USA: Around Washington, D.C.

Since I'm in Washington, DC, I might as well write my long overdue post on America's capital city. Washington, DC, is a city with so much history, so many activities and things to see, do and eat, it would take several days to explore even just the highlights. On top of the list would be the memorials and iconic landmarks that the city is most known for.

You can opt to tour on your own. My family did that when we first visited in 1993. And we got to see many off the beaten track attractions including Ford's Theatre were Abraham Lincoln was assassinated, the US Mint and a tour of the White House (which unfortunately is not available at this time). In fact, we arrived just in time for the famous DC cherry blossoms which I'm waiting for as we speak.

But there are convenient tours that take you to all the major sights. And I got to try one during my last visit two years ago courtesy of a family friend who worked at a local hotel. If you book with your hotel, the tour company can pick you up there which is very convenient and brings you to the Old Post Office Pavilion where the tour starts. Our first stop was at the US Capitol for a photo. From the Capitol, we walked through some of DC's landmark buildings such as the US Treasury Department and parks and squares on the way to the White House. Security was tight that day because of the visit of the Israeli Prime Minister.

Part of the tour was a cruise along the Potomac River where we got to see more of DC. It also serves as a lunch and snack stop since they sell sandwiches and drinks on board.

After the cruise, we visited the various memorials beginning with the National World War II Memorial. It was opened quite recently in 2004. The frontage actually offers a really nice view of the Washington Monument across the street.

The World War II Memorial is one of several memorials which honors the role of the Philippines in US history. It features 56 granite pillars each with the names of the 48 states and 8 territories of the US during the war. Major battles in the Philippines are also memorialized including Philippine Sea, Leyte Gulf, Luzon and Manila.

While walking around, I got to see Senator Bob Dole chatting with veterans.

We then proceeded to the Jefferson Memorial built on the shore of the Potomac River Tidal Basin. An elegant neoclassical building, it ranked fourth in the American Institute of Architect's list of America's Favorite Architecture. The White House ranked second and the Washington National Cathedral was third. Other DC buildings also in the list are the US Capitol, Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Washington Monument, the US Supreme Court, Library of Congress, National Gallery of Art and Daniel Burnham's Union Station among many others (six of the top ten and 17 of the total 150) making Washington DC a truly iconic city.

Another relatively recent memorial is the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial. At the time I visited in 2011, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial was being constructed nearby Roosevelt's and was opened a few months later. So that's one memorial I plan to visit during this trip.

We then visited the Korean War Veterans Memorial (the Philippines is also listed among the countries that sent troops during the war). We then proceeded to the famous Lincoln Memorial. And yes, expect the crowds!

Our next stop was the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the main feature of which is a wall containing names of US service members who were killed in action (KIA) or missing in action (MIA) in the Vietnam War. Relatives and friends of those who died often visit the memorial to get name etchings as a memento.

We then visited Marine Corps War Memorial, more popularly known as the Iwo Jima Memorial. It honors members of the US Marine Corps who died in defense of the US since 1775. This is why among the campaigns listed is the Philippine Insurrection (notice the corner). But I do hope they change that to Philippine-American War. The memorial is just outside the walls of the Arlington National Cemetery. And you can opt to proceed there after.

So many things to do in DC, and this is just one of them. Another thing you can do is explore the National Mall (no its not a shopping mall but a vast public open space) and the museums of the Smithsonian. But that's for another post.

Iloilo: QR codes for Iloilo heritage sites

Last week, I flew to Iloilo to see how technology is now helping tourists learn more about Iloilo heritage sites with the use of a smart phone. Smart sponsored the installation of QR codes in heritage sites around Iloilo City and in other towns of the province of Iloilo as well.

First thing we did when we landed was to get a warm bowl of La Paz Batchoy at the La Paz Market. While there are many choices, one has to walk inside the market to find Netong's Lapaz Batchoy, one of the more popular brands. In fact, our hotel (in front of La Paz Market) had complimentary coupons it gives out to guests. It's a deadly concoction indeed as we watched the cook dish in innards and scoop out bone marrow to make this tasty noodle dish.

Our first stop on the #QRIloilo tour was the Jaro Metropilitan Cathedral, seat of one of the oldest dioceses in the country. The QR code is located by the gate of the church. When you scan it, it gives more detailed information on the church, including an old photo. You can try scanning the code in the photo.

The QR codes are not only for built heritage, Smart installed some at delicacy stores like Deocampo Barquillos, our next stop. I finally got to see how barquillos is made thanks to a demo they prepared for us. And rolling it was not easy as each of us got to try. Scanning the QR code at Deocampo gives a detailed history of the bakery and the process of making barquillos.

We stopped by Molo before lunch. The Arenas-Lazaro Ancestral House was among the houses Jose Rizal visited in 1896 on his way back to Manila. The Molo Church is a very famous landmark. It is often called the feminist church because almost all of the images are dedicated to female saints.

After lunch at Breakthrough Restaurant, it was nap time in the van as we proceeded to Miag-ao Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Too bad we didn't have time to visit the San Joaquin Church, a National Cultural Treasure, and the very elegant San Joaquin Cemetery.

We motored back to Iloilo City, stopping at Villa de Arevalo District to have merienda at Camina Nga Balay na Bato (Lola Rufina Heritage Curio Shop) or the Avancena House. This house and shop has a QR code too. We had really good Pancit Molo! As locals say, the best Pancit Molo in Iloilo are the ones prepared by the old families.

When you visit Iloilo heritage sites, make sure to look out for these QR codes!

Yellow fever vaccination for seamen & travelers

Several years ago, I wrote a post on vaccines for travelers. I missed out on yellow fever vaccination which is needed by seamen and travelers going to Africa and South America in particular. The place to get the vaccination is the Bureau of Quarantine, 25th Street, Port Area, Manila. It's right behind Manila Hotel, beside the gate leading to the Super Ferry Terminal. Here is a location map.

Yellow fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic disease which can be passed on via contact with other people or mosquitoes. There is no cure for yellow fever but it can be prevented with vaccination. I had my first yellow fever vaccination in 2002 before I left for the Ship for Southeast Asian Program (SSEAYP) and it was valid for ten years. So I needed another shot.

I was surprised getting the vaccine was really quick and convenient. Here are five easy steps to follow:
1. Bring a ballpen. Fill out the two information forms that are available at the door.
2. Line up inside and wait for the nurse to call you for your shots. The nurse will check if your signed forms are in order, ask a few questions, and then administer your vaccination. This was very quick.
3. Pay Php1,500 at the cashier.
4. Bring the smaller information form to the typing station. Sit down as they prepare your International Certificate of Vaccination. This should also be quick since they only need to type in your name, date of birth and sex.
5. You will be called once the certificate is done. Sign the certificate in their presence and you're done.

Yellow fever vaccination is available Mondays to Fridays from 8 to 11 a.m and 1 to 3 p.m. and on Saturdays from 8 to 11 a.m. More details in the DOH website.

Yellow fever endemic countries include: Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Congo (Congo-Brazzaville), Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sao Tome e Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Togo, Uganda, Zaire (Congo-Kinshasa or Democratic Republic of the Congo) and Zambia in Africa; Panama in Central America; and Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Suriname and Venezuela in South America.

Bakuna laban sa yellow fever para sa mga mandaragat o marino
Ang bakuna para sa yellow fever ay kailangan ng mga mandaragat o marino at mga turista na papunta lalo na sa Aprika at Timog Amerika. Madali lang kumuha nito mula sa Bureau of Quarantine na matatagpuan sa likod ng Manila Hotel, katabi lamang ng gate papuntang Super Ferry Terminal. Ito ang mga kailangang gawin:
1. Magdala ng ballpen. Punan ang dalawang information form na matatagpuan sa harap ng pinto.
2. Pumila sa loob at hintaying tawagin ng nars para sa iyong bakuna. Titignan ng nars kung ang pinirmahang form ay tama bago ka bigyan ng bakuna. Mabilis lang ito matapos.
3. Magbayad ng Php1,500 sa kahera.
4. Dalhin ang maliit na form sa mga encoder. Umupo habang ginagawa ang International Certificate of Vaccination o Pandaigdig na Katibayan ng Pagbabakuna. Mabilis lang rin ito dahil pangalan mo lang, kaarawan at kasarian ang kailangan nilang ilagay.
5. Tatawagin ka pag tapos na ang katibayan o certificate. Pirmahan ang katibayan sa harap nila at tapos na.

Ang bakuna para yellow fever ay maaring makuha mula Lunes hanggang Biyernes, ika-8 hanggang ika-11 ng umaga at ika-1 hanggang ika-3 ng hapon at Sabado mula ika-8 hanggang ika-11 ng umaga. Bisitahin ang DOH website para sa iba pang detalye.

Palawan: Coron accommodation and attractions

Since the summer vacation is fast approaching, I did some updates to a post on Coron accommodation. Here are some suggestions for hotels in Coron, Palawan.

I also came up with a list of things to do in Coron, Busuanga and Culion. These include visits to Kayangan Lake, Twin Lagoon, Barracuda Lake or snorkeling at Siete Pecados and the Japanese shipwrecks.

Coron also has really good beaches and many secluded ones to choose from. The list actually has many suggestions.

In a recent visit, we rented a large boat from Busuanga Seadive Resort good for fifty, explored Coron Island, had lunch off Dicantuman Beach, and went snorkeling at Twin Peaks and Siete Pecados. Here's a video I made of that visit:


Also got to try out a new hotel in the town center called Coron Ecolodge Hotel. Had a good experience there.

Coron Ecolodge Hotel
(0906) 4556090 / (0919) 2048824
inquiry@myhometelphilippines.com

Bohol: Visita iglesia, heritage churches & watchtowers

Loboc Church (San Pedro Apostol) was built in 1734. If was founded as a Jesuit mission in 1596.

Bohol is a province of rich heritage. It has the largest number of well-preserved heritage churches in the country if I may say. Yes, the history of the churches in Bohol has been respected by most of the local clergy, especially in the Diocese of Tagbilaran (the other Bohol diocese is the Diocese of Tubigon). And visits to these exquisite churches are enriching experiences, as they give us a glimpse of our colorful folk art, Philippine Baroque as many call it.

Here are three routes with interesting churches. The first two, 1a and 1b can be combined into one grand route. It can be accomplished in a day if you rent a car or van (but you have to start early). You may also opt to enjoy the beaches in Anda and stay overnight or start from Anda and make your way back:

Route 1a: Tagbilaran, Dauis, Panglao, Baclayon, Alburquerque, Loay, Loboc (enjoy the Loboc River Cruise or proceed to Chocolate Hills from here)
Route 1b: (from Loay) Lila, Dimiao, Valencia, Garcia Hernandez, Jagna, Duero, Anda
Route 2: Tagbilaran, Cortes, Maribijoc, Loon, Calape, Tubigon (proceed to Talibon if you have time)

Tagbilaran Cathedral (St. Joseph the Worker)

Dauis Church (Assumption of Our Lady) is a National Cultural Treasure and National Historical Landmark. The present church dates back to 1863.

The interior of the Dauis Church features the illusion of a Renaissance artesonado or coffered ceiling. The paintings inside the church are attributed to Ray Francia and Canuto Avila (and his children). Notice the small well on the floor in front of the main altar

The Dauis Watchtower is a National Cultural Treasure. It was built in 1774 as a lookout for Moro pirates

Panglao Church (San Agustin) is a National Cultural Treasure. The present church was built between 1894 to 1897. Notice the ruins of the old church nearby

Ceiling murals inside the Panglao Church

The Panglao Watchtower built close to the sea in 1851 is also a National Cultural Treasure

Baclayon Church (La Purisima Concepcion de la Virgen Maria) is a National Cultural Treasure. The present church dates back to 1727. The interior of the church, particularly the retablo mayor, is one of the best examples of Philippine Baroque.

Alburquerque Church (Santa Monica) dates back to 1885

Loay Church (La Santisima Trinidad) is a National Historical Landmark. The church, built on top of a hill,  dates back to 1822. Other historic structures in the church complex include the belltower, convento and two schoolhouses. Across the plaza is the old tribunal or municipal hall.

The ceiling murals of Loay Church are attributed to Ray Francia. The sanctuary is unique in the country for its lace-like design.

The ceiling murals of the Loboc Church are attributed to Canuto Avila, Ricardo Avila and Rey Francia.

Dimiao Church (San Nicolas de Tolentino) is a National Cultural Treasure. The present church was built from 1800 to 1815. Beside the church is an old walled cemetery which the locals call ermita

The interior of Dimiao Church

While there is nothing remarkable about the facade of the Valencia Church (Sto. Nino), the interior features ornate wooden floor patterns

The facade of the Jagna Church (San Miguel Arcangel) is heavily renovated. But the interior is fortunately intact.  The ceiling features paintings of Rey Francia

Duero Church (Immaculate Conception) is considered one of the gems of Philippine architecture in wood. Yes, the church is made of wood and dates back to 1874

Anda Church (Sto. Nino) may look unimpressive outside, but is richly decorated inside. Splendid ceiling murals by Rey Francia adorn the ceiling

The Anda Church ceiling murals were painted on tin sheets

Cortes Church (Santisimo Nombre de Jesus) dates back to 1892. The painted ceilings inside are by Rey Francia.

Maribojoc Church (La Santa Cruz) is a National Cultural Treasure. The present church was built in 1852

Inside Maribojoc Church are five magnificently carved Gothic retablos decorated with Mudejar stars. The ceiling murals were painted by Rey Francia.

Punta Cruz Watchtower in Maribojoc is a National Cultural Treasure. The fort, known as Castillo de San Vicente, was completed in 1796.

Loon Church (Nuestra Senora de la Luz), among the grandest churches in the Visayas, is a National Cultural Treasure and National Historical Landmark. The current church was constructed from 1855 to 1864.

Now for visita iglesia near Metro Manila, you could visit churches in Cavite, Batangas, Laguna, Rizal, Quezon, Pampanga, Bulacan, Bataan and Pangasinan. Click on the links for detailed itineraries.

For detailed information on Bohol churches, I highly recommend that you get a copy of Visita Iglesia Bohol: A Guide to Historic Churches by Regalado Trota Jose.