Best BYAHILO Moments 2010: A Yearend Special Part 1

2010 is about to end. And frankly speaking, I’m just so tired to write new blog posts today. I still have a handful of backlog posts, which hopefully, I can finish before I start traveling again.

As a yearender, I am making a list here of some memorable travel experiences/blog posts I made. This is just a first of two parts. This covers travel for the first half of 2010 :

Phil Intl Hot Air Balloon Fiesta

1. Three Festivals in Three weekends – A lot fo firsts here. First time to attend the Sinulog sa Kabataan. First time to witness the Kalibo Ati-atihan, and for the very first time, I got to cover the three major festivals all in one year! This is the first time that I have ever done this. Sad to say, I cannot do this feat this 2011, as I have other plans in store.

2. Kalibo Ati-atihan, for the very first time – Four days of non stop merry making is tiring, but really fun! Hala Bira Pwera Pasma!

3. 2010 Phil. International hot Air Balloon Fiesta – I have been to the Clark Hot Air Balloon event several times, but this 201, I was able to cover the event up close. I got so lucky to be issued with a Media ID. The feeling of shooting these colorful balloons right in front of your face is really different. I felt so ecstatic! It’s all worth the early morning travel from Manila to Pampanga!

4. Salapan Festival – Only a handful has probably heard of the Salapan Festival. The fiesta is held in Pulupandan, Negros Occidental. Although it’s not popular or big, in terms of preparation or promotion. I still gave it a try. I just love the colors! and the energy of the kids giving their all-out performance is superb! More Salapan Festival photos here

5. 3D/2N in the Mystic Island of Siquijor! – It was a dream come true for me to finally set foot in the island of Siquijor. Many people only knew about folk healing, but I must tell you, there’s a lot of things to do in Siquijor! And beach bumming is just one of them! I love the beach. I love the old churches and the centuries-old belltowers! The province of Siquijor also became the 40th province that I have ever been to.

6. Sumilon Bluewater Island Resort – It was an unforgettable stay at the Sumilon Bluewater. Great food. Breathtaking seascape. Amazing marine life. And of course, Sino makaka limot na naiwanan eroplano pabalik ng Manila?! Technically I was not part of the group that was left by the plane. Since after the trip I was bound for Bacolod via Dumaguete. Nasa Dagat pa lang kmi bound for Dumaguete when the plane was already landing at the DGT airport. Ayun, all the 8 other bloggers and media friends stayed an extra night in Dumaguete. Because of that incident, I also stayed overnight in Dumaguete. We have an excise to feast on the best Sans Rival and Sylvannas in this side of the planet!

7. Lucban Pahiyas Festival: Kiping the Tradition Alive – My first ever experience of the Pahiyas Festival. Houses decked with colorful kipings, and the Lucban Longganisa! Yummy!

8. I did Parasailing in Boracay! – I find it a bit scary at first but it’s all worth the scream! If given the chance, uulit pa ako!

Photo by Ryan Fernandez

9. The Tibiao Fish Spa Experience – I must admit. Tibiao Fish Spa is now a guilty pleasure. I never fail to visit the spa located at SM Mandurriao every time I am in Iloilo. I hope to visit the main spa in Tibiao Antique soon!

10. Sudoy ha Leyte Tour – I swear, one of the BESTest Tours I ever have this 2010! Very organized. Food is really Great in Rafael Farm and of course, the tour won’t be interesting without Ludette Ruiz and Sir Gerry Ruiz of Leyte Gulf Travel and Tours! Sir Gerry has recently won the Best Photo Blog for the Phil blog Awards – Visayas, and the 2010 Philippine Blog Awards. I am looking forward to be with them early next year during the Sinulog in Cebu and late March 2011 four our trip to Northern Samar!

There you go folks, these are the top 10 events and activities I have experienced for the first half of 2010. Stay tuned tomorrow for the concluding part of this series. Happy New Year Everyone!