Damires Hills Tierra Verde - A Great Weekend Getaway

A haven for the weary soul. That is what came to my mind when I first entered Damires Hills several months ago while I, together with a friend, was looking for a venue for a retreat. Though it was my first time to be there personally, I knew about the place several years ago when a former student posted pictures of it. They just started working on it at that time. In effect, I can say that I witnessed its transformation to what it is now. 

Owned by the Tirador Family, Damires Hills can be found in Januiay, Iloilo. Its very picturesque landscape is a sight to behold. The big and small open cottages that dot the

Light of Peace in San Enrique: The Road to Inner Peace Town

Students and parents meditate in Catan-agan Elementary School
(Photo Credit: MMI)

What does it take to create an Inner Peace Town? Or some would even change the question and ask if it is possible to have one. After working with the people of San Enrique in the Province of Iloilo for about a couple of months already I can truly say that it is possible albeit challenging.

Leaders from the Church, San Enrique Local Government Unit, Academe, Barangays
and MMI light candles to celebrate the 10,000 Brightness

Challenges. Now that was a very common thing  encountered in the course of  the project and even now that the Light of Peace in San Enrique is fast approaching. Yes, there were a lot of challenges

Light of Peace in San Enrique: The Beginning

It may be fate or destiny. Hon. Ramona Go, the Mayor of San Enrique, calls it providential. I am referring to the first meeting of Mayor Go and the Director of Middle Way Meditation Institute - Iloilo (MMI), Ven. Burin Thitakusalu. I have heard the story told several times but I also would like to share it with those who do not have an inkling about it.

I first heard about it from Ven. Burin himself. It was when we were choosing the schools to be included in the list of model schools for the Inner Peace Leader Philippines Project. He wanted to include San Enrique Central School which is a small one unlike the other schools which are quite big in terms of area and population. He said he knew personally the Mayor in this tiny municipality in the Province of Iloilo. He then proceeded to narrate how he was approached by Mayor Go in the airport

Visiting Bacolod

Bacolod here I am!

The last time I was in the island of Negros was in September just this year. Just like most of my travels, it was something unplanned. We just went to DepEd VI office to present something and when we asked how we can get in touch with the different schools division faster, we got invited to join in their management committee meeting in Campuestohan, Talisay. It was an opportunity too good to let go. What else do we do but to go.

A Summer Trip to Boracay at a Cheap Price?

                             (Photo copyright: BoracayMag, TriptoBoracay's partner magazine.)

Many people would ask whether it is possible to have a summer trip to Boracay Island at a more affordable rate. The answer to that would be a resounding YES! It was and still is a common notion that people will have to allot a big amount of money just so they can enjoy the pristine

Iloilo...My Home

Iloilo is such an interesting to live in. It has a very diverse culture and a much laid back atmosphere compared with other cities in the Philippines.

What makes Iloilo interesting?

Hhmm...It might be the Ilonggos themselves - what they do and have achieved. There are many Ilonggos who made a name for themselves and excelled in their respective fields. They can be found in almost all fields

Enjoy a Budget Trip to Boracay? Yes, You Can!

Affordable Summer Treat Courtesy of www.triptoboracay.com

Most people think that going to Boracay for a holiday would entail a lot of money. I would say that it is true. It can be expensive if they book in the hotels which are considered high end. On the other hand, there are actually many hotels that are quite affordable and yet comfortable and cozy. I was actually able to visit Boracay without spending too much. I have learned to restrain myself from giving in to the lures of the attractive displays in the shops and from over-indulging in the restaurants and bars. All I needed was a comfortable place to stay and the breathtaking view of the beach. These days, a trip to Boracay is even more affordable because of the choices of  package tours that are offered. Those who are interested in basking under the sun and getting the best holiday ever in a shoestring budget can actually do it.

A New Journey

Traveling is something that I have always wanted to do. I got sidetracked though due to career and some family reasons. The new year is really timely since this time around I will be quite free to do it. To start off, I started with a trip to Boracay. The last time that I was in the island was about two years ago and that was for a trip with a cause. We had a medical mission and gift-giving activity with the Aeta community which until now is under the auspices of the Daughters of Charity. A relaxing time on the beach was a fitting activity after the hard work. It was not the first time for me and friends to be in the island for such a thing and one thing for sure is that I missed doing it. Now I am finally back in the island to jumpstart my journey to rediscover my region - Visayas.