. Omang Cave is part of the Caramoan National Park located in Barangay Paniman and Barangay Ilawod. Its entrance is about 30 feet above sea level and the interior is like architecturally designed. The air is very cool inside. It is dark and, if lighted, shows extravagant beauty. It is like entering a new dimension of a limestone world.
The most intriguing Manipis Cave is located at Barangay Pandanan. It is believed that General Yamashita hid his treasure in this cave but you don’t need to look any further for the cave is a treasure in itself!
This cave has rich guano reserve.
Calapnitan Cave in Libmanan contains countless stalactites and pillars ranging from massive to extremely delicate. Thousands of bats make this cave their home. The site of the hundreds of bats also is a very extraordinary spectacle. Their presence provides a very good source of guano supply and phosphate.

The fresh cool water from the underground stream of Taisan is simply irresistible in Bulang-Bugang Cave. Explore the deep underground river of the cave.
Don’t miss the twin waterfalls of Itbog Falls in Sta. Cruz Buhi and the Malacsay Falls in Mt. Isarog in Panicuason. The cascading water measures about 40 feet from the top to a wide pond below.
Malacsay Falls could compare with famous waterfalls in the Philippines like the Pagasanjan Falls in Laguna.
There are many activities to do and places to see in this dreamy haven of Caramoan Peninsula and there 's a lot of natural wonders to discover. Island hopping, swimming, skin diving, limestone cliff expeditions, snorkeling, scuba diving, caving or spelunking, rock climbing , hiking, beach camping, kayaking, inland and island lagoon exploration, sea and marine cave adventures, subterranean river adventures and gold panning!
Whew! Aren’t these adventures enough for you to entice you to come in one paradise called Caramoan Peninsula? Think of getting thrilled in wakeboarding on your way home?
Let’s have fun basking under the sun and explore the many islands of Caramoan Peninsula together! Email me at gagabytes@yahoo.com.

IT'S PARADISE!

It's Paradise!
Jo Erlinda Gabot
March 27, 2008

A fun way to start snorkeling begins
at Long Beach, Puerto Galera







Many of my friends would ask me, why do I always want to go to the beaches?
I’ve never been addicted to the beach, though I was trained to swim during college. I hate beaches for their salty water and it irritates my skin and eyes! I didn’t enjoy swimming there for my fear that something would actually attack me. I usually spend my time at the shores making sand castle or enjoy grilled food at the cottages there.

My first experience in Puerto Galera in Oriental Mindoro last summer 2006 changed everything. My badminton peers went there for three days and spent time at the San Antonio Island. The first time I saw the water, it was really inviting for its clearness. The sooner I put down my traveling bag, I immediately spent practicing snorkeling. There, I saw colorful and unique sea creatures that I’ve never seen in my whole life that close.
The following day, we rented a motorized banca and went island hopping. Our first stop was Puerto Galera’s famous Giant Clam Shells.
As my first time snorkeling experience in deep water, I made sure that there was someone beside me or there was a person I see not far from me.
From the Giant Clam Shell, we took our stop in an island where there is cave for our picnic lunch.
Our next stop, the most important place a first-timer should be in, was Long Beach . On the Long Beach shore, you mustn’t forget to rent a banca to take you to see the bountiful rainbow-colored coral garden! You wouldn’t ride in that small motorized banca. Youʼll grab a piece of handle beside it, and it will pull you to the destination while snorkeling and feeding the fishes.
A very exhilarating experienced that surely no one can ever forget. A first close encounter by hundreds and hundreds of different species of fish eagerly and waiting for their turn to take a piece of food in your hand! You can even hold and feel the fish as you feed them. What a spectacular sight and a mind-blowing experience! It’s like being inside a gigantic aquarium. To add to the momentum, you’ll see the coral gardens and reefs multi-colored in all shades of the rainbow deep below. There are shallow coral gardens, interesting rock formations, and colorful species to watch, like crabs, shrimps, sea anemones, moray, and trumpet fishes.
When it was time to leave, all of us didn’t want to reach the shore. We continued snorkeling and there I begun my own venture alone. After gaining my confidence in snorkeling, I wandered around and looked for something more interesting.
Before going back to our cottage, we stopped at Coco Beach Resort Hotel and had a few drinks and rented kayaks.
As our second and last night, we went to White beach for a party! I was amazed that there were many people there. It was jam-packed and full. You can’t even find a table immediately. Every adult looking for a drink should try their Mindoro Sling!
After that unforgettable experience in Puerto Galera, I had wanted to go snorkelling there again and again. And maybe find another place as beautiful as the waters of this famous place and its denizens in its pristine waters.
Yes, Puerto Galera. My tropical paradise.
Send comments to gagabytes@yahoo.com

The blue waters of Anilao beckon

The blue waters of Anilao beckon
This Batangas adventure zone is only 4 hours away from Manila
By Jo Erlinda Gabot
Printed in Philippines Today

Anilao in Batangas is world renowned for diving and snorkeling wannabes. The waters are teeming with marine life, bountiful and colorful corals, and amazing diversity of fishes.
It seems hard to imagine that this beautiful place is only 3 to 4 hours away from Manila .
In the amazing blue waters of Anilao, many diving spots can be found. You can arrange and rent a motor banca for island hopping to discover them.
Never mind the sunburn; it will disappear. Never mind the jellyfish that irritates the skin; it is but transient. What will certainly remain after your trip here would be great memories of swimming and snorkelling, and the beautiful pictures of sea and sun of Anilao.
This marine playground is just 140 kilometers away from Manila , and access is now made easy with cemented roads. More importantly, it literally faces the haven of marine biodiversity in the world, sharing the same waters as Isla Verde and the islands of Sulu Sea such as Apo Reef and the farther but world famous Tubbataha Reef.
There are over 300 species of corals in Anilao, and one dive site alone – the Cathedral Rock – is said to have more coral species than the entire Carribean!
Yet, you do not have to be a scuba diver to appreciate Anilao or its marine wonders: the reefs are just steps away from the shore – just be careful lest you step upon the razor-sharp corals!
A whole day of fun in the shore with lots of water sports adventures available for rent. Enjoy swimming and before the very end of the day you will find damselfish, clownfish, sea anemones, nudibranches and, of course, the coral clusters in a rich array of colors and textures!
At the end of the day, you can celebrate the phenomenon of the sunset sitting at the beach as fleeting as other wonders of nature- yet more poignantly so!
Surely, Anilao is hard to miss!

Calatagan, a perfect getaway for whole family

Calatagan, a perfect getaway for whole family
By Jo Erlinda Gabot
Posted in Philippine News Today US, September 18, 2008
As a mother of four - my youngest is three and my eldest is 12 - I always scout for a nice and affordable vacation place during summer. In 2006, I discovered Calatagan, Batangas and my family and I have been going there since.
The first time I arrived at Ivory Beach Resort in Calatagan, I immediately was awed by its beauty. For only 50 pesos per person, the beach is yours for a memorable ocean adventure.
Add a few more pesos and you can stay for a day plus free table and chairs! If you want to stay overnight, just pay double and rent a room.
But I don’t prefer renting room. I suggest you bring your own tent for the whole family to make and enjoy bonfire at night. You don’t need a picnic hut to rent. It’s full of trees to give you a very nice shed even during summer.
Bring your ipod with speakers if you want music while having barbecue during the stay.
For only a few know the still and clear water white sand beaches there. The place is quiet and not crowded and thus is good for a whole family, like you are renting a private resort.
The whole family will get to enjoy a nice swim on Calatagan’s shallow clear water even a small kid could manage. Give them snorkeling gadgets, they will enjoy a whole day of fun at the sea or give them a big bucket, it will return to you full of starfishes and shells!
Calatagan shore is a fun way to explore the marine life living between South China Sea and Balayan Bay .
The coast is full of sea grass. Different color of shells, starfishes, crabs and colorful fishes can be found at the clear stumpy water which are a good starting place to introduce snorkeling for children.
You have to walk long before you get into an inter-tidal zone, a very interesting place for people who are interested in marine life and biology.
You’ll get the chance to enjoy the view of sunset. Sunsets in Calatagan are very beautiful and enchanting because it’s right on the west coast of Batangas.
If you want to see a coral reef garden, try to visit the Elizalde Beach resort. There you’ll find a big sign ‘Danger Zone’! Yes it’s a very dangerous zone, yet you’ll find the amazing coral reef garden in a sheer drop! Next to it is real deep water. You can’t even see the seabed and what lies ahead. So beware for those who are just starting into snorkel. I suggest even for the expert swimmer and snorkelers to put on their life vest.
Don’t forget to ride a motorized banca in early morning during low tide to take you to the islet of white sand! Surely, you’ll love to walk and swim on very shallow sugary white sand. Beside it, it’s for a snorkel wannabe exploration!
Calatagan in Batangas is only about two hours away from Manila via the South Luzon Expressway, into the Sta. Rosa-Tagaytay Highway and on to Batangas.
So, see you there!

My Ever Beautiful Story

My Ever Beautiful Story
Jojie Gabot
Hi! I have a beautiful story to tell -- as beautiful as my name suggests. I am Jo Erlinda Maufit Gabot, born in Makati City on September 15, 1975. I am 33 years old now and the second child of Maria Josefina Saballa Maufit Gabot of Malalam, Ilagan, Isabela, Philippines and Alfredo G. Gabot of Binalonan, Pangasinan both scholars of the city government of Manila at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM).
I have a unique and beautiful name. My father who is a writer and journalist says he gave me my name Jo for sweetheart and Erlinda which is Spanish for ever beautiful. My name, therefore, means "Ever Beautiful Sweetheart."
I studied at the Colegio de San Agustin, Saint Scholastica's College and later at the Colegio de San Juan de Letran in the historic Spanish walled city of Intramuros.
I am married to Brian Ramos Nebres of Cavite City and we have two handsome boys and two beautiful girls now – Ian-jo Nicholas who was born at the UCLA Harbor Medical Center at Torrance City in Los Angeles, California on November 5, 1995; Jiean Carlo (March 16, 1997), Ysabelle Denise, (November 10, 1999) and Amelia Zoe (July 8,2004).
For several years, I worked at the office of my Godfather, Mayor Lito Atienza Jr. of Manila who is making great as Mayor of Manila. Now, I am following the steps of my father as a writer and your blogger. I have not completed my college studies and have no high-paying-job or career, but by bringing my happy, healthy children into the world, has been the most rewarding job of all -- being a caring and loving mother...
Being a mother or parent is a big responsibility but its one you would not trade for anything else. In fact, it's the best thing that ever happened to me. God has given me the most awesome, wonderful, and special chance to care for other souls -- to fully nurture and love without question. As a mother, you witness in your midst a miracle -- how your beautiful babies grow into handsome and gorgeous kids and grow into adorable little person with unique personality and charm. That, I think, is the greatest gift of motherhood!
When that little baby gives you a toothless grin in a dimly lit room in the middle of the night, while changing his diaper -- everything melts away. You forget your headaches, all the aches and pains vanish and without noticing it, you suddenly feel good and strong. Seeing your baby grow, you will discover the world around you all over again through your child's eyes. Seeing butterflies, hearing the sound of an airplane, helicopter, even the sound of a leaf falling to the ground, etc. The simplest things make children happy, and those are the things that I have often taken for granted or forget about.

Tsinoys' New Year in Manila

Tsinoys' New Year in Manila

By JO ERLINDA GABOT

The Chinese Filipinos or tsinoys have always been one of largest ethnic Filipino groups in the country with Chinese immigrants comprising the largest group of immigrant settlers in the Philippines .

They are mostly business owners and their life centers mostly in the family business. These mostly small and medium enterprises play a significant role in the Philippine economy. A handful of these entrepreneurs run large companies and are respected as some of the most prominent business tycoons in the Philippines . Their thriftiness and hard work had made their success in business inspires many young Filipinos throughout the entrepreneurial history to copy.

Aside from their family businesses, Chinese Filipinos are active in civic organizations related to education, health care, public safety, social welfare and public charity. As most Chinese Filipinos are reluctant to participate in politics and government, they have instead turned to civic organizations as their primary means of contributing to the general welfare of the Chinese-Filipino community and to the betterment of Philippine society.

Chinese New Year or Spring Festival is a major festivity of Tsinoys here in the country. It is the first day of the Chinese calendar, which follows the lunar year cycle. The celebration may fall on any day from January 21 to February 21 depending on when the first new moon of the lunar year comes. Each year is named for one of twelve animals in turn: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, or Pig.

One Chinese new year when I was still working at Manila City Hall, I was invited by a Chinese businessman who I have assisted during his business affair with the city hall. As his way of saying thank you, he toured me around Binondo to experience their tradition. I tell you, it was my first time to go to that district during that kind of festivity.

I was in awed seeing Binondo jampacked with Chinese during that time as they usually do. There were tsinoys and pinoys who merrily went out to the road mostly wearing red garments, the same color of lanterns and decorations piled outside many business establishments of the streets. I learned red is the favorite color for Chinese New Year clothing and decorations, as it is said to bring good luck. It symbolizes fire. They believed fire drive away evil and to frighten away a legendary monster that terrorizes people on New Year’s Eve.

There were lots of enormous dragon heads with long body of colorful fabric performing in a vibrant and energetic dance maneuvered by skilled operators roaming on streets of firecrackers!

Residents or business owners who want the dragons/lions to cleanse their homes and bring good fortune hang "ang pao" containing cash, with the words hi (happiness), sin (long life), and kiong hi huat tsai (congratulations and prosperity) printed on it at the top of their gates or doors. The lion dancers demonstrate their strength and skill as they climb to reach the red envelopes. After getting an envelope, the dragon/lion does a short victory dance, bows three times in thanks, and moves on to look for the next one.

I never forget when this Chinese friend and I went to the Estero, famous for Chinese carenderia, where I ate an enormous meal my whole life! Pancit Bihon, uncut noodles, lots of dumplings, duck, sticky rice, shrimps, different fish menu, oyster cake, different kinds green vegetables! I kept complaining while eating. I couldn’t indulge them all. It was just the two of us to eat a real enormous meal! I never forget until now how it felt forcing yourself to eat and swallow food when you are full. It’s like you need to go to restroom and vomit to take another swallow! He kept telling me that I should eat all of them and explaining each food its significance on welcoming the New Year.

Long noodles are said to signify a long and prosperous life. You should eat fish to ensure abundance and a good beginning and end to the New Year. Shrimp to attract happiness, dumplings is to pack luck on your life. You eat veggies not because they are nutritious, I remember him saying, it is because you need to build family ties closer. Duck or chicken represents good marriage and family. You have to eat the rice to have your family stay in unity.

After a mind-blowing experience of the enormous feast, I panicked as he dropped the three red boxes on the table. Seems he noticed my reaction, he immediately told me, “It’s for you to eat. Not here but before the festival ends for you to have a full prosperous year! It will make the kitchen god's jaw glued shut, to prevent him from making an unfavorable report on your journey this coming new year.”