Exploring Simplicity of Life in Mindoro

While in Gatber Beach in Sta Cruz, The Gatdula and Medina family tour me around the countryside of Santa Cruz in Occidental Mindoro. Together with Bhebot her sister and children Darryl, Ron and Hazel we went to RDH farm.

It was simplicity in its finest, life without signal and development, life is so slow yet so serene, road is rough , SUV can't even drive through it so we took the tractor which is more exciting, we had fun riding it and seeing the views. 

We  reached the vast land owned by the Medina's, stayed at the bahay kubo (nipa hut ) to rest and have some lunch of native chickens, fish, vegetables and fruits all fresh. 

Swimming with the Mangyan Children:

After our lunch and brief rest, we went ahead to the mangyan village (Indigenous people of Mindoro) and swim in the river, There are many Mangyan children swimming and playing around and they were sort of struck when they saw us. We tried to communicate with them and swim with them in the clear waters. We are very fortunate to experience this river since it was unexplored and very few people goes  there.

Mangyan kid get a potable drinking water from the spring (bukal)

A visit at RDH Watermelon farm:

Looking for a perfect watermelon to quench our thirst.

Hazel Medina got her watermelon

Mangyan houses

Visit and explore the natural beauty and simplicity of Santa Cruz, Occidental Mindoro, a charming place waiting to be discovered.

Santa Cruz trip can be arranged by Gatber Beach Resort in Sta. Cruz Occidental Mindoro, Inquire about their customized package, land arrangements etc. Contact Mr. Norman Gatdula:  + 63 9982551215.

Pandan Island: A New Paradise

Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro.  During my summer vacation in Santa Cruz, Occ. Mindoro, my friend Bhebot Rummel and her family suggested that we go to Apo Reef, one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Mindoro. I heard so much about the place that it was beautiful with rich marine biodiversity. 

Bhebot and Family

On our way   to Sablayan ( it was a long drive from Sta. Cruz), the road trip keeping us fascinated with great views of the province, mountains, rivers, villages and farm lands. 

Upon reaching Sablayan town, fishing village and inquire about a boat ride going to Apo Reef, we were told that it will took us 6 hours to get there and  another 6 hours to go back, and we should came earlier. The trip will not worth it if we don't have much time to enjoy it so we decided to scrap the idea and just opt for a nearer island which is the Pandan Island.

Upon reaching the Island I was surprised it was a white sand beach, and the more we get nearer we were awed by the beautiful sight and clear waters of the island. It was underdeveloped which I like with few cottages available, we rented the boat for a whole day so we could keep our things there since there is no more cottage available. 

Seeing the pristine white sand is a sight to behold, I excitedly jump into the water and enjoy. It was like a Boracay sans too much development and huge crowd. I just hope they will keep the natural state and beauty of the place. Locals and foreign tourists abound the area. 

The road leading to Sablayan town:

 The Beautiful White Sand of Pandan Island:

Sunburn and Me

Spotted some foreign tourist/scuba divers:

Island Tour:

Pandan Island tour can be arranged by Gatber Beach Resort in Sta. Cruz Occidental Mindoro, Inquire about their customized package, land arrangements etc. Contact Mr. Norman Gatdula:  + 63 9982551215.

Walking Tour of Escolta: The Calvo Museum

The Calvo Building is home to GMA Network (Kapuso) when it started as a radio station before it was became the country's largest television network, according to our tour guide Mr. Rence Chan of ""Walk with Chan", tour designer for Escolta Walking Tour, Binonondo Walking Tour and Binondo Food Tour.

The building was a very rich in historical value for its architecture and being a famous landmark in Escolta. The Calvo Museum at the fourth floor houses rare and antique collections of old newspapers, movie posters, vintage bottles, photos and mementos of the past revealing history of Escolta's yesteryears. There is an entrance of P100 to enter the Museum and priorities are given to group tours.

Old photos of Old Manila: 

Turn-of-the century Newsprints :

 The Vintage Bottle Collection:

Ads and Movie Posters Collection: 

Escolta Tour is being conducted by Mr. Rence Chan of "Walk with Chan" and also part of the Royal Postal Heritage Tour, for more info on how to join, contact Rence at e-mail : L_rence_2003@yahoo.com

*all photos taken by the author