Gamay Tourism Video Project 2019

Gamay, Northern Samar is my hometown and definitely a place where I find comfort and relaxing vacation. The Gamay Tourism Video Project is our initiative to promote our  tourist destinations. Hopefully, this video will help us realize that we are truly blessed of natural wonders and we need to take care and share those gifts. This is also to proudly share to the world that there are small town in the Philippines such as Gamay that worth to visit and to be discovered. 

This town is small but a promising municipality. In fact, it was awarded by the Department of Interior and Local Government the "Seal of Good Local Governance in 2018". Also, this municipality has a strict policy in waste disposal and there are environmental advocacy projects for the community. 

There are available accommodations for the family or for the barkada such as the Marcela Bed and Breakfast. There are resorts that also accept guests. Direct bus trips from Manila to Gamay Terminal (24 hours travel time) or by plane from Manila to Catarman or Manila to Tacloban (with another van ride to Gamay Integrated Terminal for approximately 3-4 hours) are also available. They have "Lubi-lubi Festival" to thank the Creator for the coconut trees as one of the major source of agricultural products and livelihood and they have a version of Sinulog Festival. Indeed, Gamay is ready for your next adventure!

I am very thankful to the team who made this project possible. My stay in my hometown is the most memorable so far. The production team were very responsive. 

(photo credit: rayjiegubatanaphotography)

For your tour inquiry, please visit the Gamay Tourism Office facebook page or text them to 0917 320 6470. Gamay Tourism Office is located at Sta. Maria Street, Gamay Northern Samar.

The Production Team

Credits to:

 Mr. Rayjie Gubatana and Team
 Gamay Turismo fb page random photos
 Mr. Mark Henson L. Oreo (photo)
 Mr. Mawingskie Ong (photo)

Models:

Ms. Lamia Sumbilla
Mr. Ron Ryzel Grajo

Voice Talent:

Ms. Allysa Felma Crebello

Special Thanks to:

Hon. Mayor Timoteo Capoquian, Jr.
Municipality of Gamay Northern Samar
Marcella Bed and Breakfast
Rayjie Gubatana Photography
105.1 Sky Radio Gamay
Mr. Roel Longcop and Team

Asst. Director and Videographer
Mr. Rayjie Gubatana

Director, Scriptwriter, and Video Editor:
Mr. Herman L. Brinas

Port Barton: A promising destination in Palawan

Palawan is known for beautiful spots and Port Barton at San Vicente seems to be an emerging tourist favorites. With less than three hours of travel via van ride (600 per head for 5 passengers) from Puerto Princesa Domestic Airport, Port Barton is more convenient to otther destinations.

There are affordable accomodations and varietes of local and international cuisine since there are lots of foreign tourists. During our visit, we stayed at Le Cou De Tou Village Resort along Luna Street, Port Barton Town, San Vicente, Palawan. It was a homely, safe and affordable accomodation.

The locals are friendly and it has a feel of living with the Palawan culture with a touch of international culture due to many foreign tourists. To enlighten you further about our adventure, the itinerary are as follows. Please don't forget to watch the video above.

Day 1
Arrival at Puerto Princesa
Arrival at Lee Cou De Tou Village Resort
Swimming at White Beach (Boat Ride and Fee)

Day 2
Island Hopping
   - Twin reef
   - Peña plata island
   - Marine sanctuary
   - Exotic island
   - Turtle spot
   - Starfish island


The island hopping package is around Php 1200 per head that includes the spots above with lunch (pork, chicken, rice, seasoned fruit and fish/seafood). For the island hopping tour you can coordinate with MARCO-R Boat Island Tour at 0918 786 1038.

For comfortable accomodation you can call Lee Cou De Tou Village Resort at 0927 615 5739.

Splash & Bumps 2015

(Image courtesy of Mr. Thawn Suang)

Congratulations to the students who won the different events of the Splash and Bumps (Swimming) 2015 held at Angelicum College Swimming Pool last February 28, 2015. The events are Freestyle (Male and Female category), Breaststroke (Male and Female category), Relay (Male and Female category).  The participants were the two sections who are enrolled in PE4S (Advance Swimming) course namely; HRM2A and TM2B. The winners received freebies and they are exempted to take the final practical (with a perfect score). They just need need to take the final written examination.

The lucky swimmers are:

Rafael Co
Event: Fresstyle Male
Speed: 17.04 sec/ 25 meters

Kim Ann Caberto
Event: Freestyle Female
Speed: 21.96 sec/25 meters

Gino Miranda
Event: Breastroke Male
Speed: 22.42 sec/25 meters

Jannene Hicarte
Event: Breastroke Female
Speed: 33.66 sec/25 meters

Relay Men
Rafael Co
Gino Miranda
Genesis Dela Roma
Speed: 72.55 sec

Relay Women
Kristine Cancio
Jeanete Ann Baquir
Patricia Angela Satimbre
Speed: 112.43 sec

(photo collage created via http://www.pikage.com )

The winners are expected to represent their course in the upcoming Letramurals Season 6. Good luck future Letramurals swimming champions.


Special Thanks to:

Asst. Prof. Randy A. Lero
Chair, Physical Education Area
College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
Letran- Manila

Asst. Prof. Russel Tropa
Faculty members of PE Area

HRM2A & TM2A Students

Angelicum Pool Management

What type of float is difficult to execute?

Floating is an important skill in learning the different strokes. Learning to float indicates that the student is ready for the next learning skill. It further shows the confidence of the swimmer in the water. Prone floating is an important skill for the freestyle/frontcrawl while back float is important for the backstroke. Aside from the prone float and back float, there are other types of float to explore, namely;

1. dead man's float

student performing the dead man's float

2. turtle float

student performing the turtle float

3. jellyfish float.

student performing the jellyfish float

The three types of float could be easy or difficult to some students. Among the three, which is easy and on the other hand, the difficult to execute? Share your opinion about the floating lesson.



To my students, post your answer in the comment portion of this blog. Follow the format below:
Assignment # 3
Name:
Class:
Schedule:
Comments:

What is your motivation to learn swimming?

(photo source: www.speedo.com )

Swimming may not be your first choice sports but at least there could be some reason why you want to learn or why you want to engage in this sport. I listed some of your possible motivation. Check the listing below and try to reflect on your personal motivation. You can share your own to inspire other swimming enthusiasts.

1. For fitness
2. To learn a new skill
3. For career preparation
4. I feel that its a need to learn swimming
5. To enjoy recreation activities
6. To engage in other aquatic sports
7. For safety and survival
8. To face my fear in the water

To my students, post your answer in the comment portion of this blog. Follow the format below:

Name:
Class:
Schedule:
Comment: ( At least one paragraph)

Mt. Tarak: A promising resort, restaurant, and guest house in Mariveles, Bataan

If you are looking for accommodation in Mariveles, Bataan, try the Mt. Tarak guest house for a comfortable stay. It's just 50 meters away from the highway and this guest house is echoed  as, soon to be one of the Bataan's finest.

Adult and Kiddie Pool

There are total of 8 room units for accommodation. For rooms with one bed, the accommodation price is 2000 per night, while room with two beds is 2500, inclusive of two servings of mineral water and instant coffee. Each room has personal refrigerator, flat television (with cable connection), air-conditioning unit. Furniture is well selected and rooms are fully furnished. The check-in time is 2:00 pm and the check-out is 12:00 noon.

Rooms

The amenities are videoke bar, restaurant, function room (40 person), cottage (three tables, 30 person), 8 room units, shower area, stage (outdoor), kiddie and adult recreation pool. The food selections are sizzling gambas, crispy pata, beef broccoli, gising gising while the beverages are dinosaur chocolate shake,  cookie monster shake.

The Restaurant

A big cottage that can accommodate up to 30 persons is only Php 1000. Shower areas and rest rooms are clean. Pool is well-maintain and truly inviting to swim. For walk-in swimmers, pay only 200 pesos (day and night swim) and you can already enjoy the pristine pool water. Proper swimming attire is strictly observe.

Cottage

Mt. Tarak is specifically located at MAAP Road, Brgy. Alas-asin, Mariveles, Bataan. According to Mr. Benedicto Caag, Owner and Operations Head, Mt. Tarak is preparing for the construction of its 400pax function hall, more villas, cabanas and an additional pool. Something big is about to happen. Something that is truly promising. For inquiries please contact Mt. Tarak Office at 0917 534 28 87 or (047) 6121093.

Basic gym equipment

Outdoor shower area

2-Bed Room

Touch of Sun, Sea, and Pool Water at Sofitel

It is truly breathtaking and relaxing with the touch of Sofitels' captivating recreation resort located in its prime location in CCP Complex, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City.

The pool is lagoon-type, it is well-landscaped, and with a view of the sea. It has well-maintained shower areas, cottages, artificial waterfalls,  slides, and a tropical garden with sun beds and beach chairs. The pool management is strict and has its rules. This is expected in five star hotels to maintain the standards of their services. The swimming pool rules are as follows:

-Only the registered guest and hotel members are allowed to swim.
(If one of your friends is a member, maybe you can  have access to the pool)
-Outside food and drinks are not permitted within the pool/garden area
-Children under 14 must be under adult supervision at all times
-Make use of the pool side shower

-Swimming is not allowed for individuals who carry communicable disease, open wounds, and/or under influence of any substances
-No diving, running, jumping
-Appropriate swim wear must be worn
-The hotel does not take liability for any kind of harm  caused within the pool
-Children who cannot swim must wear swimming and floating gear

The pool is made-up with white cement (not tiled) and painted with white and blue. The paint enhances the beauty of the pool as it reflects in the water. The pool is ornamented with lights that makes it more inviting for night swimming in the evening. The yachts also add to the fantastic view.

I was able to visit the pool due to a national convention. It was a truly amazing visit and I am looking forward to personally make a splash in that luxurious recreation pool in the future. Try and experience a luxury visit at Sofitel!

Related link: www.sofitelmanila.com

Langoy Sirena (Mermaid Swim): The Newest Swimming Stroke of Summer

It is every little girls dream to be a princess, no doubt, this is really common among them. But time has changed,  now, from princess, its is now every little girls dream to be a mermaid princess. No wonder why the local television networks included mermaid as one of the themes in primetime and telebabad shows. Dyesebel (the iconic and legendary mermaid) and Kambal Sirena (newest creation of mermaid-themed fantasy drama) aired like really intended for long summer vacation while most activities are swimming in the beach and in other water forms. As a result, mermaid swim or locally known as "langoy sirena," is now a popular stroke among the kids and even among adults. It is a swimming style that utilizes dolphin kick and mimic the swim of a mermaid.

(photo credit: www.veooz.com )
Ann Curtis & Ashley Sarmiento 

(photo credit: www.gmanetwork.com)
Loiuse delos Reyes

In the technical level, the closest to mermaid swim is finswimming, more specifically, the monofin swimming. It is a swimming technique that uses an accessory (monofin) to swim like a dolphin. According to en.wikipedia.org, Monofin is a type of swimfin that is typically used in underwater sports such as finswimming and freediving. This type of swimming advances the speed of the swimmer into 3 seconds more faster than the usual. The first type of swimming fin was made of rubber. It was developed by a French Commander De Corlieu. On the other hand, monofin was invented by Ukrainian finswimming team in 1972. Other variations are bifin and paddle fins. Is monofin a sport? Yes, It is a sport. In fact, the first bi-annual world championship competition for a monofin swimming started in 1962 and it was recognized by the International Olympic Committee in 1986. 

(photo credit: www.cashcashpinoy.com  )
A little girl in her mermaid swim lesson

(photo credit: www.swimshop2u.com )
Kids doing the monofin swim

What skills are needed to learn it? Basic swimming skill is needed to learn monofin but even without the formal swimming lesson but knows how to swim for survival can also learn monofin swimming. The most needed and necessary skill is treading for survival in the deep water. It would also be an advantage if you know how to do gliding with undulation and dolphin kick from the butterfly stroke.

(photo credit: http://breakingmuscle.com )
Traditional long blade fins

In the Philippines, there is no school for fin-swimming but some swimming schools offer it as part of their swimming programs. On November 8, 2012, fin-swimming was offered in the University of the Philippines as a service Physical Education to its students (PE2).

(photo credit: philippinemermaidswimmingacademy.com)
Mermaid swimming students

In fulfilling  your dream to be a mermaid swimmer, the philippine mermaid swimming academy offers learning program that will make your summer a memorable one. Before doing the mermaid swim, be sure to be equipped with necessary swimming skills. For basic swimming programs, try freelance aquatics solution and enjoy the best memories of a happy summer.

(photo credit: elisabethfreediver.blogspot.com )
Elisabeth Krisstoffersen, a Norwegian freediver

Related links:
www.finspirit.com
www.finswimmer.com
http://elisabethfreediver.blogspot.com
http://sportiteveryday.blogspot.com
www.philippinefinswimming.com
http://www.philippinemermaidswimmingacademy.com

A Luxurious Splash at "The Legend Villas" Swimming Pool

It's an amazing discovery. There is a small but homely recreation pool in Mandaluyong City. Summer is really full of great surprises. I was able to experience a luxurious splash in one of the best hotels in Mandaluyong, The Legend Villas. FreelaceAquaticsSolution facilitated the swimming lesson event of Mom and Me. Mom and Me is an event organizing company that advocates the importance of mother and daughter bonding. The "The Legend Villas", is the major Sponsor of such fun-to-fit mother and daughter summer swimming activity.

The pool is kidney shape with approximately 15 meters in length and 5 meters in width. Its deep is 4 feet to 7 feet. It has poolside jacuzzi and artificial waterfalls. The comfort rooms are clean and air-conditioned. Water is distinctly clean and chlorine content is just enough for the volume of water. The pool deck (walkway area) is made-up of wood . According to the Marketing Officer, the pool area is one of the favorite venues of parties and events. Pool is a potential venue of kids swimming lesson with six students per class for ages 6 to 12. A function hall is situated beside the pool area that can be used as extension of pool parties. The pool is open daily from 8:00am to 6:00pm. It is exactly  located at 60 Pioneer Corner Madison Streets, Mandaluyong City. It can be reached via Boni Avenue MRT station and a ten (10) minutes walk from Robinsons Mall.

 Related links:
http://www.legendvillas.com.ph, http://www.momandme.com.ph, https://www.facebook.com/mommyandmePH

My Top 5 Best Recreation Pool

Swimming in your most preferred pool is really cool. In Metro Manila, there are lots of swimming pool to choose from, whether its a private or public pool, lap or recreation pool. In my area, I am blessed to have three lap swimming pools, namely Philippine Army Swimming Pool, Philippine Navy Swimming Pool, and Philippine Air Force Swimming Pool. These three pools became the venue of my swimming activities. As part of my promotions and love for swimming, I used to explore swimming pools. Among the pools that I visited for pool hopping or swimming activities,  I listed the top five of my favorite recreation pools. Recreation pool is generally design for relaxation and leisure.

Top 5. Caliraya Recreation Center 

(photo credit: www.panoramio.com)

I was able to experience this pool (resort) twice. First, was due to retreat, and second, was due to company outing from my former employer. It has a diving board suited for basic and advance level. This pool is one of the amenities of the recreation center. There were only one pool during my stay, now there were two. Water is very cold since it is located in a mountain. The deepest part is about 10 feet, while the shallowest is about 4 feet. There is lifeguard on duty, so nothing to worry about safety. For info about Caliraya, visit www.caliraya.net.

Top 4. White Corals Beach Resort

(photo credit: www.willexplorephilippines.com )

White corals is the only saltwater pool I have known so far. It's cool to experience this kind of amenity. You can enjoy both the stylish shape of a recreation pool and the saltwater. They also have a freshwater pool as an option if you want something usual. While swimming in the saltwater pool, you can experience the view of the beach. Other activities are kayaking and snorkeling.

Top 3. Club Balai Isabel

(Club Balai Isabel Infinity Pool)

Club Balai Isabel offers an amazing scenery of Taal lake. This is famous in weddings and team-building activities. I was able to visit this place as part of a team building activity. The best attraction (being a swimming enthusiast) is the wide infinity pools facing the lake area. Great for relaxation. You can have a touch of nature. You will also love the food as well and the good service. For more info about the club you can visit www.balaiisabel.com

Top 2. Serendra One

(One of Serendra One's Pool)  

I ranked this pool in the second spot not because it is part of a high-end  high-rise condominium in the metro but because of its water. This pool is the only non-chlorinated I have known (aside from the free-flowing freshwater falls and spring water pool). This pool uses the latest technology in pool maintenance and management. I was able to swim in this pool five times due to my of private swimming lessons.

Top 1. Ace Water Spa

(photo credit www.sassyzeal.com)

My top one is the Ace Water Spa. This pool offers leisure, relaxation, and health. You can enjoy the water while experiencing their water massage facilities. There are saunas and steam baths. The most fascinating part of all are the herbal pools that will surely relieve you from your daily stress. This is one way of  pampering and rewarding yourself from your hardworking days. Swimming lessons are also offered in the resort spa. Visit www.acewaterspa.com.ph  for info.

My choice may not be the same with other bloggers. Please check my personal choice of related links to give you more information about swimming pool rankings. Have a happy swimming!

Related Links:
http://5oclockam.wordpress.com
http://www.spot.ph
http://www.gmanetwork.com,
http://megacities-go-services.com
http://en.wikipilipinas.org
http://cheaperoptions.wordpress.com 

Palms by the Beach Accomodation Experience in Marinduque

I had a great stay at Palms by the Beach Convention Center and Resort in Marinduque, Philippines! This resort is near to the Balanacan port area with an approximate travel time of ten minutes, so, its less hassle to check-in. From the resort, you will have a view of the giant image of Nuestra Señora del Pronto Socorro or Our Lady of Prompt Succor, (A version of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception) patroness of Boac, capital of Marinduque . Resort staff were courteous and accommodating. Rooms are clean and spacious enough for the family or barkadas.

The resort is a member of the city tour where they can arrange tour packages for you. The great attraction of the resort is the view of calm water and mountains that surrounds the place plus the kubo in the bay area . There is 24-security service and a generator in case of brown-out. The function room is spacious enough for weddings, debut, conferences and other activities. And of course, the manager is very kind (Sir Joseph) as well as the resort owner (Tito Toy). It's a service that is beyond your expectations. I'm glad I was able to visit Marinduque, and I'm glad I was able to stay at Palms by the Beach! This is a place that will make you realize, Filipinos are really best in hospitality!

I will visit this resort again in my next trip to Marinduque. The PBTB is exactly located at Sitio Puntod, Balanacan, Mogpog, Marinduque, Philippines.  For reservation and inquiries you can call  their mobile number 0930-580-2984 or 0949-897-9158. You can also email them to palmsbythebeach@yahoo.com.

What attire is appropriate for swimming lesson?

Attire is a major issue in swimming. I decided to write this article to help the beginners learn some tips of what to wear in an activity like swimming lesson.

Generally, standard swimming pool requires proper swimming attire. The very reason  is to avoid discoloration of the water. If they will allow the people to swim in inappropriate wear, they will need to put more treatment, which requires higher maintenance.

Example of Complete/Proper Swim Wear for Men & Women
(photo source: bbc.co.uk)

The complete swimming attire consists of a head cap, goggles, swimsuit (female), swimming trunk (male). Head cap is used to lessen the friction of the water and gain more speed in gliding. It is also used to avoid distractions when swimming specially for swimmers with long hair. It also protects your hair from chlorine. According to www.enjoy-swimming.com , there are four (4) major types of swim cap. They are the:         1.) Latex and rubber; 2.) Silicone; 3.) Lycra; 4.) Others or Customized.

Latex Swim Cap
(photo source: djsports.com)

Silicone Swim Cap
(source:    http://www.ebay.com )

Lycra Swim Cap
(source: amazon.com)

Goggles is also needed in swimming. It helps the student to be more at ease with the water. Kids easily get their confidence with water when they used goggles in early age even if they swim for recreation purpose. It also helps to have more focus in learning swimming skills. The two important factors to consider when buying goggles according to swim.isport site  are comfort and fit. Goggles are classified into 1.) Competition 2.) Practice 3.) Recreational 4.) Swimming masks. The main purpose of wearing goggles is to protect your eyes from the harmful chemicals and dirt from water and from the harmful rays of the sun. 

Swim goggles for kids (Recreational)
(photo source: www.amazon.co.uk)

Swim goggles for adults   (Practice)
(photo source: aquagear.com)

Competition goggles
(source:       www.swimoutlet.com )

Swimsuits and trunks come in  different type or classification. The most conservative type is the rash-guard (top for men and women) because it covers the whole upper part of the body and great pair for any type of bottom swim wear. The types of trunks are; 1.) the boy-leg cut also known as square leg swimsuits 2.) Swim jammers or the cycling cut 3.) Two- piece (for female) 4.) Monokini or One piece swimsuit 5.) Brief cut 6.) Long swimming trunks. Board-shorts are generally not accepted as proper swimming attire in swimming pool. It is more accepted as attire for recreation swimming.

1. Boyleg cut
(photo source:         zappos.com)

2. Jammer
(source: decathlon.co.uk)

3. Two-pice
(source: shop.bench.com.ph)

4. One-piece
(source:        swimsuitscountry.net)

5. Brief cut                                                      6. Long trunks
(source: aliexpress.com)

 

In buying your swimming attire, choose the best in quality and those that lasts to save money. Your swim wear may also last according to care and maintenance. For swimming enthusiasts you can have at least three (3) sets. Always remember that board shorts are generally for pool and beach parties only. When doing a lap, you will swim better when you wear the proper attire.


Related links:

http://www.enjoy-swimming.com
http://swim.isport.com
http://swimwear.about.com