i- Travel : ANY PLANS THIS HOLY WEEK?

There are a lot of places in the Philippines where we can be able to meditate and have a break from the busy streets of Metro Manila. Most of which can offer the serenity and the fun experience that would make you wish you were always there during the Holy Week. J   

Kuyba Almoneca: The Whisper of a Cave

Palawan is known for its caves’ stalactites and stalagmites. Bunches of these majestic rock formations are found in the Puerto Princesa Underground River (PPUR), one of the 7 wonders of Nature. But, Puerto Princesa Palawan has a lot more tantalizing “cave trips” to offer.

One of the rising tourist attractions in Puerto Princesa City is the cave that once whispered to its owner when he visited the land being offered to him by a friend. That time, it was just a barren land and seems really useless. But as time passed by, as they were building a rest house on the area, they found out that a magnificent cave lies under it.

It was named “Kuyba Almoneca”. The term “kuyba” is a “Rinconada” term for Cave since the owner was from Nabua, Camarines Sur. That’s why you might as well have a discount if you are from the Rinconada area. J

As you entered the cave, figurines of angels and saints welcome you with serenity and magnificence. Rock formations reveal an image of Jesus Christ and the three angels. Little stalactites are still forming while water continuously drops on its tip. The cave does not show its end point yet for there are still untouched dark parts.

Above the tunnel- like cave are the Stations of the Cross, the Nuestra Senora De Penafrancia Chapel, and stands that have verses from the bible; that makes it a perfect place for penance. You will also be inspired by the “Disiderata”, a prose poem written on 1927, attributed to Max Ehrmann.  Well, I’m not saying that you might not find and read it somewhere else but, reading it with such an ambiance full of serenity will really make what the poem says sink within you.

Kuyba Almoneca also offers a restaurant and Conference halls suitable for seminars, trainings and Camps. You might as well dwell in their tourist “baluys”, another Rinconada term for a “House” and meet Kuya Neil, the owners’ special son, who keeps on asking for phone numbers of  guests, especially of the girls. No worries, he will just text you “good night” and “good morning” as what my girl friends saidJ. 

KAWA- KAWA HILL: The Hill without a Hilltop

You would never find anything special when you come to see the Kawa- Kawa Hill from afar. It is just a hill blanketed with rich green grasses. But once you reach the top of it, you will be awed by its hidden curious shape resembling that of a “kawa” or a large Chinese cooking wok. The glory of the top view would reveal the extraordinary amphitheater- like crater. Indeed, the hill has no hilltop.

Kawa- Kawa Hill is situated in California Village, Brgy. Tuburan, Ligao City. It is a 236 meter land form located in California Village, Barangay tuburan, Ligao City; 1.5 kilometers away from Legaspi City, and 1 kilometer away from Iriga City.

What makes it more majestic is the clinging view of two marvelous Mountains- the Mt. Masaraga and the the perfect coned Mt. Mayon of Albay, plus the stunning view of Ligao and its neighboring Municipalities.

The hill is also famous religious destination since right at its rim that is brilliantly- molded- by- nature, lays a larger than life size Stations of the Cross. Devotees and religious groups often go to this place during the Holy Week to do their penance while having the serenity and the wondrous stations that line in the 500- meter path to the crater extending around the hill rim.

Aside from the Stations of the Cross, Kawa- kawa also have Philippine Eagle Scout Advancement Camp and Facilities, volleyball court and horseback riding site. Local entrepreneurs are also selling their products on the slopes of the hill like the “dinorado” rice, pineapples and other vegetables, and other local products.

           

            Kuyba Almoneca and Kawa- Kawa Hill are just two of the places to check out during Holy Week and on Holidays. Philippines have a lot more undiscovered wonders. I- travel will expose these hidden places that are proofs that Philippines is worth visiting. A haven of breath- taking wonders that makes it really the dreamland of Asia.