Queendom Divas to captivate audiences in Queendom: Live this Dec. 2

Hail to the new queens!

BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT

Nov 30, 2023 10:38 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• After consistently delivering their best performances and belting their hearts out on GMA’s“All Out Sundays,”the young and Kapuso homegrown Divas are ready to reign supreme on the concert stage.

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Prepare for an evening filled with mesmerizing harmonies, phenomenal performances, and a symphony of sensational vocal prowess as the Divas of the Queendom — Rita Daniela, Hannah Precillas, Thea Astley, Mariane Osabel, Jessica Villarubin, and Julie Anne San Jose — are more than ready for their first ensemble concert titled “Queendom: Live” this Dec. 2, 8 p.m. at the Newport Performing Arts Theater.

After consistently delivering their best performances and belting their hearts out on GMA’s “All Out Sundays,” the young and Kapuso homegrown Divas are ready to reign supreme on the concert stage. Expect them to create a dynamic fusion with their diverse styles, taking fans and concert enthusiasts on a journey through genres and eras, soul-stirring anthems, and heart-pounding pop hits. 

“World-class concert ‘Queendom: Live’ stands as GMA Network's special tribute to the unwavering support of fans who have championed Rita, Hannah, Thea, Mariane, Jessica, and Julie. They have made their hometowns proud following their triumphs in GMA’s singing competitions and now give immense pride as the Network’s most-prized singers. Synergy remains steadfast in supporting their continued success as they flourish on the world stage. We’ve heard the clamor of the public to bring them together in one major concert stage. Definitely, a Christmas treat to our Kapuso as we usher in the holidays,” says Senior Vice President and Head of GMA Integrated News, Regional TV and Synergy Oliver Victor Amoroso.

“We are very much excited for this project that brings together to one stage, and in front of a live audience, six of Kapuso Network’s highly-talented homegrown artists. To Julie, Rita, Hannah, Thea, Mariane, and Jessica, and to the whole production team of “Queendom: Live,” congratulations in advance! This concert is a testament that the Network’s artists and talents are undeniably high-caliber and world-class and that we are truly capable of bringing superior entertainment to all our audiences,” expresses Consultant for Business Development Department III Darling de Jesus-Bodegon.

Meet the Queens

Rita Daniela has been garnering applause ever since she won “Popstar Kids” in 2005. Since then, she has also gone on to become a formidable dramatic actress. Known for her soulful voice and expressive performance style, Rita has definitely earned her title as “The Undeniable Star.”

Hannah Precillas is a true powerhouse diva who first made waves as the Grand Winner of “Bet ng Bayan” in 2014. She has also competed internationally and placed as a finalist in a singing competition in Indonesia. From being the unmistakable voice behind the theme songs of hit teleseryes such as “Maging Sino Ka Man,” “Kambal, Karibal,” “Onanay,” “Legal Wives,” and more, Hannah has rightfully earned the title “Kapuso OST Princess.”

When it comes to providing soulful vocals, Thea Astley is definitely topnotch! This singer/songwriter was first launched onto the stage through her finish as the 1st runner-up on “The Clash” Season 2. Having come a long way from her beginnings in Doha, Qatar, Thea is continually living up to her title as “The Kapuso Soul Princess” with her distinct vibrato and vocal range.

Originally hailing from Iligan City in Mindanao, Mariane Osabel bested all the others and won as the Grand Champion on “The Clash” Season 4. There, she was dubbed as “The Ultimate Siren,” and now, as one of the Queens, Mariane provides amazing high-hitting performances and harmonies like no other.

Jessica Villarubin, meanwhile, is a vocal revelation from Cebu. When she joined the third season of “The Clash” in 2020, she displayed exceptional singing techniques and vocal stamina, which made her shine among the rest and emerge as the Grand Champion. The “Power Cebuana Diva” also went viral with her collaboration cover of a Celine Dion classic.

No stranger to the concert scene, “Asia’s Limitless Star” is set to deliver a remarkable performance on “Queendom: Live.” Julie Anne San Jose started young on “Popstar Kids,” and since then, she has consistently been raising the bar as a female vocalist. One of the best-selling recording artists of the country, Julie Anne is known as the youngest recipient of the Diamond Record Award from the Philippine Association of the Record Industry. 

With many musical awards under her belt, it’s no wonder why Julie Anne was chosen as host of “The Clash” and gained a spot as one of the Superstar Coaches on “The Voice Generations.” She also achieved another milestone with her online musical trilogy concert entitled “Limitless,” which received the silver award in the Entertainment Special: Variety Special Category at the 2022 New York Festivals TV and Film Awards.

Get ready for a spectacular night

With these six amazing powerhouse divas all on one stage, they are ready to rule and raise the bar as one! Get ready for the ultimate diva experience as they sing their fans’ playlist picks and bring out both what their audiences have been clamoring for, as well as surprising renditions of well-loved classics and new hit songs. Concertgoers should not miss out as well on the special performances prepared by the divas' surprise guests.

Directed by Miguel Tanchanco and made possible through GMA Synergy and GMA Entertainment Group, “Queendom: Live” will be a milestone moment in these women’s musical journey. Together, they will create a vocal and visual spectacle that aims to empower women to rise up and claim their crowns and thrones as true Filipina queens. 

Tickets for “Queendom: Live” are available via www.gmanetwork.com/synergy and ticketworld.com.ph.

Philippine Fairy Tales (VII) - Philippinische Märchen (VII) - Warum die Mango herzförmig ist

WARUM DIE MANGO HERZFÖRMIG IST?

In einem Dorf, das in Kalibo, in der Gegend von Aklan lag, lebte in alten, alten Zeiten ein Mann. Er war ungestüm und polterte wie der Donner, dessen Namen er auch trug: Daeogdog. Doch Daeogdog ehelichte die feinfühlige, gütige und kluge Frau Mabuot. Sie hatten eine anmutige Tochter, Aganhon, deren Schönheit der des Morgensterns glich.

So verfloss ein Jahr ums andere, und Aganhon wuchs zum schönsten Mädchen heran, das man je gesehen hatte. Werber kamen aus nah und fern und hielten um ihre Hand an. Vater Daeogdog erwählte für seine Tochter einen Mann, der Maeopig hiess und gleichzeitig auch sehr ungestüm war. Kniefällig bat Aganhon ihren Vater, er sollte sie nicht zwingen, Maeopig zu heiraten. Auch Mabuot vergoss Tränen, um das Herz ihres Mannes zu erweichen.

"Nein", entschied der Vater. "Aganhon wird Maeopig heiraten!"

Sie setzten den Tag der Hochzeit fest. Maeopig tanzte vor Freude, dass er das schönste Mädchen für sich gewonnen hatte. Aber die Braut weinte, tagelang schloss sie sich in ihrer Kammer ein.

Der Hochzeitstag brach an. Gäste füllten Daeogdogs Haus. Die Feierlichkeiten sollten jeden Augenblick beginnen, doch wo war Aganhon? Sie war nicht mehr in ihrer Kammer. Sie war nicht mehr im Haus. Sie war im gesamten Dorf nicht mehr zu finden.

Man fand sie in der Nähe der Quelle tot auf, und zwar mit einem Dolch in der Brust. Daeogdog schloss sich im Hause ein und raufte sich in seiner Verzweifelung die Haare.

In der auf das Begraebnis folgenden Nacht erschien dem Vater Aganhons Geist. Dieser befahl ihm, er sollte sich am Morgen zur Quelle begeben, er würde dort einen Baum mit herzförmigen Früchten finden.

"Nimm diese Früchte als Andenken an die, deren Herz du gebrochen hast!"

Am nächsten Tag in aller Frühe lief Daeogdog zur Quelle, von der der Geist gesprochen hatte. Und führwahr, vor ihm stand ein dichtbelaubter Baum und von seinen Ästen hingen einige herzförmige Früchte. Doch anfangs getraute sich niemand, von diesem Obst zu essen. Sie aßen es erst, nachdem ein beherzter Mann eine Frucht gepflückt und sie mit Appetit verzehrt hatte.

Daeogdog war sehr gerührt und sehr betrübt zugleich. Er sagte den Leuten, sie sollten den Baum züchten, damit er alle Väter daran gemahne, nie ihre Kinder zu etwas zwingen, was wider ihren Willen sei.

Bald wuchsen im Dorfe viele solche Bäume. Auf ihnen reiften herzförmige Fruechte und die Menschen haben ihnen den Namen MANGO, was herzförmig bedeutet!

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WHY IS THE MANGO HEART SHAPED?

In a village that was in Kalibo, in the area of ​​Aklan, there lived a man in ancient, ancient times. He was impetuous and rumbled like the thunder whose name he also bore: Daeogdog. But Daeogdog married the sensitive, kind and clever Mrs. Mabuot. They had a graceful daughter, Aganhon, whose beauty was like that of the Morning Star.

Year after year passed, and Aganhon grew into the most beautiful girl anyone had ever seen. Suitors came from near and far to ask for her hand in marriage. Father Daeogdog chose a man for his daughter whose name was Maeopig and who was also very impetuous. Aganhon begged her father not to force her to marry Maeopig. Mabuot also shed tears to soften her husband's heart.

“No,” the father decided. "Aganhon will marry Maeopig!"

They set the wedding day. Maeopig danced with joy that he had won the most beautiful girl for himself. But the bride cried and locked herself in her room for days.

The wedding day arrived. Guests filled Daeogdog's house. The celebrations were about to begin, but where was Aganhon? She was no longer in her room. She was no longer in the house. She could no longer be found in the entire village.

She was found dead near the spring with a dagger in her chest. Daeogdog locked himself in the house and tore his hair out in despair.

On the night following the burial, Aganhon's spirit appeared to the father. He told him to go to the spring in the morning; he would find a tree with heart-shaped fruits there.

"Take these fruits as a souvenir of those whose hearts you have broken!"

Early the next day, Daeogdog ran to the spring the spirit had spoken of. And sure enough, in front of him stood a densely leafy tree and some heart-shaped fruits hung from its branches. But at first no one dared to eat this fruit. They ate it only after a courageous man plucked a fruit and ate it with appetite.

Daeogdog was very touched and very sad at the same time. He told people to grow the tree to remind all fathers never to force their children to do anything against their will.

Soon many such trees grew in the village. Heart-shaped fruits ripened on them and people gave them the name MANGO, which means heart-shaped!

(Nacherzählt von Jozef Genzor, aus dem Slowakischen übersetzt von Dr. Anna Fialova und herausgegeben in der CSSR, deutsche Ausgabe: Verlag Werner Dausien, Hanau/Main, 1978). 

(Retold by Jozef Genzor, translated from Slovak by Dr. Anna Fialova and published in the CSSR, German edition: Verlag Werner Dausien, Hanau/Main, 1978).

𝐆𝐨𝐯 𝐆𝐨𝐧𝐳𝐚𝐠𝐚 𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟑 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐧'𝐬 𝐀𝐝𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬, 𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐡𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐳𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐮𝐩𝐤𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐨𝐟 𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝-𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐲 𝐃𝐝𝐎

As the 31st National Children's Month culminated, Governor Dorothy P. Montejo-Gonzaga reported the current situation of the children in terms of the successful implementations of the programs, projects, and initiatives for children this year during her State of Children's Address (SOCA) 2023.

The address took place at the Provincial Capitol Lobby on Tuesday, November 28, 2023, emphasizing support for children of all sectors, thereby sustaining a safe and child-friendly province.

"More than a year now as your Governor, anchored on the government works thrust, the implementation of our child-friendly and youth-centered programs and activities had been realized even with limitations on the budget and resources," Governor Gonzaga said.

She highlighted in her report the collective efforts of the provincial government, national government agencies, and others that addressed the four core rights of children: the right to survival; development; protection; and participation, stressing the various aspects of children's well-being, including access to quality healthcare, education, age-appropriate nutrition, a safe place to live, shelter from all types of violence, and the intensification of the provincial ordinances that protected their rights.

"I believe that the rights of the child must be realized and fulfilled in order to achieve their full potential and development. More so, our children are future human capital of the province, thus we should invest on them" Governor Gonzaga added.

Meanwhile, some in-school & out-of-school children, IP/Muslim children, Children with disabilities, Children at Risk, Victim-survivor children, and other disadvantaged young people joined the governor as they presented their Congress Statement created during the 2023 Children Congress, providing solutions and recommendations to the identified issues and concerns they experienced in the home, school, and community.

From providing rightfully deserved services and having their voices heard, the governor underscored the importance of their existence in shaping communities. Through all of these efforts, Davao de Oro was recognized by DILG XI in May 2023 as IDEAL of the 2022 PCPC Functionality Assessment, garnering the highest score (90.74%) level of functionality among the 6 provinces and 1 HUCC in the entire region.

In addition, she unveiled the following initiatives for next year: (a) strengthen advocacy for facility-based delivery and exclusive breastfeeding of infants; (b) improve the delivery of health, nutrition services; (c) address and further lower the prevalence of malnutrition among children 0-59 mos old; (d) establishment of the Child Protection Unit in the Hospital; (e) increase the number of scholarship beneficiaries or educational grantees; (f) improvement of the residential care facilities (Bahay Pag-asa & Bahay Pangarap); and (g) intensify information dissemination on the different laws/ordinances on children.

She ended her report by saying that "if we will be united and pool all together our commitments, efforts, resources we can do so much for our children. They are our future, our next generation – our venture, our investment will never be in vain if we are one in this journey to make this province a safe and child-friendly community."

Further, the event drew a diverse audience, including BM Ruwina Gonzaga, BM Marie Jude Fuentes-Lopoz, BM Vivencia Secuya, PG & Assistant PG Heads, the members of the Provincial Council for the Protection of Children (PCPC), Municipal CPC, stakeholders, parents, duty bearers, media partners, and public servants, showing their full commitment as they recited the Panatang Makabata led by Acting Provincial Administrator Lewis Jake Caiman.

The SOCA featured the province's persistent endeavors to establish a nurturing environment, empowering the next generation to flourish and make positive contributions to society. It is anticipated that the governor's speech will initiate ongoing discussions and collaborations among stakeholders, all united in the common objective of ensuring that every child in the province has the opportunity to realize their full potential. (Jaynus Fernandez, Photos by Albert Dayao)

Gloria Diaz: 'Miss Universe is a matter of destiny'

BY ANNALYN S. JUSAY

  

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AT A GLANCE

• "In the end, everybody really deserves to win. I always feel it's fate. F-A-T.E," she said, spelling out the letters.

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Former Miss Universe Gloria Diaz (center) and daughters Isabelle (right) and Ava (Images courtesy of Facebook)

Michelle Dee delivered an "amazing" performance at the just-concluded Miss Universe pageant, but winning the title "is fate. It's a matter of destiny." Former beauty queen-turned-actress Gloria Diaz expressed this - the first beauty from the Philippines to be crowned Miss Universe in 1969.

"In the end, everybody really deserves to win. I always feel it's fate. F-A-T.E," she said, spelling out the letters. "Hindi naman ako ang pinakamaganda during my time, di ba?  Ang daming magaganda, ang daming matatangkad at mas malaking boobs. But at the end of the day, it's really swertihan."

(I was not the most beautiful during my time, right? There were so many more beautiful women; they were taller than me and had bigger boobs. But at the end of the day, it's really about luck). Gloria clarified what she said before the finals of the recent Miss Universe that Michelle had a strong chance of winning. "This is to quote-unquote myself. Why does Michelle have a good chance of winning? It's like you and I and everyone. If we bought a ticket in the lotto, we had a good chance of winning...1 in 10 million, 1 in 2 million, but we bought a ticket. And since Michelle was in that contest, she had a good chance of winning."

Miss Universe 1969 Gloria Diaz and her court

"Tayong mga Pilipino, medyo sanay na tayo laging nananalo, na all of a sudden, we all feel naku dinaya, Lutong Macau. You can move mountains, declare this and declare that. Pero at the end of the day, it's destiny," Gloria stressed.

(Filipinos are so used to winning that when we lose, we feel we were cheated of victory. We can declare all we want, but at the end of the day, it's destiny.)

Gloria was interviewed in Okada Manila after the historic signing between Mentorque Productions and Warner Bros. for the theatrical distribution of the Metro Manila Film Festival entry "Mallari." She's a member of the cast as Doña Facunda. 

Gloria, who remains beautiful in her 70s, gave Michelle the advice that she could always join the pageant again (note: under Miss Universe rules, contestants cannot join the competition a second time).

Michelle Dee 

"Next year, pwede naman siya sumali uli, hindi ba? She's beautiful in and out. She looked confident. She had a beautiful gown. She had good answers and stuff. Pero iba naman ang type ng judges for this year," she remarked.

The irrepressible former Miss Universe stated, "On a scale of 1 to 10, Melanie Marquez is a 10, and Michelle is an 8." She was a judge when Melanie was proclaimed Bb. Pilipinas International 1979. Gloria recalled that she "pushed"  for Melanie to win, even though the latter was criticized for not speaking good English.

"I pushed for her (to win) because this is not an IQ contest or a search for the best in English. For me, all contestants should be able to speak in their language. Ang daming interpreter dyan," Gloria pointed out.

The veteran actress has two lovely daughters in the celebrity spotlight - Isabelle and Ava. But they never pursued pageantry like their legendary mom. Gloria believes that this is all for the best. "I was relieved when they decided not to join any pageant. I will be the most stressed pag natalo," she said.

PH exceeds goal of 4.8M international visitor arrivals, says DOT

BY JEL SANTOS

Nov 28, 2023 09:28 PM

  

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Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco (Photo by DOT)

The Philippines exceeded its goal of having 4.8 million international tourist arrivals before the end of 2023.

This was announced by Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco during the agency’s first Philippine Golf Tourism Summit held at Grand Hyatt Manila on Tuesday, Nov. 28.

“As of Nov. 27, 2023, the country has registered a total of 4,822,530 million visitors who visited the country, with foreign tourists still comprising the bulk of arrivals by 91.88 percent or 4,430,725, while the remaining 8.12 percent or 391,805 are returning overseas Filipinos,” the agency said in its statement. 

According to the tourism department, South Korea remains the Philippines’ top source market for foreign arrivals which brought in 1,271,602 tourists or 26.37 percent of the total.

The USA came in second with 797,181 tourists (16.53 percent), followed by Japan with 272,735 tourists (5.66 percent), China with 242,107 tourists (5.02 percent), and Australia with 225,464 tourists (4.68 percent).

Frasco said the agency targeted 4.8 million international arrivals by the end of 2023.

“We have now welcomed over 4.82 million international visitors, contributing an impressive P404 billion in foreign visitor receipts to date underscoring the value of tourism to our economy,” she stated. 

“Tourism continues to drive growth and provide income and jobs nationwide.”

Frasco shared the report of the country’s national economic managers, which indicates that the Philippines' second-largest source of economic growth is tourism.

“This cements our position as one of the strongest pillars of the Philippine economy that employs no less than 5.35 million Filipinos in the tourism industry sector, ensuring jobs, livelihood, and the well-being of communities all over the country,” she went on.

The chief of the tourism department said that the other factors that contributed to these accomplishments included the relaxation of visa requirements, the construction of tourist rest areas, the creation of the first-ever multi-platform tourist call center, the building of tourism roads, the growth of dive, heritage, and cultural tourism caravans, the development of cruise, education, medical, gastronomy, and sports tourism,among others.

Present during the event were tourism and golf industry leaders and stakeholders.

The summit was organized by the agency’s Office of Product Development of Golf Tourism and Special Projects.

Honoring Andres Bonifacio’s heroism more important than day of commemoration

BY MANILA BULLETIN

 

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For Filipino senior citizens who have been accustomed to the celebration on Nov. 30 of Bonifacio Day as a non-working holiday, a brief backgrounder is in order.

In 1952, President Elpidio Quirino declared Nov. 30 as Bonifacio Day, as this is the national hero’s birth date. He declared a separate observance of National Heroes Day which had been observed on Nov. 30 since 1942. In August 2022, President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. issued Proclamation No. 42, announcing the list of holidays for 2023. Nov. 30 was listed as Bonifacio Day. Subsequently, he issued Proclamation No. 90, which also declared the regular holidays and special non-working holidays for 2023. In this new order, he enunciated the policy of holiday economics, first implemented by former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, that is, “a longer weekend will help encourage domestic travel and increase tourism expenditures in the country." This explains why this year, Bonifacio Day is observed on Monday, Nov. 27. 

Regardless of the day on which his heroism is recalled by a grateful nation, Andres Bonifacio’s preeminent position in the pantheon of Filipino heroes is securely assured. In the national consciousness, he is the defiant hero who held a bolo in his right hand and a pistol in his other hand as he called on Filipinos to assert their independence from the Spanish colonial rulers. At the Bonifacio monument in Caloocan City, and near Manila City Hall — and in many other town and city plazas in the country — he is remembered and honored as a militant nationalist leader who spearheaded the rebellion against Spain.

Immediately after Jose Rizal was deported in 1892, he founded the Katipunan, in full, Kataas-taasan, Kagalang-galang na Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan (Highest and Most Respected Society of the Country's Children). The use of the word Bayan denotes advocacy of community and nationhood.
He declared Philippine independence as early as in 1895, then again in 1896 after the execution of Rizal whom he regarded as his mentor. He is known as a nationalist proletarian, in contrast to the enlightened elite in the mold of Rizal who had the wherewithal to travel to Spain and Europe for higher education, and later, as venue for propagating the cause for Filipino nationhood. When he joined the freemasonry movement, he adopted the pseudonym May Pag-asa, or literally, there is hope. Indeed he served as a beacon of hope while rallying support for the toppling of Spanish colonial rule that flourished for more than three centuries

Andres Bonifacio floundered in the shoals of his rivalry with Emilio Aguinaldo that ended in his execution in Maragondon, Cavite. Yet, his fiery inspiration animated and inspired the thousands of foot soldiers from the ranks of the peasantry and the proletariat who joined the revolutionary forces throughout the archipelago. Even as the nascent Philippine Republic’s full fruition was thwarted by a new wave of American colonial rulers, these forces continued to offer active resistance.

Long live Andres Bonifacio, the Great Plebeian!

GOSSIP GIRL: Taking the Mount Malindang Cross border tour

BY GISELLE SANCHEZ

Nov 28, 2023 00:26 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Since it’s more fun in the Philippines, let me take you to the eight tourist spots in the mountain range of the inactive volcano Mt. Malindang. Mount Malindang is an inactive volcano located in Northern Mindanao.

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After the pandemic, I realized that life is short, so I decided to travel more and see the Philippines and other countries nearby. Since it’s more fun in the Philippines, let me take you to the eight tourist spots in the mountain range of the inactive volcano Mt. Malindang. Mount Malindang is an inactive volcano located in Northern Mindanao. 

A lot of tourists get afraid when they hear the word Mindanao. But our infantry battalion soldiers have been doing a fantastic job of reigning peace and order in Mindanao since the Duterte administration. Mindanao has the most amazing places in our country. The Mount Malindang Cross border packages get you to cross over Misamis Occidental, Zamboanga del Norte, and Zamboanga del Sur. 

I collaborated with Atty Jun Salatandre, the president of 1MountMalindang, hotel and resort owners of the Mount Malindang Cross Border Tour, and the owner of Villa Pablea, a natural mountain cold spring resort located in Zamboanga del Norte. 

This is the starting line of the package I availed on the Mount Malindang Cross border Tour. Villa Pablea has 25 family rooms and a convention center for 700 pax for those who want to hold events like weddings and corporate functions. This is where I stayed for two nights, and the rooms were first-class. Make sure you book the VIP Meriam Suite. 

Our first stop was Nelsa’s Agri Tourism Park, where I tasted the freshest Guyabano Juice they grew there.  We then proceeded to Highlander Farm Resort for some ATV adventure and had warm coffee in Cecilia’s Plate, which gave me the Baguio vibe since we were having coffee under tall pine trees. 

We then proceeded to Gantao Hills and Lantay View for some picture-taking. This place gave me a Tagaytay vibe, and just basking in nature was a treat. Do you know that mountain bathing (just like sunbathing, but this time you bathe in the view of the mountain) has healing benefits physically and spiritually? But my favorite of the entire tour was Viewpoint at Tinindugan. 

Let me tell you a story about how beautiful Viewpoint is. Francis Palma, a Filipino based in Los Angeles, developed a love-at-first-sight affair with the view of Mount Malindang in Tinindugan he decided to buy that piece of land and develop it as a viewpoint where he charged each tourist 50 pesos to have pictures on that Viewpoint. 

The place went viral on TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram, and after a year, he earned seven million pesos from the 50-peso entrance fees of Viewpoint. He built his own home in the Viewpoint and a farm-and-table restaurant on the opposite lot of Viewpoint. The restaurant was a success, and he could purchase the lot beside the Viewpoint and build first-class villas. It is a success story from a breathtaking view. 

The last and highest point we went to was Nikka’s Ridge. It was so high that I could touch the clouds; yes, clouds are cold! My pictures look like summer, but I was shivering cold already. And clouds up close don’t look like cotton. They look like foggy mist. Just thick, thick, cold fog that will envelop you. This experience was a first for me. I wished I had more time to avail myself of the package with Dakak and other beaches. 

How to get there? Take a one-hour plane ride to Dipolog or Ozamiz. To sign up for the tour, you can check out their Facebook page, which opens on Dec. 1, and DM them - Mount Malindang Cross Border Tour. Next week, I will tell you about the new facelift Hong Kong has done during the pandemic and how wonderful it is to travel in new Hong Kong.