Final tour in Isabela

I was overwhelmed with the positive feedback about my blog. I originally wrote this straight from my thoughts, through my observations and experiences.

I am too thankful to the admin-creator of IsabelinoAko organization on letting me featured the breathtaking and fascinating scenery of Isabela.

I was born in Cordon but never noticed the aesthetic tourist spots Isabela has. Also traveled so many places, yet unknowingly Isabela has hidden towns to be proud of in terms of natural resources and attractive ambiance.

Writing my last article on it, doesn't mean I end up exploring the hidden towns of my beloved province.

 Man-made artistic instructure found in Cordon, Isabela

A first town when you enter Isabela proper

Villa Diana in Cordon

Camp Vizcarra- Ramon, Isabela

 Ilagan, Isabela

Aguinaldo Shrine in Palanan

Exploring Hidden Towns Of Isabela (Part II)

The second part of exploring my beloved province.

Tumauini Church

Tumauni Isabela

NATIONAL HERITAGE SITE: Work on the church started in 1783. It has been faithfully restored after being damaged during World War II and is acknowledged as the most artistic brick structure in the Philippines. The cyclindrical bell tower is the only one of its kind in the country. 

[ Papa Nicko ]

This is not the famous Pangsanjan Falls. Isabela has something to be proud of it in terms of tourism.

Dibulo Falls in Dinapigue, Isabela. 

                                                                                                                                                                                  

                                                 

Photo credited to Gabriel Gonzales. Cool and nice ambiance. Dinapigue Isabela.

Water reservoir in Ramon, Isabela (Magat Dam)

Conserve water. 

 Avoid water pollution for the next generation to see the beauty of this river.

Santiago, Isabela

Aerial view of Palanan, Isabela

This town made history, when the Late Pres./Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo has been captured by US troops

Barangay Village in Roxas, Isabela. A cozy place to relax and dine

More to explore in the Province of Isabela

Come and visit @

www.facebook.com/IsabelinoAko

Exploring The Hidden Beauty of Isabela (Part 1)

Isabela is one of the provinces in Region II, and the second largest in Philippines.

Farming and fishing are the main sources of living among Ilocanos. Aside from a vast area of agricultural land, fish ponds,and bodies of water; Isabela is also a hub of trade, commerce, and other economic activities due to its central location.

Meanwhile, the local Government is working out in promoting Isabela-Tourism to attract visitors and tourists from other countries and neighboring provinces.

The pictures below were taken from different towns of Isabela:

The caves are located within the Isabela Sanctuary,which is part of the Fuyot  Springs National Park(FNSP)in Ilagan,Isabela. This area is located in the eastern part of Ilagan.The caves are just 15kms away from the town proper and 19kms from the town of Tumauini

San Pablo Church
 San Pablo, Isabela

Sierra Madre fronting San Agustin, Isabela

Dinapigue Sea Wall
Dinapigue, Isabela
Photo credited to Mr. Cattzz Regaton Ramos

Overlooking entire Divilacan, Isabela-
Honeymoon Island

This is not the famous Boracay.

A breathtaking view of

Honeymoon Island in Divilacan, Isabela

Water-borne diseases, BEWARE

Two weeks after Pedring hit Philippine responsibility water-borne diseases and illnesses are prevalent during such catastrophe. As I been writing this short article, I want to share the meaning and symptoms of Leptospirosis and Hypothermia.


 "Leptospirosis is an infectious disease caused by a type of bacteria called spirochete. It can be transmitted by many animals such as rats, skunks, opossums, raccoons, foxes and other vermin. It is transmitted through contact with infected soil or water. People contract the disease by either ingesting contaminated food or water or by broken skin and mucous membrane (eyes, nose, sinuses, mouth) contact with the contaminated water or soil.


The symptoms includes headaches, muscle aches, eye pain with bright lights, followed by chills and fever. Watering and redness of the eyes occurs and symptoms seem to improve by the fifth to ninth day.


The second phase begins after a few days of feeling well. The initial symptoms recur with fever and aching with stiffness of the neck. Some patients develop serious inflammation of the nerves to the eyes, brain, spinal column (meningitis) or other nerves. Right upper area abdominal pain may occur. Less common symptoms relate to disease of the liver, lungs, kidneys, and heart."

poultry and hogs are affected

pics taken by my cousin (chicken eggs)

human waste, stagnant water, muds, animal waste mixed-up

pics courtesy of fanpage "Isabelino Ako"

"Hypothermia can occur when you are exposed to cold air, water, wind, or rain.

Your body temperature can drop to a low level at temperatures of 50°F (10°C) or higher in wet and windy weather, or if you are in 60°F (16°C)to 70°F (21°C) water. If you have mild hypothermia, home treatment may be enough to bring your body temperature back up to normal. 

Early symptoms include: shivering, cold, pael, or blue-gray skin, numb hands and 

fingers, slurred speech. Late symptoms include: muscles become stiff, slow pulse, breathing that is shallow and slower, weakness or sleepiness.

It is an emergency condition and can quickly lead to unconsciousness and death if heat loss continues. If someone begins to shiver violently, stumble, or can't respond to questions, suspect hypothermia and warm him or her quickly."

                                                                                                                                                                 

barangay still submerged in muddy water (pics by my cousin)

Pics by Jeff of Cauyan Aking Ciudad fanpage

sources from: http://www.medicinenet.com/leptospirosis/article.htm#1whatis
http://firstaid.webmd.com/tc/hypothermia-and-cold-temperature-exposure-topic-overview

Super Typhoon Pedring's Anger

Super typhoon Pedring hit Philippines on Monday. The unprepared citizens flabbergasted and frightened as the unstoppable calamity struck Northern Luzon.

Due to non-stop rainfall, most of the provinces were still submerged in flood. Mudslides, muddy stagnant water and human wastes were everywhere.

High-Tide..The river down our barangay

Welcome Cordon, ooops welcome Pedring

Helping hand...united we stand

NO more gas station, bankrupt due to typhoon

A town in Cauayan, Isabela (courtesy of fanpage Isabelino Ako)

These photos were taken by my cousins in Cordon, Isabela

Overcoming Discouragement and Depression

All of us are familiar with disappointment. It's when our experience do not meet our expectations. Disappointment, when  not handled properly, leads to discouragement and then to depression. Depression is a despair, hopelessness or apathy. It's when we  seem to have no energy, no vitality, and no joy. It's when we choose to isolate ourselves, sometimes, harboring thoughts of suicide. It's when we give up on life.

Negative emotions can be compared to an iceberg. Only a tenth of an iceberg can be seen above the sea level. The bigger chunk is underneath the surface. This goes the same with negative emotions in something we do not readily see.

Though I usually smile to my colleagues, close friends, and some acquaintances still a bulk of iceberg kept inside me.
I have a happy and supportive family and relatives. I have my job but still learning and acquiring more skills and knowledge.

One point in my life, I reached this age asking and searching, what is lacking? I don't want to divulge what I am looking for 'coz this is between me and God.

Other says, " There is always time in everything."
Some says "Try and try until you succeed. Wishes and prayers will be granted at the right time."
Sometimes, I asked God, "when I insist what I want; proceed to my own plan, usually it will not turn smoothly."

It hurts and I usually weep. Nobody will console me, just sit-down near the corner of my room and reflect about the situation.

I tend to compare myself to those lucky ones. Usually think pessimistic and my self-confidence is at stake.
In spite of all these failures, I am still grateful God never deserted me. He still put smile on my face to continue my battle in this game of life.

hope i can drink to that fountain of youth...to look young fo... on Twitpic

hope i can drink to that fountain of youth...to look young fo... on Twitpic

Innocent turns to be liberated

How would you demand others to respect you, if you alone don't respect yourself?

May not all people were educated and learned. But with values and norms taught by their parents, they will put into practice and remembered throughout their existence.

On the contrary, lots of youth nowadays were liberated. Through my observation younger generations were being influenced by different factors such as: environment, peer groups, time, and media.

Environment because of different people around, you move places and encounter different cultures.

Peer groups because of the people you mingled with, you were curious to try something new and envy others how they carry themselves and face the world.

In time, as youth became matured, everyone is responsible to take every risk without thinking the consequences of it.

In media, through new innovations, they idolized others. They wanted to try and experience some thrill and excitement in part of their growing up.

I want to cite an example of this. I was roaming around Robinson Mall and SM Megamall and saw couples or sweethearts strolling and holding hand in hand. I was gazing to this young girl (as i thought so), wearing a light-fitted sleeve less top and a very short fitted maong short. The guy who is a foreigner (maybe in his late 30's or 40's) dressed-up decently.

I don't want to sound bias here. My point is, the girl should wear a more decent dress without revealing her soul and hidden parts. Besides she's not in a western country. Living in Philippines preserved moral, reputation and integrity.

I witnessed passers-by eyeing the love birds up and down, smirking, and laughing at. I felt sorry to the girl.
I don't blame others the way they judge the girl. If I have only the authority to scold the innocent one and give her an advice, right there and then, I talked to her.

I also don't blame foreigners why they looked at Filipinas as a sex-slaves, domestic wives and submissive partners.

 If we only change our image to a modest, intelligent, brave and truly respectful Filipina, the third world countries will look at us with respect and equal treatment where ever we maybe.