"Pasalubong, please?": Things to Buy in MIMAROPA

By Phoebea Co and Allyssa Dizon

Fat Asian Kid Meme

Pasalubong (a shortened term for "pang salubong", which in English means "to greet with") is a Filipino tradition of a homecoming gift. It is something implied whenever one travels to another place. Common statements would include the meme above which in Filipino is "Wag mo kalimutan ung pasalubong, okay? Salamat!" It has no direct translation in the English language as well. Pasalubongs are usually the souvenirs for the family and friends from the place that the person has been. It can range from t-shirts, keychains, and food. Pasalubongs are a sign that you kept the person/s in mind while travelling. Pasalubongs are also locally made by the well, locals and is a way of helping the local community as well!

So, what can you buy from the region of MIMAROPA then? Let's go shopping for pasalubong!

Breathtaking Views in MIMAROPA

By Phoebea Co and Ally Dizon

(source)

Fall in love with the Philippines one province at a time from the MIMAROPA region with these breathtaking tourist attractions! :)

Do you want to prove if love at first sight is true? Read on!

10 Famous Foods to Die For in MIMAROPA

By Phoebea Co and Ally Dizon

The Philippines is famous for its "Lutong Bahay" (home-made) cuisine (Image Source)

The Filipino culture is very well-acquainted with different types of cuisines, indeed. Every province has its distinct and particular tastes, and still have their similarities in style, finesse, and delivery. You'll be surprised what this country has in store with your stomachs! Because we all know one thing: it's that Filipinos take utter delight in eating!

Now if you're up for a diverse and eccentric food adventure, Region 4-B has a wide galore of dishes and treats for you! Read along and -try- not to get too hungry for these upcoming scrumptious dishes.

Are your tissues (you know, to wipe off the drool off your face) ready for this? Then let's go! Nom-nom-nom!

10 Au Naturale Attractions in MIMAROPA

By Phoebea Co and Allyssa Dizon

(source)

Ahhhh~!! Nothing beats nature in all its glory. Unspoiled, undiscovered, nature. It's like being transported into a whole new world, right? Well you've come to the right place!

Welcome to the Philippines, where we are not only known for our hospitality but also our natural attractions. Mt.Mayon is the perfect cone shaped active volcano in Albay and Boracay, located in the small island in the province of Aklan, is one of the most famous beach in the country for years on end. 

But why don't we travel to its neighboring regional provinces? Tara na sa Region 4-B! (Let's go to Region 4-B!) Click this ~link~ to know more!

5 Best Things to Do in Oriental Mindoro

(Image Source: comtech-tricks.blogspot.com)

Looking for a place to travel and visit? Are you itching for the beach vibe? Yearning for an exotic place for a nightlife? Or are your soles ready for the next big hike? Yes! Travel is so exciting and fun! BUT... you're worried that you'll never find a place that has it all; or worse, it might be too far and too expensive.

WORRY NO MORE for Oriental Mindoro is just six to eight hours away from Metro Manila! From Private Transporation to buses to Ro-Ro's, Oriental Mindoro is very accessible. It is a favorite for most weekend travelers who desires for the beach that's close enough to the city, of course with the right amenities for the ideal beach destination: 1) Food Adventure; 2) Parties and Nightlife; 3) A Cultural Impact; and 4) Nature Experience, whether it's a waterfall or a mountain. Oriental Mindoro surely has what you seek for! [READ MORE]

5 Best Things to Do in PALAWAN!

(IMAGE SOURCE: camillejoven.wordpress.com)

It is truly undeniable that the province of Palawan is an astounding sight to see. Blessed among the best nature reserves, heritage sites, and  of the world, the island has a lot to offer -- from beaches, caves, mountains, cliffs, and rainforests that are absolutely exciting and breathtaking. Palawan won't disappoint in the set of excellent activities that kind any tourist can indulge in.

Water is the key factor in the numerous set of attractions in this breathtaking island. From swimming to snorkeling to diving, Palawan has it all. It is surrounded by colorful coral gardens and reefs with an abundant marine life. [READ MORE]

The "Bakit?"* List: Top 5 Reasons to Visit Marinduque

*"Bakit?" is "Why?" in English.

5.) Because they have a cave (complete with stalactites, stalagmites, and the likes) with a low entrance fee

Ka-amon Cave (source)

||  One of the newest attractions in Marinduque. Ka-amon has seven chambers: one has rock formations and one was believed as the banquet place in the early times. Rates are cheap and basics are included: includes tour guide, helmets, and headlamps.

4.) Because they have a volcano that's still active but you can visit

Mt. Malindig (source)

|| Okay. It's dormant. It is a favorite destination among mountaineers these days. All you need to do is secure a climbing permit and you can even request for a tour guide. The trek usually takes about two hours or less, depending on the weather and the pace of the climbers. Once you reach the top, you can see the nearby provinces and the islands: Tres Reyes Islands, Elephant Island, Mindoro, Verde Island, Southern Luzon all the way to Bicol, Romblon, Batangas, Laguna, Quezon and Burias Island.

[3...2...1!] 

R O M B L O N: More than Marble

Marble Statues in Romblon (source)

Most famous for their marble sculptures, Romblon is steadily becoming one of the favorite provinces that tourists, be it local or international, choose to go. They owe their marble-making industry to 1950's Italians and up until now it has made their province unique. But that's not all there is to it.

Bonbon Beach, Romblon (source)

The beaches in Romblon are everything Boracay was before: with powdery white sand, pristine surroundings, and the feeling of having the entire place to yourself, you will feel like you have traveled to the past. With nearly zero crime rates, legendary hospitable people, and undiscovered and unspoiled natural attractions, Romblon is the place to be away from the stress of the city.

[La Boracay?! Discover Romblon here!]

M A R I N D U Q U E: The Literal Center of Attention

Moriones Festival (source)

To be able to function, a human and an animal need to have a heart amongst everything important in the body. Perhaps it is the most vital. Lo and behold, even the Philippines has a heart!

Proclaimed as the Heart of the Philippines because of its literal heart-shape, Marinduque is also the geographical center of the Philippine Archipelago! Marinduque is best known for the Moriones Festival (image above) done every Holy Week. This age-old tradition goes to show the deep devotion of the believers of the Catholic faith by re-enacting what was done to Jesus Christ by whipping their backs, arms, and legs as an act to receive forgiveness for their sins.

Putong: "The Crowning" (source)

This is just one of the reasons to visit Marinduque. There's also the beautiful natural attractions and beaches, native craftsmanship, scrumptious delicacies, and of course the warm Filipino hospitality magnified here is known as putong: a traditional welcome ritual, steeped in color and mirth, performed through song and dance; it is only found in Marinduque!

[Curious? Find out more here!]

OCCIDENTAL MINDORO: Marine Wonderland

The beautiful Apo Reef in Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro (source)

The beautiful Occidental Mindoro is blessed with much marine exquisiteness from its pristine white sand beaches, immaculate forests, isles and islands full of marine life, mysterious caves, graceful waterfalls, and a rich garden of corals. It is a sublime vista for divers and adventurers alike, with so much to offer from its unexplored shoals and atolls. Areas around Ambulong Island, Ilin Island, White Island, and Pandan Grande offer a fertile diving ground surrounded by exquisite coral reefs and colorful marine life, ranging from exotic fish to exquisite seashells. [READ MORE]

ORIENTAL MINDORO: An Emerging Eco-Tourism Destination

Puerto Galera: It's More Fun in the Philippines (source)

Oriental Mindoro is shaped as an inverted-J south of the Luzon island. It is graced with some of the Philippines’ most beautiful naturescapes. There are many beaches to pick from, from the colors powdery white to fawn beige. Aside from that, experience oneness with nature with their beautiful mountains, lakes, rivers, rain forests, wild animals, rare flora and fauna, and pocket communities of the existing ethnic groups. Throughout the years, Oriental Mindoro has maintained its rustic, agrarian location.

The Province of Oriental Mindoro is predicted to be Philippines' emerging eco-tourism destination. In 2005, the Philippines was found to be the center of marine fish biodiversity and the home of the most diverse marine ecosystem all over the world. Most of the endemic species in the Philippines are found in the Verde Island. The passage houses 2,983 individual species of algae, corals, crustaceans, mollusks, fishes, marine reptiles, and marine mammals (based on a study conducted by scientists Carpenter and Springer in 2005). [READ MORE]