UP ROAD TRIP

UP ROAD TRIP is a cultural travel organization advocating responsible tourism since 2014.

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Where have you been traveling this midyear? Send us a photo!

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Not all those who wander are lost, some travel for a cause.

Hey roadpersons!

We have decided to make another blog where we will feature our travel stories. On the other hand, we will still continue posting here on Tumblr, but it will only feature photos and videos. 

We hope that you check out the link attached in this post. A new story has been posted there about our recent trip to Daranak falls and Calinawan cave in Rizal! 

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If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.

African Proverb

Your daily dose of travel inspiration with your friends and family brought to you by UP ROAD TRIP. Travel responsibly!

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The Harvest Festival.

Pahiyas Festival Lucban, Quezon

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We were here last year. The experience in learning about Lucban’s culture and local history was exciting. Hope to hear some new stories from our members from Lucban soon!

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AN ODE TO THE BEAUTIFUL EXILE (The Birth and Endless Journey of SINOPINAS)

Hi Alexis! Thank you for this wonderful opportunity of getting to have you guys in this special feature. I’ve been following Sino Pinas for quite a long time since I saw your photographs solely dedicated to this group. For the benefit of those who haven’t heard of it, can you give us a brief background of Sino Pinas? When and how did it all start? Who are the mind behind it? What are your goals and vision for Sino Pinas? Why Sino Pinas?

SinoPinas is a community of Filipinos in quest of discovering the Philippines; its beauty, culture and people – one place at a time. The name is coined which characterizes personification (i.e. introducing local scenes as if humans).  Using the hashtag #SinoPinas, we aim to reveal who the Philippines is through “Si” as a personal topic marker. Across all local regions, we get to know more about each place from #SiBatanes to #SiTawiTawi – a collection of images. Instagram becomes our creative outlet in encouraging today’s generation to travel with purpose and connect with people who share the same interest as ours. Our social media presence has become widely known giving us the opportunity to work with brands driven by the same advocacy – to boost local tourism in a storytelling manner. Established by four photography and travel enthusiasts, Karl Presentacion (@larkvain), Alexis Lim (@litratonijuan), John Austria (@mvltiple), and Raniel Hernandez (@rayniyel), SinoPinas sets its goal not just as a reference of local destinations but also a source of inspiration to people who seek adventure.

Sino Pinas is giving us breathtaking photographs of scenic places in the country. Are you guys travelling in groups? How often do you travel? How do you pick a destination?

We usually travel with groups outside Metro Manila. But we also make sure to have a solo Sino Pinas trip with just the 4 of us. In terms of how frequent we travel, we make sure to have at least 1 travel a month. We choose destinations that aren’t too mainstream. As much as possible, we want to be the one to introduce a new  destination to people.

Is it open for everyone? How do you become a part of Sino Pinas? Sino Pinas is a growing community of people who loves to travel. Once you use the hashtag, you’re already part of this community. And everyone is free to use the hashtag. Best/Favorite place you've been to/visited? What is so remarkable about that place? Siargao in Surigao Del Norte is probably the best place that the team visited. Aside from the fact that we were complete on that trip, we saw the natural beauty of the Philippines at its finest. Bucas Grande was really enchanting, same with Magpupungko Rocks and Tidals that you’ll be amazed since its a natural pool. But what really topped the Siargao experience was the bond that we built around the Team and the community of Instagrammers who joined us on that trip. You guys just recently had a photo exhibit. Tell us something about it. We had an exhibit at Cafe Laya in Taft, Manila. The exhibit features photos around the Philippines by a collective of artists which includes Team Sino Pinas. The founding members also shared personal works as part of the exhibit. The works were exhibited for almost 2 months, and we’ve been getting positive responses from it. So we succeeded in showcasing beautiful photographs. With all the outdoor experiences, travelling, meeting new faces, discovering other culture, and adventure you've had as part of Sino Pinas, what is the most important lesson you've learned? That one important  thing you guys realize every after trip. It’s not just about the photos that we take during trips, but also the memories that we truly cherish and will surely last a lifetime. The most important rule is to just have fun and enjoy everyone’s company. 3 dream destinations in the country you wish to visit soon. Batanes, Ilocos, and South Cotabato. Future plans for Sino Pinas. Last year was all about establishing Sino Pinas’ social media presence. This year, we are planning to make Sino Pinas bigger and with loads of activities to solidify what we’ve established. We promise to do more community trips, solo trips of Team Sino Pinas, we’ll add more content in our social media, and having our own website. Where can we reach you guys? Instagram? Facebook? Twitter? Tumblr? Email? Website? You can find us on Instagram by visiting instagram.com/SinoPinas. Facebook: facebook.com/SinoPinas Email: [email protected] 

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This is an article of RadarPH with an exclusive interview with the travel and photography enthusiasts of SinoPinas.

An inspiring story telling everyone what a paradise our country is. So, get out there and travel the Philippines!

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EBagasol Jr. - Pili Lang 

UP ROAD TRIP would also like to congratulate our Communique, Edgar Bagasol Jr. for winning the 2nd Place in the Plant Bioweek Photo Contest. We are so proud of you. Keep it up!

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Girl on Wheel This young girl was seen playing during one afternoon. And when asked why she is not in school the girl answered, "Di po ako pinag-aaral kasi sayang daw po dahil magiging nanay rin lang naman daw po ako." Let us stop this culture of not sending girls in school because of wrong mindset towards them. They deserve to have better education. They deserve to study and to have a good life. (c) Jordan John Cabarles 

This is the winning photo of one of the members of UP ROAD TRIP. We are so proud of you for bagging the 1st Place in the UPLB Gender Center Women’s Month Photo Contest for the Student’s Category. *salutes to Captain Cabarles*

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KAMANTIGUE BEACH (Batangas City)

Looking for a roadtrip this summer? Here’s one brought to you by the roadpersons of UP ROAD TRIP.

Discover the beauty of the Philippines! This might be your next destination. Enjoy!

(UPRT, 2014) Responsible Tourism | Environmentalism | Cultural Heritage | Local History | Road Safety Education

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UP ROAD TRIP is inviting you to the orientation on March 30 at Lola J’s (near Raymundo gate). Event starts at 7PM.

See you there! DISCLAIMER: Music used is not ours.

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2016 Roadtrip Destinations: Tanauan, Batangas

How was your 2016 so far? Have you updated your roadtrip destinations list yet? Well, UP ROAD TRIP is here again to give you a place you might consider visiting this year. Join Jann Adriel Nisperos, a BS Development Communication student as he celebrates the feast of St. John the Evangelist at Tanauan, Batangas.

his story:

With only a few days after Christmas, locals of Tanauan, Batangas are again celebrating for their patron saint, St. John the Evangelist.

It’s the 431st feast of St. John the Evangelist in the province. As how Filipinos observe town fiestas, homes along the neighborhood are open to everyone who wants to celebrate the feast with them. Guests are served with the most delicious dishes using the most grand silverware in the house.

Moreover, all kids and the kids at heart are rushing to their house’s front door when they start hearing the drums and trumpets of the marching band. It was a nostalgic feeling as I remember doing the same when I was young.

Batangueños are known to be very religious. The church of St. John the Evangelist is filled with people attending the mass that day. St. John the Evangelist is regarded to be the author of the Gospels of John. In fact, “evangelist” means “writer of a gospel”. Churchgoers go to St. John for their prayer intentions and wishes. Catholics celebrate his feast every December 27.

In the late 17th century, the first town church was built. However, Taal volcano erupted in 1754 and damaged the church completely. Locals of Tanauan had to evacuate to nearby towns for their safety. After the calamity, the church was rebuilt in 1881.

In the dark days of World War II, the said church was again damaged. Jose Zaragoza spearheaded its rehabilitation in 1948. Only the façade of the church remained to be original after the war. Its present appearance, especially its interiors, were renovated in the late 1960s.

Near the church is the town “cedera” or “tiangge” erected every Christmas season and when the town is celebrating a feast. Locals love to visit the cedera since they can buy a lot of products sold at a very affordable price. Products range from clothing and bags to all-time favorite Filipino delicacies such as “bibingka”, “sumang magkayakap”, “puto”, and “kalamay”.

My personal favorite delicacy is called “sapin-sapin”. Whenever me and my family visit our relatives there, I always take home a lot of delicacies fresh from the town. In a way, it’s a form of appreciating not only the culture of Tanauan, but also the whole country. Every year, we celebrate the feast there since our relatives always prepare food. It’s also a tradition to go house to house just like the old times.

Final advise:

This is how we celebrate feasts the Filipino way. I just hope we continue these traditions so we can preserve or even enrich the culture that we already have. As roadpersons, we must understand that it is an important deed to do since these cultures define who we are as Filipinos.

Visit Tanauan, Batangas if you would like to experience its culture and reminisce its history. Try the delicacies native to the land. Go house to house and celebrate the feasts with them. But always remember to be a responsible tourist.

Photos by: Roadperson and Property Custodian Jann Adriel Nisperos

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UP ROAD TRIP is wishing everyone a Happy New Year! We hope that each of the 366 days of 2016 will be spent appreciating what our world beholds. It’s time to update your roadtrip list! 

Have a fruitful 2016 ahead roadpersons!

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2016 Roadtrip Destinations: Calatagan, Lemery, & Los Baños

Last night Roadperson Kali shared her most unforgettable personal travel and told you how she applied the advocacy of UP ROAD TRIP. Tonight, another beautiful roadperson will harken back the memories of her travels in Calatagan and Lemery, Batangas, and Tadlac, Los Baños, Laguna for an educational trip. Join Thea Villamil Juego, a BS Development Communication student, in these wonderful visits that were full of interesting and fruitful activities.

First Destination - Calatagan, Batangas

(Thea:) As part of our HECO Camp, a partial requirement for HUME 1 - a subject in UPLB, we went to Calatagan, Batangas. We enjoyed the Steward's Journey along with other activities such as mangrove planting, snorkeling, lectures about the importance of the ocean along with other components and many more. The activities were really great. And at the end of the day I helped spreading the awareness about the place through posting different pictures, I took, in my social media account.

Second Destination - Lemery, Batangas

(Thea:) Batangas is a place known for its scenic beaches. One of the famous places to visit is the black sand beaches along the coast of Lemery. It was a rather peculiar experience for me since I am not used to black-sand coastlines; however, I appreciated the beauty of the place even more because the view was natural and was just slightly modified. I shared various photos of the place through my social media account in order for others to discover the wonders of Lemery as well.

Third Destination - Tadlac, Los Baños, Laguna

(Thea:) Los Baños is famous for the great lake, Laguna de Bay. But what other people do not know is that aside from this great Lake, there is another smaller body of fresh water that is comparable to that of the known Laguna Lake; this is the Tadlac Lake or Alligator Lake. Rumor says that this was once infested by alligators during the pre-Spanish era. But the story was never proven if it is real or not until now. Various efforts were made in order to boost the lake's popularity. As a contribution to this movement, I wrote a feature article together with my class in DEVC 136 about the beauty of the place and the measures done in order to maintain the lake's health.

How did Thea apply the advocacy of UP ROAD TRIP during this educational trip?

(Thea:) As a member of UP ROADTRIP, I applied the advocacy of environmentalism through learning and sharing about the importance of mangroves regarding their benefits in promoting ocean health and the protection they can offer to communities nearby.

I didn't go to Lemery, Batangas just for fun but rather in every place I visit, I keep in mind the principles and advocacy of UP ROADTRIP. As we spent our stay in the resort, I made sure that our garbages were thrown in proper places. I didn't leave any trace of trash in our cottage and I didn't take anything, like seashore shells or stones, from the place. These were some of the environmentalism practices that I have done during my Lemery stint. 

On the other hand, one of the best ways to help a place is through promoting its local history. Since I am not a local of Los Baños, Laguna; I found a way in popularizing a very humble scenery in town- the Tadlac Lake. This is through writing an article solely about the said body of water. Elaborate details were added in order to help the readers of LB Times visualize about the historical significance of the lake itself.

Her message to the travelers

(Thea:) Dear readers and travelers, traveling is more than a hobby, but rather it is an open diary that can help you store lasting memories. I hope that you enjoyed browsing and reading my travel stuff. Those were just a few of my adventures and I hope and I know that there are more to come. You don't have to spend a lot in order to see wonderful sceneries. Before exploring far away places, try to explore your hometown first. This might give you a chance to appreciate the beauty of your locality even more. Lastly, remember to travel with a purpose. This will make your trip worthwhile and memorable.

UP ROAD TRIP hopes you learned something from this awesome adventure of Roadperson Thea. Include these places to your Travel List 2016 and be a responsible tourist!

Photos by Thea Villamil Juego

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Leave nothing but footsteps. Take nothing but pictures. Kill nothing but time.

Anonymous

This is a quote we like to remember everytime we have a roadtrip. We hope starting now, you do remember this too.

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2016 Roadtrip Destinations: Alaminos, Pangasinan

We would like to thank everyone for reading our feature stories during the Simbang Gabi! We are blessed and honored to share different histories, cultures, and traditions we discovered when we visited those churches from 3 Regions including NCR. UP ROAD TRIP hopes that you went to those churches this holiday season. For those who were not able to see the eight churches we featured, we still hope that you find yourselves in the future in front of those wonderful creations of the past and experience local customs! 

Due to your huge support, UP ROAD TRIP opens tonight yet another series of feature stories. This time some of our members will tell you their most unforgettable travels in 2015 and how they applied UP ROAD TRIP’s five advocacy; Responsible Tourism, Environmentalism, Appreciation of Local History and Cultural Heritage, and Road Safety Education.

Roadperson Kali Lustre, a BS Forestry student, shares her story when she visited Alaminos, Pangasinan. Come and join her as she reminisces her wonderful experiences in Hundred Islands!

On her experience:

(Kali:) Me, my family and our friends visited Hundred Islands last August 29 to 31. We went there for a birthday celebration and our circle’s biannual outing. My mother, aunts, their friends (barkada since college) and children usually go on a trip once or twice a year to catch-up and do bondings. And this year we chose Hundred Islands!

There are tons of beautiful islands. You can do island hopping for the whole day without losing a drop of energy! Why? Because the beautiful landscape and scenery will really push your adrenaline to its highest level. It was really fun!

The water of the islands is really crystal clear, as in! One can take note the difference between the island water and the water near the pier, which is darkish blue. The color of the water appeared to be blue-green while going to the islands. Until it magically turned into crystal clear seawater. Awesome! But everything changed when the fire nation attacked! Ahahaha kidding

On applying ENVIRONMENTALISM: (Kali:) Being a part of UP ROAD TRIP changes the way I travel. You will see things that other tourists do not see. I applied it during my trip in Hundred Islands. The islands do not have trash bins. So obviously when you travel there, you really have to bring your trash with you. Bring your own garbage bags. Don’t dare to leave your trashes in the islands or just throw it in the sea.

On practicing RESPONSIBLE TOURISM: (Kali:) There are not that much of establishments in the islands. The local government really controls the tourist spot and makes sure that it will not be degraded. There are also limited numbers of comfort rooms and bungalows for rent. Now that you know these details, prepare yourselves before visiting the islands. If you find a comfort room in an island, use it because the next islands might not have comfort rooms. Respect the solemnity of the islands as well.

Final Advise:

(Kali:) Just enjoy the beauty of the islands but please be responsible for your actions. Don’t forget the things I shared about Environmentalism and Responsible Tourism. Share your stories, and encourage your friends and families to visit the place too. Awesome experience!

UP ROAD TRIP hopes that you will include Hundred Islands in Pangasinan to your travel list and you will visit this natural beauty in 2016!

Photo by Kali Lustre

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Paskong Pilipino: St. Ferdinand Metropolitan Church (San Fernando, Pampanga)

We would like to greet everyone a merry and fruitful Christmas! Let us take this celebration a chance to create more happy memories with our family and friends. Give them the greatest gifts we can offer, which are love, happiness and joy! Don't forget to show the real spirit and purpose of this day, okay? Eat a lot, but make sure to stay healthy, and enjoy this day! Since you folks showed great and big love to us, here is UP ROAD TRIP's gift to you.

From the city that brought you the giant lanterns, UP ROAD TRIP returned to San Fernando, Pampanga for a new mission - to discover the rich history of St. Ferdinand Metropolitan Church. Most of the Filipinos are celebrating "Salubong" tonight in their local Catholic Churches. And to make more special, we visited the seat of Roman Catholic Archdiocese to listen to the mass and study its story from the past. Come and join us as we appreciate yet another treasure of San Fernando City.

The first wooden structure of the church was first built in 1755 by the Augustinian friars under the aegis of the King of Castile, San Fernando III. Two years after, locals asked the governor-general for an exemption from tribute so they can build a stronger foundation of the church and a convent. The present style of the church was constructed in 1808 and re dedicated to the Our Lady of Assumption. Like the other Hispanic-old churches in the country, St. Ferdinand Metropolitan Church suffered a tragic destruction due to a large a fire in 1939. The present halls that can seat 2,000 churchgoers was restored in 1948 by Kapampangan architect Fernando H. Ocampo. On that same year, Pope Pius XII canonically elevated the church to a cathedral status after it became the seat of the Diocese of San Fernando. Meanwhile in 1975, Pope Paul VI made it the Archdiocese of San Fernando. The latest major renovation and restoration of the cathedral happened on 2014.

The enduring presence of the cathedral amidst the modernization of the city proper is testament to tha faith of the Kapampangans. The round majestic dome that arises from the center of the cross shaped building is reminiscent of Baroque style churches, with its over-all neo classical style architecture. It currently measures 70 meters long, 13 meters wide and 11 meters high.

Another important event happened in the church on October 9, 1898 when President Emilio Aguinaldo and his cabinet members viewed the marching Philippine Revolutionary Army from the windows of the convent during the height of the revolution. Gen. Antonio Luna then ordered the Philippine Army, on May 4, 1899, to burn the church and convent.

Visit San Fernando now to know more of this city's rich culture, tradition and history. Meet the locals. Visit beautiful sites. Taste their foods. Be a responsible tourism!

Paskong Pilipino at its finest!

MALIGAYANG PASKO SA INYONG LAHAT!

Story by: Captain Jordan Cabarles and Scribe Viola Gamboa Photos by: Scribe Viola Gamboa

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Paskong Pilipino: Immaculate Conception Church of Batac (Batac, Ilocos Norte)

We are now down to the final night of Simbang Gabi. Did you complete the nine nights of Simbang Gabi? If yes, then what is your wish? For those who failed to complete the nine evening masses, it is not late though. Attend the weekly masses from now on and imbibe the Christmas spirit in your everyday lives.

UP ROAD TRIP continues to feature churches for our Simbang Gabi series. In fact, we still have three churches stored for you folks. You can visit these churches even if it is not Christmas season or include these churches to your list of "Places to visit in 2016". And visit them in next year's Simbang Gabi.

Tonight we will bring you to one of the churches built by Augustinian friars in the north. Join us in discovering the awesome history of Immaculate Conception Church of Batac.

Situated at the heart of religious activities in Batac, Ilocos Norte, Immaculate Conception Church of Batac or Batac Church has been the home of faith and vibrant pasts of the town. This church is known for its prestigious Romanesque look with a touch of artistic Italian architectural design. It is made of soft volcanic stones and decorated with original palitadas, a mixture of sand, water, lime and molasses or egg whites. Batac Church also features secret portals, decorated wheel windows and inverted moldings. It has grandeur twin pilasters and stanchions that match the over-all atmosphere of the church's main portal and large wooden windows. Just like the other churches constructed during the Spanish occupancy of the country, Batac Church's structure, facade and interiors reflect the Spanish heritage.

The construction of the first church was dated back in 1587 under the supervision of the first friar of the town, Augustinian Fr. Esteban Marin. Unfortunately the original building was destroyed in 1620 due to the revolt of Ilocanos against the Spanish government. Fr. Pedro Cariaga reconstructed the church in 1690 and finished it after two years. Since then, the church went to many restorations, renovations and reconstructions.

Batac Church will sure not disappoint you. Aside from this Hospaboc-old church, Batac has many other tourist attractions including the small museum where you can find the remains of the late President Ferdinand Marcos, a native of Batac.

It is located near Laoag City, the province's capital. It may only take around 20 minutes of smooth ride to get there from Laoag City. So waht are you waiting for? Come and visit Batac. Discover its beauty. Find peace at Batac Church. Be a responsible tourist.

Paskong Pilipino at its finest!

Story by: Captain Jordan Cabarles Photos by: Roadperson and Communique Edgar Bagasol Jr.

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Ligligan Parul 2015 (San Fernando, Pampanga)

We've been posting stories and photographs of Hispanic old churches for the past six days and we hope you find time to visit the places we featured. Tonight we will still feature a trade mark of Paskong Pilipino, but this time it is a story about a local festival. This is a festival that celebrates and endorses our culture of making lanterns or parol. Do you still remember those days during your childhood when you made parol from popsicle sticks and colorful cellophanes? Those memories are really great treasures to us and to our culture.

Last December 19, UP ROAD TRIP roadperson and the organization's Scribe Viola Gamboa covered the spectacles of San Fernando, Pampanga's Lantern Festival, locally known as Ligligang Parul. This colorful festival of locally-made giant lanterns is a yearly event in the country's Christmas capital. To know more about this festival, here is Viola's story of Ligligang Parul 2015.

Her story:

Celebrate Christmas the Kapampangan way, witness the spectacle of dancing colors, shapes and patterns, get to know the Giant Lantern Festival.

The rain that poured out in the afternoon of December 19, 2015 did not dampen the Kapampangan spirit but, instead showcased the creativity of parol makers and event organizers to cope up with the present situation, to continue the tradition that dates back to a century, to celebrate the Christmas spirit in its own uique way. There is no other place for you to see the dancing lights , in a competition like no other, UP ROAD TRIP takes you to the world renowned Giant Lantern Festival!

This tradition traces its roots from the practice of “lubenas”. During the nine-day novena before Christmas, which coincided with the simbang gabi. Paruls were brought around each barrio in procession and before the midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, the lanterns were brought to the town church together with the barrio patrons. The lanterns measured just two feet in diameter, a far cry from the fifteen feet that we see today. These were created in each barrio from bamboo and other locally available materials, and this practice gradually evolved as the lanterns became bigger and the designs more intricate.

Just how massive are the giant lanterns? It takes a ten-wheeler truck to transport them, and it takes a village to raise them. These parols measure about 18 feet in diameter, with steel bars bent to a frame, layers of tranluscent paper, colored light bulbs in each compartment connected by copper wires to a metal cylinder with a switching mechanism. The rotor is controlled with the use of a steering wheel. It takes an talent and skill to design a giant lantern. Each resident contributes to its its construction, from the concept, design,materials and especially labor. Each lantern is a symbol of unity for their locality. For more information you may visit http://www.giantlantern.ph/index.php/about.

The festival is locally known as ‘Ligligan Parul’ which when translated means ‘Lantern Showdown’, and is open to all barangays of the City of San Fernando. This year, Brgy. Dolores defends its champion title, with Brgy. Del Pillar as 1st runner up, Brgy. Sindalan as 2nd Runner up, and Brgy. Calulut as 3rd runner up. 

See you at the next Giant Lantern Festival as it gets bigger and brighter!

Wanna see these giant, magnificent and colorful lanterns? Visit San Fernando, Pampanga now! Experience their culture and tradition. Travel from one historical site to another. Meet the hospitable and happy locals. Taste their uberly delicious cuisines. Be a responsible tourist.

Paskong Pilipino at its finest!

Photos and story by: Roadperson and Scribe Viola Gamboa Photos edited by: Captain Jordan Cabarles