In Photos: Isabela’s 2017 Bambanti Festival

IN 2013, the local government of Isabela, led by incumbent Gov. Bodjie Dy, enacted that the Bambanti Festival be celebrated separately from the provincial foundation every May. So for the first time in its 16-year history, the festival was staged in January of that year with the aim of giving thanks to the previous year’s bountiful harvest. After all, the bambanti (Ilocano word for scarecrow) is the fitting icon of the agricultural province because it serves as the protector of farms.
 

As such, the festival also became a grand affair with different competitions like street dancing, pageantry, and cookery. The highlight is the Bambanti Village put up in front of the provincial capitol. Here, participating cities and municipalities of Isabela were tasked to build exhibit booths that showcase their agricultural products for investment, natural destinations for tourism, and of course, the giant bambanti made only of ecological materials.

Then, this blog’s author—as a lifestyle reporter—was one of the fortunate print media representatives invited to attend and cover the festival’s exciting revival.

Published 2013 for The Manila Times, Sunday Times Magazine Cover

Four years later, this author—as a contributing writer—joined a media contingent brought in to experience the festival once more. And what could I say, that the Bambanti Festival was able to sustain its world-class productions, and more importantly, its meaning to Isabelenos. (Read published story for Business Mirror here.)

Here are the photos from this year’s coverage, which show the fun and flair of the 2017 Bambanti Festival in Isabela.

Bambanti Village

As mentioned above, the Bambanti Village was the highlight of the festival because it showcased the giant bambanti in different interpretations—some true to its frightening nature, others with a different twist, and a few, just out-of-this-world.

As mentioned above, the Bambanti Village was the highlight of the festival because it showcased the giant bambanti in different interpretations—some true to its frightening nature, others with a different twist, and a few, just out-of-this-world.

The winning bambanti and exhibit booth of San Agustin, the home of the nuang (carabao or buffalo)

The beauty and the beast—bambanti edition

Majority of the bambanti showcased at the village used only natural materials like seeds and shells

Yes, there were mechanical scarecrows too! Voltes V vs. Optimus Prime

Inabraw Cooking Contest

The Isabeleños’ culinary talent was also put to test in the “Kusinero ng Isabela,” a competition that tasked participants to put a unique twist to the inabraw, a traditional Ilocano stew dish with different vegetables and seasoned with fish sauce.

The chefs from the town of Tumauini took home the top prize

Here is their winning dish with the secret ingredient of coconut water and meat

A mix of modern and traditional takes on the inabraw

Street Dance Competition

Never to be missed in any festival was the street dance extravaganza! At Isabela, the much-awaited event was 10 times more energetic! The non-stop dancing was performed with such fun and flair by each of the town’s contingents drawing cheers from everyone in the crowd. 

Dressed as a scarecrow, this dancer was all smiles throughout the routine

Different contingents in different formations—but all giving their best for the win

And this group even went as far as performing in blindfolds. Plus points to that for sure! 

Festival King and Queen

Always a favorite in provincial festivities are beauty contests and the Bambanti Festival was no different. It also staged a pageant from which the Festival King and Queen were chosen. Each participating town entered their best bets who were not just handsome and gorgeous but also really talented. But it was during the costume contest when the lovely pairs really shone bright. 

Just look at how meticulously detailed and stunningly beautiful their garbs were: 

Representing the Tilapia Festival of Ramon

Calamansi is the highlight of this pair's festival costume

On the other hand, the theme of this pair is reminiscent of the Sto. Nino

Straight out of 'Encantadia'

The walis (broom) levels up in this attire

Exciting Events

Other exciting events that took place included a high-production musical, which was highlighted with a mob dance, as well as grand fireworks displays. A concert featuring ABS-CBN divas Yeng Constantino, Angeline Quinto, KZ Tandingan, and Kyla culminated the 2017 Bambanti Festival on a high note.  

The musical and mob dance

(TEXT AND PHOTOS: ©EUDENVALDEZ)

Toilets Never Looked this Appetizing

ADMITTEDLY inspired by the Modern Toilet of the bustling Ximending in Taipei City, Boracay Toilet manages to live up to its “not-so-original” theme by serving no-frills-just-good food.

With toilets for chairs and plates amidst a colorful interior, Boracay Toilet is still a newbie among the island’s ever-growing dining destinations. But since opening in 2015, it has since become one of the most curious choices especially for return tourists.

Thankfully, the restaurant is able to exceed expectations as proven by yours truly in a recent visit to the island as part of a media familiarization trip care of 2Go Travel.

Media friends can’t stop taking photos

While the plates mimicking bathroom fixtures like PVC pipe, toilet, bath tub, and even a urinal do take much of the diners’ attentions (to the point that half of the time spent at the restaurant would be spent in picture taking), it was still the food that really stood out for me. Boracay Toilet serves Filipino favorites and western dishes that are packed with flavors!  

Toilets for chairs and even plates

Start off your culinary journey with Buffalo Wee-Weengs (yes, buffalo wings), a best seller for its right amount of spice. Other appetizers include nachos, cheese sticks, fried spring rolls, and chicken fingers.

Shit this sisig is the bomb (no, not that kind of bomb) (P279)

Then on to the main dishes that are meant for rice lovers—well who doesn’t? A favorite of mine is everyone’s favorite too, the pork sisig, or as Boracay toilet named it, Shit-sig! Well, shit because it’s the bomb (pun intended), the kind you want to savor with beer.

A platter of crispy seafood (P490)

I also enjoyed seafood platter of crispy calamari, fried fish fillet, and deep-fried shrimp that comes with honey mustard, marinara and garlic mayonnaise sauces. A filling dish was the saucy kaldereta with beef tenderized the way it should be.

Tender and saucy beef kaldereta (P380)

Eye-catching choices in the menu include Chicken Crap (chicken curry), Inihaw na Liem-Poop (roasted liempo), Kare-Kadiri (kare-kare), Seafood Teri-Yucky (seafood teriyaki), and Peenakbet (pinakbet).

The restaurant also prepares snacks like pizzas, sandwiches, and pastas, as well as beverages like iced tea, wines and beer. But save room for dessert because there’s the classic turon and halo-halo!

Going to the toilet has never been this appetizing!

Vandalized walls just like in public comfort rooms

Can't go down the drain

Be very mindful where you pee…

***

Located along Boracay Main Road, Boracay Toilet operates from 11 am to 10 pm. Follow it on Facebook.

(TEXT AND PHOTOS: ©EUDENVALDEZ)

Seeing China in a Different Light: Macau

THE diplomatic ties between China and the Philippines have suffered continuous blows in recent years because of unresolved disputes on sea territories. And even with the somewhat friendlier approach of President Rodrigo Duterte, the future is still unclear.
 

But while I personally hope—want even—that what is ours will be ours, perhaps we can also consider the example our President has set: To see China in a different, more positive light. After all, we share a deeper connection with the Chinese, whom many are our very own ancestors. It just undisputedly shows in our race and our culture.

In an impersonal level, there is also an overlooked aspect that can definitely help rebuild the relationship between the two nations. Tourism. This I discovered a few years back when I represented The Manila Times in a media familiarization tour to China sponsored by Cathay Pacific.

In partnership with Shenzhen-based tour operator Century Holiday, the Hong Kong-based airline tries to bridge the growing gap by promoting two of China’s countless tourist destinations. One is already established, the second, just emerging.

Let’s start with Macau and see what awaits us there:

Hop-on-hop-off Macau

Just like Hong Kong, Macau is one of China’s two Special Administrative Regions having been colonized by Portugal from the early 16th century up until 1999. Portugese influences is still prominent in the city and this is best seen aboard an open-top, hop-on-hop-off bus.

From the ferry where the bus ride began, the first sight to behold is the Macau Fisherman’s Wharf, the largest leisure and entertainment complex in the peninsula inspired by different ports of the world. Following this is the Macau Science Center, which features planetariums and an exhibition center.

The statue of the Goddess of Mercy

Truly awesome is the 21-meter Kun Lam Statue known as the Goddess of Mercy. According to the onboard tour guide, the statue “combines the traditional Buddhist culture with the European style of sculpture.”

Macau Tower, the 10th tallest building in the world

The bus then finds the Macau Tower, the 10th tallest tower in the world that offers various activities. Lucky visitors might get to the chance to witness a live 300-meter bungee jump at any given moment.

From modern Macau icon, a historical site comes next with the Temple of A-Ma. Also called the A-Ma-Gau (Place of A-Ma), the tour guide revealed that it is from the site’s name that the word “Macau” originated.

The Hotel Lisboa Macau is likened to a pineapple

Other stops include the Wynn Macau and the Hotel Lisboa Macau, which are two of the most famous casinos in the peninsula, as well as Ponte No. 16, a hotel and casino where Asia’s first Michael Jackson Gallery is found.

Ponte No. 16, a hotel and casino where Asia’s first Michael Jackson Gallery is found

At each destination, tourists can hop off the bus to explore the site and its nearby attractions. They can hop on again at the next available sightseeing bus to complete the tour.

Macau Centro Sidetrip

Chinese and Portuguese cultures converge at the Historic Center of Macau

Also make sure to visit Macau Centro, or the Historic Center of Macau, where Chinese and Portuguese cultures best converge. It has been named a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization for successfully preserving Chinese and Portuguese influences for more than four centuries.

The Ruins of St. Paul is sure to take you back in time

There, churches and temples co-exist with one another like the St. Augustine’s Church and the A-ma Temple. It is also a place for the old and new as establishments selling traditional cuisine still thrive among the retail district of current international brands.

Other popular spots include the Ruins of St. Paul, and the Senado Square where a sizeable Filipino community assembles every weekend.

If coming from the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), Macau is easily accessible via ferry.

Until next time Macau

***
This author went to Zhuhai, China for The Manila Times in a media familiarization trip organized by Cathay Pacific in 2014. This story was lifted from the article published for the Philippine broadsheet. 

(TEXT AND PHOTOS: ©THEMANILATIMES/EUDENVALDEZ)

RELATED STORY: 
Seeing China in a Different Light: Zhuhai

Ilocanos go to Bohol

THIS might be a long overdue post but still, I would love to share because it’s something personal and special. It features no less than my very own family during our vacation in Bohol last year!

It was definitely memorable because it’s our first time to travel together by air, to southern Philippines, noting that we hail from the northern part of the country. It became even more unforgettable when on our last day, we had to rush Mama to the hospital. Nothing to worry for it was just her regular bout with gastritis—only more extreme—which thank God, we all managed to get through as one.

That over, let’s look back at our wonderful photos from the trip:

The Countryside

If you managed to book a morning flight, it’s best to embark on a countryside tour of Tagbilaran City, the capital of Bohol, to maximize the day. That we did so our first order of business, lunch! And we did at the best possible place, the Loboc River, via the best possible way, a cruise.

Our Loboc River floating restaurant with a buffet style dining. While food could be so much better, the fresh air and the ambiance made up for it.

Once our tummies were filled, picture taking followed next.

 But wait there’s more! On the way back, Loboc River Cruise tourists also got to enjoy traditional song and dance numbers from the locals. With special participation from Papa!

It was actually already my third time in Bohol already but the manmade Mahogany Forest never fails to enchant me. I became gladder that the family loved it as I did.

Why be serious when life can be so much fun?

Pose pa more!

And because the tour involved the parents, who were not so energetic and enthusiastic for too much movement, our last stop for the tour was the Chocolate Hills. Of course, our hired tour guide brought us to the popular viewing deck of Carmen.

All smiles even after the tiring flight up the stairs.

Henann Hotel

After the short tour, off we drove to our home for the next three days, Henann Resort Alona Beach Bohol in Panglao Island. A property of the Henann Group, renowned for their developments in the island of Boracay, the hotel was spanking new and big! It had everything you’ll ever need for a most wonderful stay, from the spacious rooms to the many pools, to a big breakfast buffet. Also, big shout out to the caring staff that helped us bring Mama to the hospital!

That is why, we heart Henann!

Turista hits

Eating, swimming, posing, repeat.

Alona Beach

Being the bum that I am, I was so happy that Henann resort had its very own beachfront along Alona Beach, dubbed the Boracay of Bohol because of its strip of white sand with restaurants and resorts—but not as crowded and developed yet.

Another plus for me was the fact that just beside Henann was the Bohol Bee Farm mini-store selling the resort’s famous homemade ice cream. My favorite flavor, avocado! It’s the best I’d tasted so far. There is also ube, another favorite of mine. So, I was totally content to devote two full days just at the resort.

Padaan lang!

The parents just passing time.

Another good thing about Alona Beach was that if you walk inland, there are different establishments for retail and food to choose from.

Just like this authentic Italian pizzeria along the highway

Until the next Valdez Family adventure! 

5 of the Best Heritage Cities of Spain

WE all know of Spain as the country that colonized and Christianized our own country, the Philippines for 300 years. And although this period in our history imprinted in us Filipinos much of our culture, it is all in the past. Today, there are so many things we don’t know about Spain especially in terms of tourism.

For example, did you know that Spain is the only country in Europe with 15 World Heritage Cities—making it the country with the third greatest number of World Heritage sites and cities in the world?

This piece of trivia was shared at a recent dinner hosted by Turespaña, the Spanish Tourism Office, in its efforts to “reintroduce” Spain as one of the best destinations in Europe to the Philippine market. You can read more about Turespaña through the story (link here) I wrote for Business Mirror.

In this post, however, I would like to highlight five of the most stunning and picturesque and most culturally and historically intact World Heritage Cities of Spain.

Santiago de Compostela: An Important Catholic Site

 In the city of Santiago de Compostela stands the majestic St. James Cathedral, which is the third most important Catholic site in the world after Jerusalem in Middle East, and Rome in Italy. Why? Because here lie the remains of the apostle James. As such, it serves as the final destination for thousands of pilgrims who take the Way of Saint James every year. It is also an example of Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Neoclassical making it a magnificent structure altogether.

Ibiza: More than its vibrant nightlife

A part of the Balearic islands, Ibiza is coveted for its vibrant nightlife but let us not forget that it is also a World Heritage City thanks to its famed archeological treasures exhibited in different museums like the important Archaeological Museum of Ibiza. The place showcases 3,000 years of history of this important island in the Mediterranean Sea. Also credited for its Unesco recognition is its architecture, biodiversity and culture.

Cordoba: A Center of Power and History

Cordoba is also a city where one of the world’s most important monuments is found: the Great Mosque, which is an icon in the middle of the historic center. It once served as the seat of power when the city was under the Muslim rule in the 8th century. It was then converted into a cathedral as ordered by Ferdinand III in the 13th century. Today, it is still considered one of the Caliphate's most spectacular works.

Avila: ‘The City of Saints and Stones’

Avila is one of the most beautifully preserved walled city in the whole of Europe. Its City Walls, built in the 11th century as protection from Moors, remains as strong (3-meter thick) and grandiose today. And within this walls was where Saint Teresa was born and Grand Inquisitor Torquemada was buried. Inside and outside the walls are seven Romanesque Churches are part of the Unesco heritage inscription. All this makes it truly the City of Saints and Stones.

Segovia: An Old Town with an Ancient Aqueduct

At the historic city of Segovia, an ancient Roman aqueduct is found. Built in A.D. 50, the engineering marvel is well-preserved to this very day. With two tiers of arches, it is made only of blocks of stone without mortar. What’s holding the aqueduct together? Simply “a perfect, ingenious balance of forces”! Other important monuments in the city include the Alcázar, begun around the 11th century, and the 16th-century Gothic cathedral.

SOURCE: www.spain.info; http://whc.unesco.org/

PHOTOS: Pixabay