Senso-ji

Temples are prominent landmarks in Japan. Not only are they magnificent in structure but they also house hundreds of years of history. The one we visited was Senso-ji the oldest temple in Tokyo. It is a Buddhist temple located in Asakusa, Tokyo. Tourists go through Nakamise-dori the street that leads to the outer gate of the temple. The street was lined with shops selling all kinds of souvenirs and food.

The Kaminarimon or the Thunder Gate was the first structure to greet us upon entering the temple grounds. 

One notable article around temples are their zen garden. The one inside Senso-ji was truly amazing.

Photos by Dennis Vasquez

Japan

I have family and relatives who live in other countries. Their stories of living abroad entice me, hence my dream to travel outside the Philippines. That dream came true when my sister-in-law invited my family to visit her in Japan. I remember, we were very excited to see new places, taste different food and meet new people. 
It was almost summer in Japan when we arrived. There were plants, flowers, and trees everywhere. Our first stop is at an old Japanese house in Tokyo preserved and maintained for people to visit.

Photos were taken by Dennis Vasquez

The photo on the left is a rain coat made of straw worn by farmers in the 1800s. On the right is a natural spring drinking water. 

Puerto Princesa, Palawan Part 2

This post is a continuation of my trip to Puerto Princesa, Palawan. If you haven't read my previous post please check it out here.

I headed to Sabang beach the next morning. After a 2-hour van ride I arrived at the beach port of Sabang.  I checked in at a local inn and then proceeded to a nearby beach resort for a sumptuous lunch. I was eating overlooking the beach and all I can think of was hurrying with my meal and go for a swim. I wasn't able to do that though because I had to catch a boat ride to go see the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park Underground River.

Photo by Carlos Casequin

Did you know that the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park Underground River was chosen as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature ? It is one of the most protected place in the Philippines.

The image below is the spectacular view when I reached the island going to the underground river. The limestone landscape were majestic in person.

Image source

Image source

Photo by Carlos Casequin

Photo by Carlos Casequin

The Puerto Princesa Underground River boasts of unbelievable limestone formations.  I highly recommend to everyone to see it.

Image source

After the guided tour I felt proud of the people, both Filipinos and foreigners, how respectful they were of the area. Maintaining the cleanliness and order in the Underground River will help keep it pristine for generations to come.

I went back to Sabang beach and spent the rest of my afternoon enjoying the beach.

Photo by Carlos Casequin

Puerto Princesa, Palawan Part 1

In a little over an hour plane ride from Manila is, my dream destination, the beautiful island of Palawan. It is home to pristine white sand beaches, diverse marine ecosystems, breathtaking limestone formations, tropical rainforest, and various wildlife. The first place you will reach when you land in Palawan is the province of Puerto Princesa.

I spent the first night I was there checking out the local scene. The people were so warm and hospitable. There were a wide variety of restaurants and each has something different to offer. I enjoyed the seafood dishes very much. They were fresh and affordable.

In the morning, I arranged my transportation with the hotel to take me to a beach port of Honda Bay. My brother, who was with me and frequents Palawan, bought two loaves of bread and said that we will need them. When I reached the port, I hired a boat to take me island hopping. I was advised to rent snorkeling gear and so I did. Honda bay is composed of 13 small islands. Our first stop was Luli Island. We reached the island around one hour from the port. Luli island appears or disappears depending on how high the tide is. Hence, the name Luli which was short for “lulubog and lilitaw” or appears and disappears. The boatman led us to one side of the island to engage in snorkeling. The loaf of bread was passed to me and I used it to feed the fishes. It was my first time to do that kind of activity. It was an amazing opportunity to feed them!

Image source

Photo by Carlos Casequin

My next stop was Pandan Island. I reached the island in two hours. The whole island was covered in white sand. The water was so clear that the fishes looked even more stunning. There were hundreds of fishes coming at me. I was bumping into them as I swim. Snorkeling was the most thrilling experience ever! After snorkeling I had fresh coconut before heading back to the hotel.

Image source

Photo by Carlos Casequin