I have already been traveling to different parts of the country for several years now. I have breath the sweet air of Tagaytay, Sagada and Baguio, My feet have touched the sands in Ilocos Norte, Subic, Puerto Galera, Palawan, Batanes and even Asian countries like Thailand.
Over the years I have gained much information during my travels and discovered that there is a need to provide further information on what is currently happening in the country as a whole and not just how the local media is projecting it. I have come to realize the power of social media and the value of correct information. I have been searching for a travel blog that would be able to provide a more detailed information about a certain locality however, most of the blogs that I encounter just talk about the scenery, the prices and hardly discuss about what makes a particular city different. I've come to realize that my experiences must be shared, and fellow Filipinos as well as tourists can learn more about the growing possibilities in the Philippines.
For the past centuries, the Philippines has never been
promoted effectively and negative images has been projected
by the local media as well.There is a lack of market research and because of this, resorts and hotels are not able to maximize their capacity for earning. Tourism has the best possibility of changing the country and one of the best examples of this economic growth.
(Photo Credits: Lray Villafuerte - IG)
Starting the Camsur Experience:
I have chosen my travel to Camarines Sur because I have heard great things about it. It is run by the youngest elected governor in the history of the Philippines, and the leaders are active in promoting the province as a prime tourist destination not only in the country but worldwide. Using a private vehicle, the trip lasted for 11 hours from Metro Manila and for those who are wondering how much the cost of bus fare is, it's 850 for a one-way trip. I clearly remembered that it was holy week back then, as always the heavy traffic in Metro Manila is intolerable. On a normal day, the trip could have lasted for only 8 hours though.
At times, you need to get away from the hustle and bustle of Metro Manila, to remind yourself about who you are, and the things that are truly essential in your life. The urban landscape has a way of enclosing you, but during the road trip, I was able to give me some breathing space. Camarines Sur, is mostly agricultural, this means that most
of the trip would be about feasting your eyes with abundant greenery.It felt really nice to see rice and corn stalks, they all
seem like high definition wall paper and it felt surreal. You will pass by a lot of coconut trees, sugar, abaca even
water lilies. Something that at first was only visible in Thailand tourism
brochures.
Camsur met me with an open smile. The ancient landscape is unparalleled, I felt instantly calm
despite just sitting inside the car.There is serenity in seeing stretches of white sand beaches, the plants are thriving despite the summer heat.
What you need to know about Camsur:
When you visit a particular city, it is very important to understand what is going on, this means understanding the Vision and Mission of their leaders. The political families inside the place provide a path for which people could decide their lives upon. The province is being led by Governor Migz Villafuerte, he was born as Luis Miguel R. Villafuerte.
(Photo Credits: Lray Villafuerte - IG)
This is something rare, most of the time you would hear about
the negative things that people have to say about politicians. However, it seems that the current Governor Migz Villafuerte
is changing the way the people of Camsur is viewing leadership.After his father Lray Villafuerte has sat in the government, Camarines Sur was able to jump in rankings from 39th to 10th richest province in the country according to the 2007 Commission on Audit.
Camarines Sur was also cited for a Presidential Citation for the Best Practice in Creating Business and Investment. This is a truly remarkable information to know, most of the time, we were not given an idea as to how other politicians are doing their job. For someone like who is into stocks and trade investment this is positive news. Again, I felt the need to understand Philippines better, and not just how the media is portraying it since the power of social media has opened us for more information, it's a big step towards the truth and what is relevant.
Camsur and the Camsur Watersports Complex:
The resort has their own in house cabin in the area, allowing guests to stay near the recreation activities. We selected the Cabana room, it was affordable, the room rates is at 1,800 for 2 people per night. The rooms that have been provided are clean, the linens, towel and the comfort level is assured. They are all well maintained and the hotel staff are also courteous.
The cabins could contain a queen size or twin size bed and already comes with air
conditioner. The rooms already come with a cable TV and a cold shower. The rooms are already provided with free wi-fi even at the lobby.
I immediately felt refreshed by lush greenery, marine
life and impressive landscape surrounding the accommodation. I took the time to read about the brochures that are provided. In the description on what the place has to offer I have come to realize that there are numerous high sports activities to choose from that can be done in the area.
World Class- Camsur Watersports Complex:
Located within the Provincial Capitol Comple of Cadian, Pili, Camarines Sur, The CWC is is the pride of the Philippines as it is able to provide a number of engaging water activities that tourists can try and is the first of its kind in the country including Asia. There is a water sports park that is designed for wake skating, water skiing and wake boarding. The goal of those who have created it is to create enthusiasm with regards to water sports related activities. There is a high foreign tourist arrival in the area, this is due to the fact that it is being run by efficient leaders, who have created a trusted and organized system thus, able to maintain comfort and security of guests.
I believe that the strongest character of the Philippines is the rich water resources, and constructing a water sports complex is one good way to
properly promote the tourism in the country that's why this place is able to draw adventurers and risk takers from different parts of the world. For those
who are looking for the next level of adventure need to add this place to their itinerary.
What you need to know about the project:
The CWC Water sports complex as well as the Gota Village resort was strategically created by his father Lray Villafuerte in order to boost the economic possibilities of the city. There are some people who think that the resort is the business of the Villafuerte family, but this is a government owned project which exists in order to help the locality earn for funding of other city projects. The trip in Camarines Sur, changed my perspective on what Philippine politics could be. I don't know why people take the time to focus on what is wrong, and we have very little time to appreciate what we have. The Philippines, has a lot of treasures like Camarines Sur and there are leaders such as Migz Villafuerte that can change how we view the economic tourism of a certain city.
I was particularly drawn with the wake boarding sport and just had to try it. Wake boarding is about combining water skiing, with snowboarding and it contained a bit of surfing elements. This activity seemed to appeal to me, I wanted to feel a rush or surge of energy and this seemed fit for me during that day. I had to ride a single board with stationary non release bindings for my foot and this activity felt breathtaking. If done regularly, this could chisel the body and provide a well-toned image. The price for this activity is at 165 pesos an hour, but if you want to use it for the entire day you can enjoy the activity for just 750 pesos.
Going beyond the sport activities...
The activities in the area is truly for a people who wants to go beyond the usual travel experiences. You see, not everyone who will visit the area would be up for sports activities, so I have taken the time to note down a spiritual activity that people could do while staying there.
If you are not into sports and you just want to reflect and chill, then Camsur also has historical and spiritual places you could explore like the Basilica of Our Lady of Penefrancia. Offering a prayer or two could provide guidance and much needed energy in order to continue throughout life.
If you are not into sports and you just want to reflect and chill, then Camsur also has historical and spiritual places you could explore like the Basilica of Our Lady of Penefrancia. Offering a prayer or two could provide guidance and much needed energy in order to continue throughout life.
The Mayon Experience:
Knowing that it might take a while for me to return in this wonderful place, I had to maximize my stay so after enjoying CWC, I had traveled for two hours just to see Mt. Mayon, one of the wonders in Asia. It has always been a subject found in school textbooks, something that you can only look at in books and I wanted to make sure, that before I die I would be able to see this Philippine wonder. And it did not fail me as I was amaze on how it is perfectly coned it was shaped, like some sort of a trick of nature.
Despite just lingering for 30 minutes to view Mt. Mayon, the experience was still worth it. The place was just spectacular, no words will be able to describe it. I went back to CWC, to take a rest and the day after that we packed for Caramoan. The travel time using a private vehicle took us 4 hours.
Getting ready for Caramoan:
The trip going to Caramoan was spectacular. I was speechless and just felt really happy that I had the chance to go there. I had this impression that Caramoan's beauty is almost similar to El Nido Palawan. I was fortunate enough to stay at Gota Village Resort. Things like that don't just happen to you, you have to savor the moment, and live in it. That's what I did during the trip. Every sensation and the air that I am breathing... Everything about it will forever be embedded in me.
At times, people in their 20's do not take the time to do risky life decisions, they want to stay in a familiar area and rarely go out, they rarely invest in travel. I feel fortunate that after seeing Caramoan I'm pretty sure that this was the right thing to do.
Island Hopping in Caramoan:
Each Caramoan tour group have their own separate AC accommodation, and guests could request a separate boat for Caramoan island hopping, with a tour guide assigned to then who is already registered by the Department of Trade and Industry.
The regular tour package for the Island hopping trip is at 500 pesos per head for 10 people if food is not included. It'll be 900 pesos per head if you want them to prepare food for you.
(Gota Village Accommodation)
You can stay at Gota Village for 2,500 for 2 persons for the small wood cabin. You will feel like you are in another dimension, the place is built with simple wood fixtures, but this is what sets it apart from others. It has a calming effect on the guests who are staying in it. I guaranteethat you'll forget your problems in an instant because the tranquil scenery will inspire you.
In the past, Gota Village has been used for shooting the famous TV series "Survivor". The place suites for the hit foreign TV franchise that's been aired all over the world due to the lush vegetation in the area.
The breakfast at Gota Village is superb! There are home cooked Filipino food that will make you reminisce good and hearty memories. Here is a picture of a breakfast that I have really enjoyed. A healthy meal of freshly picked fruits and oats and yogurt for only 160php.
Quick tip for Foreign visitors:
For foreigners, or travelers who want to know the signature dish of Bicol, you have to try the famous dish, "Bicol Express". This is really spicy and such a sumptuous offering that this region provide to its visitors.
Another famous Bicolano delicacy that you should try apart from Bicol express is the Pili Nuts or candied Pili nuts. This are Pili trees that are common in the Bicol region area. These are nuts that turn into a magenta hue when they are already ready for harvest. The process of cooking them and turning them into candy is quite a tedious which includes removing the nuts from the shells one by one.
For foreigners, or travelers who want to know the signature dish of Bicol, you have to try the famous dish, "Bicol Express". This is really spicy and such a sumptuous offering that this region provide to its visitors.
(c)bulusanruralvagabond.wordpress.com/tag/pili-nut/
Travel Reflections:
I gather that the people of Camsur are romantic and creative people and their place must have help shape or influence their tradition. Their hometown can inspire you to write a poem, draw a hundred paintings, breath a sigh of relief or just be in awe. I guess nature has this way of reminding you, who you ought to be, it pays well to appreciate what has been originally given to us.
I gather that the people of Camsur are romantic and creative people and their place must have help shape or influence their tradition. Their hometown can inspire you to write a poem, draw a hundred paintings, breath a sigh of relief or just be in awe. I guess nature has this way of reminding you, who you ought to be, it pays well to appreciate what has been originally given to us.
Life is wonderful.
Travel with a positive mind.
Until our next trip...
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