If life’s a beach, El Nido is full of it. About 17.5km up north from El Nido Town proper, passing through rough and dusty road to the town of Bucana is probably one of the most scenic beaches I’ve seen. Facing west together hand-in-hand are the Nacpan and Calitang Twin Beach. I don’t remember the last time I’ve seen one and it’s definitely worth an hour’s tricycle ride to get away from the crowded island tours in Bacuit Bay.
Tag: El Nido
El Nido Barotuan Ati-Atihan Festival
“Ang gusto lang namin ay ipagpatuloy ang tradisyon ng aming mga katutubo na nanggaling ng Aklan. Siguradong matutuwa ang aming mga magulang na nabuhuhay pa rin ang aming paniniwala at panata sa Sto Niño kahit nasaang lugar. Manalo o matalo kami sa kompetisyon ay di na mahalaga. (What we only want is to continue the tradition our natives from Aklan practice. We’re sure our ancestors and parents would be proud that our beliefs and devotion to Sto Niño still lives on wherever we are. It doesn’t matter whether we win or not in this competition)” Says Ricky, a middle-aged man from Purok (District) Taberna who’s part of the group in charge of their performers competing for the Barotuan Ati-atihan Festival. Despite his humble words and devotion, his group of dancers from this farthest district of Barotuan holds the championship for 9 years already.
Sabong in Lio El Nido, the Cockfight Center
The energy shifted to a sudden high as soon as we heard the announcer yell “Larga! (Lets go!)”. Mixed screams of “Meron (Have)” and “Wala (None)” filled the crudely made cockfighting arena as spectators placed their bets. While all the betting is happening, the handlers coax their cocks to anger by letting their the battling cocks peck each other before releasing them. Welcome to the world of Sabong (Philippine Cockfight) found at Lio El Nido (Villa Libertad) in the paradise destination of El Nido Palawan.
Transit: Roro Bus to El Nido from Puerto Princesa Palawan
“…you can feel that Palawan is ready to hit the big-time in 2013” says Lonely Planet as it recommends this vast archipelago of Palawan islands as one of the Top 10 Best Regions to Travel in 2013. I couldn’t agree more as things are looking bright now in the region especially in the El Nido area. Despite the 6-hour bus ride from Puerto Princesa, it doesn’t stop people from discovering this wonderful destination even now that the Roro Bus to El Nido made travel a lot easier and comfortable.
Simbang Gabi at St Francis of Assisi Parish in El Nido
If you’re still reading this, I guess the world hasn’t ended as some people have predicted. It may be the end for the Mayan calendar last 21st of December but it seems the universe have other plans. A calendar may have ended but it’s also the beginning of something new. For me, staying in a small town like El Nido during the holidays made me appreciate the simple life and celebration they have for the season. It’s refreshing to be away from the mall world for once and avoiding the Christmas rush. It has been a tradition for me to take Simbang Gabi (Misa de Gallo) photos every year and this time I decided to catch the morning ceremonies at St Francis of Assisi Parish in El Nido. Looking at the predictions on a positive light, we have a lot to be thankful for the world having not ended yet.
Corong Corong Afternoon Light
We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open. ~ Jawaharial Nehru
The Universe Moves in My Stillness
Being still does not mean don’t move. It means move in peace.
~ E’yen A. Gardner
