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Camarines Sur the premier province of Bicol. The Bicolandia is known for its Famous Mt. Mayon (active volcano) in Albay and delicious pinangat and pili tarts. Little did we know that there are hidden treasures awaiting to be discovered.

Lately , Cam Sur is becoming very famous for its wakeboarding facilities . In fact,

The 2008 WWA Wakepark World Championships at CWC (Camsur Watersports Complex) is ON

Many wakeboarding enthusiats has been travelling to the Philippines because of this exciting new watersports complex.

How to get there:

The Province of Camarines Sur is located in the central part of the Bicol Region, south of Metro Manila. Air Philippines flies daily to Naga Airport in Pili and to Legaspi City. Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific Air also have daily flights via Legaspi City. All flights to CWC must first stop in Manila.

CAMAROAN is also in Camarines Sur.

There are many points of interest such as:

B each / Island-Hopping
Gota Beach - Take a 7km motorcycle ride from Centro and celebrate the beauty of life in the these fine white sand beaches beside the majestic limestone rock formations and take an exciting boat trip to exotic island coves nearby.

Lantangan Beach (Pitogo Bay) – Here is something to change your idea of the usual beach. Instead of powdery white sand, piles of smooth-edged stones line the shore, as if purposely laid there by an unseen hand.

Matukad Beach - Postcard perfect scenery, right in front of Gota Beach and can be reached by a motorboat in just 15 minutes. Be delighted with the white puka shells and corals with the unique powdery pink-sand abundant all over the island.

Bichara Island - To the natives of Caramoan, this privately owned beach of the Bichara’s of Naga City is better known as Paradise Island. Indeed, it is a paradise of powder-like sand amidst a crystal clear body of water ideal for beach hopping and scuba diving.

Lahuy Island - A thirty minute drive from Caramoan Centro to Bikal wharf then 15 minutes boat ride from Bikal wharf to the island. The island in an immerse pulchritude of almost endless stretch of white beach. A weeklong exploration of the place, also known as “Treasure Island” would not suffice for someone who really loves nature.

Some of the island destinations waiting to be explored are the long beach in Sohoton, Putting Baybay in Ilawod, Puerto Mina in Cagnipa, Tayac Lagoon in Pandanan, Bulang-bugang Underground Stream in Taisan, Sabitan Laya in Balibagan, Cutivas Island in Gogon, Bag-Ing Island in Haponan, Patag-Belen Waterfalls, Grotto in Mt. Caglao, Ocata Island Lighthouse in Gogon, Borocan Stream in Tawog and Hugsan Waterfalls in Hanopol. Truly, Caramoan is a perfect getaway to spend your most awaited vacation.

Spelunking
Manipis Cave - Located in Brgy Pandanan – alleged to have the hidden treasure of Gen. Yamashita and has rich guano reserve.

Omang Cave – Located in Brgy Ilawod – part of the 347 hectare National Park declared by the late President Quirino trough Proclamation no.20. Explore the grandeur of time-carved natural formation in the profusion of caves.

Tabgon (Culapnitan Cave) – Located in Brgy Libmanan – Experience the thrill of discovering an ancient natural edifice. Find small passageways, get the thrill of climbing rocks and take delight in the majestic stone formations inside.

How to get there:

GETTING THERE (via Naga)
By air: 30 minutes
•Air Philippines (www.airphils.com) from Manila to Naga.

•Cebu Pacific (www.cebupacificair.com), and

•Philippines Airlines (www.philippineairlines.com) either to Naga or Legaspi. contact: 774-78-76 for bookings

By land: 8-9 hours
•Isarog Line: departs daily 8:30pm
Manila (Cubao): 913-3551, 438-3916 look for Lino/Bobby
Naga: (054) 473-8804, (054) 473-0428, (054) 811-7764 – Roma/Injean/Edwin
•Penafrancia Tours & Travel Transport, Inc: departs daily 8:30pm-9:00pm
Manila: 913-1528, 736-4101
>>Alabang stop-over: 850-6779
Naga: (054) 473-9063, (054) 811-1197 look for Eden
•Philtranco
Manila: 853-5220, 851-8077-79
- Regular fare ranges from Php 500-650
- Comfort deluxe (reclining seat) ranges from Php 700-750
- Extreme Lazy Boy (a 20-seater bus – the first class of bus lines offered by Isarog Liner) is priced at Php 950

From Naga (airport or bus station): Land transfer to the Port of Sabang in San Jose for 1 hour and 30 minutes. And public boat transfer from Port of Sabang to Port of Guijalo in Caramoan mainland for 2-3 hours (depending on how friendly the waves are), so travel before 12nn to also avoid the torching sun!

There are Resorts that are offering accomodation at Caramoan.

1. La Casa Roa

2. Rex Tourist Inn

3. Villa Juliana

4. Legacy Inn

5. Vista Del Mar

For adventure tours at Caramoan  contact 774-7876

ADVENTURE TOUR OF CARAMOAN
Camarines Sur, Philippines

Inclusions:

• Round trip land transfer – Point of origin is Naga City aboard airconditioned mini-vans(s) to Port of Sabang in San Jose, and back. Ideal departure time from origin is very early morning. From bus station, 1 hour and 30 minutes to port area (will pass by Pili where the CamSur Watersports Complex is located, old houses and establishments, very scenic views of green farmlands, river flows and the majestic Mt. Isarog).

• Round trip boat transfer – Travel on coastal motorized outrigger at Port of Sabang to Port of Guijalo in Caramoan, and vice versa. This motorized boat which caries more than a dozen passengers, is not your typical comfy boat ride (they have yet to develop their port and make more boats that travel to and from) Travel time to mainland of Caramoan island is 2-3 hours (just to show how tight your schedule is, public boat transfers are until 11 am only because afterwards, waves can be a bit temperamental).

• Island Hopping Boat

• Meals – Full Board Meals Buffet Style . Even when you go island hopping , a picnic basket will be prepared to bring along for the trip.

• Tour Guide – Trained, friendly and reliable.

• Accomodation – Airconditioned rooms

Prices starts at 6,500  ($150) – 3d/2n stay , full board meals, boating, tour guide, transfers

*prices subject to change without prior notice.

*accomodations subject to availability

DID YOU KNOW ? CARAMOAN WAS THE PLACE USED BY SURVIVOR (FRANCE) FOR SHOOTING

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google69adb4e3c78e67b3.html

Volunteer Registry – Rekindling the Bayanihan Passion.

In its effort to mobilize volunteers for disaster risk management and response, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) launched the Online Registry of Volunteers last January 23,2007 with Social Welfare and Development Secretary Esperanza I. Cabral in simple ceremonies with heads of various non-government organizations, members of the League of Corporate Foundations, civic groups, other organizations and individuals who are or who wish to volunteer their time, talent, and services for disaster operations. Click to read more. . .

MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Many sites have discussed Philippine destinations and how nice it is to take a vacation there. These sites have featured the white beaches of Boracay and Pinoy hospitality. But have you thought of doing volunteer work while taking your holiday in the Philippines?

Here are some lists of Non-Government Organizations in the Philippines who seek volunteers from all over the world.

1. The Alouette Foundation of the Philippines, Inc.

2. Bahay Tuluyan

3. Bukas Palad Foundation, Inc. – Bukas Palad

4. Caritas Manila

5. Center for Community Transformation

6. Center for Early Childhood Care & Development

7. Center for the Prevention & Treatment of Child Sexual Abuse

8. Center for Promotion, Advocacy and protection of the Rights of the Child – (Lunduyan)

9. Childhope Asia Philippines, Inc.

10. Development Action for Women Network Inc

11. Development Endeavors for Organized Sustainability Foundation, Inc. – DEOS

12. Educational Research and Development Assistance Foundation

13. End Child Prostitution, Child Pornography and the Trafficking of Children for Sexual Purposes ECPAT

14. Families of Victims of Involuntary Disappearance (FIND)

15. Foundation for Adolescent Development, Inc.

16. Foundation for the Philippine Environment, Inc.

17. Harnessing Self-Reliant Initiatives and Knowledge

18. Igorota Foundation, Inc.

19. KBCF Operation Paglingap Foundation

20. Kuya Drop-In Center of Street Children – KDIC

21. Laura Vicuna Foundation Inc.

22. Lingap Pagkabataan Inc

23. Malte Balik Dangal, Inc. Malate Catholic Church – MABADAN

24. Museo Pambata Foundation Inc

25. The National Council of Women of the Philippines

26. NORFIL Foundation, Inc.

27. People’s Recovery Empowerment and Development Assistance Foundation Inc. (PREDA)

28. Peace and Equity Foundation Inc

29. PINOY PLUS

30. Samaritana Transformation Ministries Inc.

31. Remedios Aids Foundation, Inc. – RAF

32. Share An Opportunity (SAO) Philippines

33. VISAYAN FORUM FOUNDATION, INC.

34. Foundation for A Sustainable Society, Inc.

35. Habitat For Humanity Philippines Foundation, Inc.

36. Jesuit Volunteers Philippines Foundation, Inc.

37. H.O.P.E. Volunteers Foundation, Inc.

38. A Living For Christ Foundation, Inc.

39. Haribon Foundation For The Conservation Of Natural Resources

40. Abot Kamay , Inc. (AKI)

41. GREENPEACE Southeast Asia

42. Alay Kapwa Educational Foundation, Inc.

43. Batas Kalikasan Foundation, Inc.

44. Clean & Green Foundation, Inc.

45. Knowledge Channel Foundation, Inc.

46. Philippine Eagle Conservation Program Foundation, Inc.

Environment

47. VSO Bahaginan Foundation, Inc.

48. Sagip Kapamilya (abs-cbn foundation)

49. Bantay Kalikasan (abs-cbn foundation)

50. Bantay Bata 163 (abs-cbn foundation)

And list goes on and on. . . .

It wouldn’t take much of your vacation time to volunteer. Usually it’s a short term volunteer work and can be arranged with these organizations. It is also best to contact them first prior to your travel date. Some of the organizations might also provide you with board and lodging while you are there depending on the number of people in the group. Or you can contact tour operators beforehand for assistance on your travel in the Philippines.

Most activities are fairly pleasant and easy. No special language or job skills are required, and volunteers are assisted by local coordinators. In contrast to ordinary vacation packages, volunteer vacations give participants the opportunity to interact with the locals and gain insight into their culture and way of life, while performing light work for several days or weeks at a time.

What kind of volunteer work awaits you in the Philippines (Short Term)?

There are a variety of activities that short-term volunteers can be involved in. They may teach English to children, teach job skills such as computer literacy, work at an orphanage or with handicapped children, build homes or schools, or work with environmental conservation projects. Some of the programs may be in remote locations, while others are based in cities or towns that provide certain urban amenities. Disaster relief is another field where short-term volunteers are always in high demand. Duties may include working at a relief shelter or delivering clothing and food to affected communities. In many cases volunteers are encouraged to bring clothing, essential supplies, and other items with them to donate to the volunteer project where they will be working.

What factors are to consider should you decide to volunteer in the Phils.?

1. Find the right program that would suit best you and your family’s interest. If you’re in the medical field you may join one of the medical missions conducted on the streets of manila. The children can share their time reading children short stories with the street kids. Or your wife may be interested teaching some home cooking or livelihood program to women’s shelters. The possibilities are endless . To make your volunteer work more enjoyable be sure that it satisfies your interest.

2. Find out how much you will actually be involved in the project, and how many days you will be working. Some volunteer vacations offer a balance between tourist activities and volunteer work, while other travel packages only include a day or two at a local aid project.

3. Do it yourself or Volunteer vacation package? I have listed some of the NGOs in the Philippines and you may contact them direct for volunteer opportunities or you may link with some tour operators that may charge a fee. There are also Volunteer Placement organizations that specializes in this kind of vacation.

4. Cost of your volunteer vacation. Travel Insurance, Medical Insurance, vISA, airfare , accomodations etc. Although cost of living expenses in the Philippines is quite small compared to other countries so it should not be much of a concern.

5. Do your own research. Informational materials are readily available in the internet that may aid you in your short stay in the Philippines. It pays to be knowledgeable with the Philippine setting before embarking on your journey. Preparing a checklist outlining what to expect is the best thing to do.

Volunteer opportunities in the Philippines awaits those people with a good heart and wanting to make a difference for the good of the humanity. Go pack your bathing suit, buy a ticket to Philippine paradise but don’t forget to bring along your desire to make an impact to the world by sharing your time and blessings with the less fortunate.

Voluntourism , Volunteerism , whichever way you call it is an act of doing good. It is a call to make a difference in the world in your own litle way. Lending a hand to a community can create change and transform people. Voluntourism is basically giving volunteering service to a community (usually in the third world countries) by immersing themselves for a certain period of time with the people and their culture. One may help build roads , houses , serve in the Church , give food/clothings , distribute goods , offer teaching services , care for the elderly or anything that would provide assistance to the less fortunate.

Volunteer participants are not paid to do this. It is a charitable act. For those volunteers be prepared to spend for your transportation , visa and lodging when you travel to your preferred country.

Many travellers nowadays opt to include volunteering in their holiday itinerary. The voluntourists may have different purpose for such but one thing for sure it is the desire to do something good that inspires these tourists.

What’s good about Voluntourism?

1. It meets the needs of people who want to volunteer and travel at the same time. It bonds family members and gives them memorable experience to share. It benefits Adult singles who prefer taking vacation time in the company of others.

2. It is extremely a good resource for project leaders. For example, after a natural disater it can keep the momentum going.

3. It creates cultural exchange and understanding even on a brief encounter. One can look into the world of another.

4. The traveller can a vacation time to great advantage by helping the host country and gaining many personal benefits.

Volunteer Tourism can also be defined as:

VolunTours™ is more than just volunteering. VolunTours™ is a new way to travel. It is a revolutionary form of interacting with your destination and your destination interacting with you. VolunTours™ is the next step in the development of unique meetings & conventions’ experiences.

Now, who wants to follow the footsteps of BRANGELINA?

Had a great time watching SATC (that is Sex and the City)! At first i thought it would be some kind of a shallow- no nonsense-all about fashion movie but it proved me wrong until it got me crying. Somehow during the movie i felt the urge to comfort the ladies during their trying times. It taught me that LOVE is really unconditional.

I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality.