The Unspoiled Life in Siargao

Siargao is an island in the province of Surigao del Norte composed of nine municipalities. Of late, it's name has become part of a surfer's itinerary since it is considered as the best surfing place in the Philippines.

With those big waves from the Pacific Ocean called the Cloud 9, it will surely be one of the hottest spots in the country for surfers. There is even an international surfing competition called the Siargao Cup initiated by the provincial government.

Aside from being famous as surfers' paradise, Siargao also has other places to see like waterfalls and their best-kept secret lagoon where waters are as blue as the sea surrounding the island.

With the many resorts that are available, Siargao is really heaven in this side of the Philippines. Modern amenities are offered in a yet unspoiled environment.

Vegetation is still lush despite the influx of tourists and the development of roads that connect the nine towns in the island.

It is a place in the Philippines where one can commune with nature. The laid-back atmosphere is still very evident in the environs of Siargao. I just hope it remains that way - unspoiled by modernity and urbanization.

Whether you want to visit Siargao for surfing or just to enjoy nature at its best, it is one for the bucket list which I am lucky to have checked.

That is the unspoiled life of Siargao.

(Credit to the owners of the pictures.)

Shanghai, the World's Busiest Container Port

Shanghai, one of the major cities of China, is what I can call the modern society of the country. It is known to be a shopping haven more than the country's capital Beijing. It exudes modernity and class rolled into one. It is called the Paris of the East being the fashion capital of China. It even has Shanghai Fashion Week.

It is dubbed as the world's busiest container port. What with all the products made in China and its proximity to the sea and to neighboring countries such as Japan and Korea, Shanghai's port should really be big and busy.

In its commercial area, the city is divided into the Huangpu District which is the old side where The Bund is located and Pudong District where new skyscrapers have risen. Dividing the two districts is the Huangpu River which is one of China's main tributaries.

In 2010, the city hosted the World Expo and millions, if not billions, trooped to the city to see the arcades of the different participating countries. It was my first time to attend a world expo and it was a learning experience.

Since Shanghai is China's open city, it is where you can find international learning institutions to cater to the educational needs of children of expatriates and the affluent members of Chinese society.

International brand hotels have built their establishments there. What with those ultra modern architectural designs, Shanghai is one city that anyone would like to explore and visit.

Both Disneyland and Legoland have also theme parks in Shanghai. At least, there are other options to go to for such amenities.

But despite the onset of modernity, Shanghai still has its own charm that can rival that of the other cities in Asia. A lot of interesting places are worth the visit to the city.

As of this writing, Shanghai is still part of the country-wide lockdown due to the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID 19). When everything settles down and when this pandemic is over, a visit to Shanghai is worth the trip.

Paoay: One of Ilocos Norte's Charms

To some who have visited the place yet, Paoay is a sleepy town in Ilocos Norte. Little do people know that it is a charming municipality which is visited by lots of tourists all throughout the year whatever the season may be.

Of course, the reason for the influx of tourist, both local and foreigners, is the Paoay Church which boasts of majestic architecture inside and out. It has withstood the tests of time...typhoons, earthquakes and even war. It adds to the charm of Paoay.

The last time I was there, I was surprised to see that many fine dining restaurant have been established to cater to the increasing visitors to the town. What was once a sleepy town has turned into a gourmet's delight.

Of course, when you're in a tourist area, stores selling souvenirs as well as local products will be there. It is a delight to see that such a place have a lot to offer to its visitors. There are a myriad of Ilocano products to choose from.

Another must-go place in Paoay is the sand dunes. It is like a mini desert which has been used as location for several local films as well as international movies. It offers activities that cater to the adventurous set.

Another tourist area is the Paoay Lake where the Malacanang of the North is at its banks. It is a body of water that is a sight to behold even during evenings. A lot of activities can be done in the said lake and the people hope that people will utilize it for water sports.

The local government of Paoay is trying its best to cater to the needs of its tourists as well as their own citizens. Businesses have mushroomed and the town is prepared to take in more tourists and show its charm.