Destinations
Islands Banca Cruises Corp.: In Celebration of Natural Beauty
“Tourism’s main draw and attraction, especially in the Philippines, are its natural resources,” says Jonathan Jay Aldeguer, who in 1992 founded Islands Souvenirs. To highlight these natural resources led to the establishment of Islands Banca Cruises Corp.
“Tourism’s main draw and attraction, especially in the Philippines, are its natural resources,” says Jonathan Jay Aldeguer, who in 1992 founded souvenir shop Islands Souvenirs (IS). He continues: “In the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the Philippines has at least three destinations making the Top 10. And since tourism is one of the last few industries still thriving, it makes perfect sense to take care of our jewels.”
It is this belief that led IS to diversify through the establishment of Islands Banca Cruises Corp. (IBCC).
The Philippines has become a tourist destination in the Asian region, with select popular activities to boast – in the Province of Cebu, for example, these include island hopping, water-based activities like snorkeling, diving and fish feeding. “However, it has been the frustration of the industry that packages (offering these services) have not been professionalized, so that existing services remain substandard. Considering that Cebu is a premiere destination and needs first-rate activities, we felt there was an opportunity to improve on an existing thriving industry,” Aldeguer says. “IBCC aims to raise the ante, and make it truly world-class.”
IBCC’s various services – upon privately hiring a Bangka (dinghy) include: sunset cruises, lechon (roast pig) or barbecue picnics on board the Bangka or on a sandbar, and theme parties or a candle-lit dinner for two. Other possibilities include snorkeling, scuba diving, sea kayaking, dolphin watching, and fish feeding.
IBCC boasts of having bangkas that are not ordinary boats. “Our bangkas are furnished with an iPad dock, Wi-Fi Internet access, and comfortable beanbags line our estra wide sunbathing decks. One of the highlights on an IBCC Bangka is the provision for clean and decent toilets, a feature which we know has always been taken for granted. Nice, thoughtful touches such as fresh towels, a welcome drink, cold beverages and snacks are available on board and offered to you by a professional crew,” Aldeguer says.
IBCC is based in Punta Engano, Mactan, in between Shangri-la and the Hilton.
For Aldeguer, IBCC is in this not just as a business move. “Since going green has been part of our culture, we are mindful in many of our corporate ways,” he says. “For our island hopping tours, for example, to try to promote the fish sanctuaries to (help the communities there earn more), but we are also mindful not too overcrowd certain destinations since too much human presence and intervention can upset the ecological balance of these places. We also educate our customers about proper interaction with the fish and corals. In fact, for children, we are in the process of developing a booklet that focuses on how to help preserve marine sanctuaries.”
IBCC’s mother company, IS, is of course an active supporter of the Olango Bird Sanctuary, considered as one of the country’s best bird-watching destinations; as well as closely works with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in the promotion of preservation efforts in the province’s marine sanctuaries.
“Since we are deeply entrenched in the tourism industry, we try to do our fair share,” Aldeguer ends.
For more information, visit islandsbanca.com.
Destinations
Going Chinese in Pulilan, Bulacan
Craving for #chinesefood in #Bulacan? We tried the offerings of Lee Foo Panciteria #Pulilan, and we’re on the fence here (yes if no choice, no if you can go elsewhere).
We happened to be in Pulilan in Bulacan, and I had pancit craving. As if on cue, we passed by Lee Foo Panciteria Pulilan, which – after we Google-checked – is supposedly one of the more frequently-visited Chinese restos in these parts of the province, so… of course we checked.
@outragemag Craving for #chinesefood in #Bulacan? We tried the offerings of Lee Foo Panciteria #Pulilan ♬ original sound – Outrage Magazine
Una, this place is really, REALLY easy to find. Located along the Pulilan Regional Road in Barangay Cut-cot in Pulilan, this is right in the middle of the municipality.
Ikalawa, the resto is actually divided into three parts: one side is for those with reservations, another part is for walk-in diners, and another part is for events. If/when the resto isn’t full, only the main part (middle one) is kept open.
No, this isn’t some fancy resto. More like an airconditioned karinderya, complete with wooden tables and plastic chairs. Look-wise, it wasn’t dirty naman when we were there, so that’s a plus.
Ikatlo, the workers were friendly naman… and they moved fast – e.g. while waiting for our orders, we were given must-check peanuts, and since we finished what we got fast, our waitress was more than happy to accommodate us.
Ika-apat, now… how was the food?
The house specialty, the Lee Foo Chicken (₱265 for half, ₱495 for whole), looked like fried chicken with ketchup. Okay… the breading was okay since it didn’t overpower the meat. The chicken, too, was properly cooked, and it wasn’t dry. But it was tasteless overall; so the ketchup taste is what stays with you.
The Pancit Canton Bihon (₱255) had thin pancit noodles, almost as thin as the bihon. It didn’t have lots of sahog; instead, you’d notice the extenders (like kikiam, and so on). I like good pancit, I swear… but this isn’t one of them, sorry.
The weirdly-wrapped Hakaw (₱155) was small, so it was bitin.
And then there’s the Siomai Steam (₱155), which was, in a word, weird. The size was good, similar to those ₱10 siomais. But the way this was prepared was weird for us – e.g. like the meat was overwatered, and having a hard time staying solid, so that it was smudgy, and disintegrated in the mouth even without chewing. I suppose that, at least, it wasn’t disgusting taste-wise.
Lee Foo Panciteria Pulilan is, we believe, popular. Like President in Chinatown, or a branch of David’s in some mall. To each his or her own nga naman. But for us, we’re off to look for other Chinese restos na muna as we head out in search of more lafangan venues.
Lee Foo Panciteria Pulilan is located at 159 Barangay Cut-cot, Pulilan, 3005 Bulacan Province. For more information, contact 0925 800 0168, or email leefoopanciteria@yahoo.com.
Travel
Treacherous beauty: Hiking at South Stack Lighthouse in Wales
#Lighthouse fever in #Holyhead, #anglesey via the #SouthStackLighthouse, as checked during this #LGBT trip to #Wales.
Yes, tech has made many lighthouses redundant. Not that they’re no longer relevant. But navigation-wise, we know we have more advanced solutions. Which, perhaps not surprisingly, led to the reconfiguration of many of them.
In Holyhead, Anglesey in Wales, introducing the South Stack Lighthouse.
@outragemag #Lighthouse fever in #Holyhead, #anglesey via the #SouthStackLighthouse, as checked during this #LGBT trip to #Wales ♬ original sound – Outrage Magazine
Una, you’d need a ride to be there. Some use private cars, as we did; others join tours; and others cycle to the place.
Ikalawa, what’s there?
The lighthouse itself is located on a small, rocky island off Holyhead. From afar, it looks like someone’s grand home; mansion-like. Accessible siya after you descend down 400 steep steps.
What will you see while there?
- the former lighthouse engine room
- the top of the lighthouse
- South Stack is also home to breeding seabirds including guillemots, razorbills and puffins
Here’s an FYI: seasonal lang siya bukas.
This is a must-check for lighthouse lovers, of course. Historic, it was built in 1809 by Trinity House from the design of Daniel Alexander. 91-foot tall, it used to allow safe passage for ships on the Dublin–Holyhead–Liverpool sea route.
Another FYI: It is allegedly haunted, and has been visited by a team from “Most Haunted”.
The area housing the lighthouse is, itself, worth checking. There are trails for hikers or joggers or cyclists; though the same could be enjoyed by those who are there only to look for good shots.
Check when you’re in the area… even if you just pass by. Nice siya, promise.
But off we go for more LGBTQIA+ rampa…
Travel
Enjoying nature via trail hiking in Wales
Enjoying nature via #trail #hiking at #Snowdonia #SnowdoniaSlateTrail during one #LGBT visit in #Gwynedd, #Wales.
When in Bangor, you’d be told often that among the best things to do is to hike. And among the must-check is the Snowdonia Slate Trail, which links the old slate-quarrying communities of Eryri/Snowdonia.
So… ayan na nga, even without the right outfit for hiking, but ayaw ma-miss ang chance to check the area, off we went.
@outragemag Enjoying nature via #trail #hiking at #Snowdonia #SnowdoniaSlateTrail during one #LGBT visit in #Gwynedd, #Wales ♬ original sound – Outrage Magazine
Una, the circular route starts near Bangor/Porth Penrhyn. And you need a car or whatever to get to the starting point.
Ikalawa, the trail isn’t just for hiking. It’s also for biking or walking dogs. So you’d be sharing the 133-kilometer long trail with others.
Ikatlo, what’s there?
Mountains built by remnants from quarry sites, to start.
So… Gwynedd used to be known for slate quarrying, and among the biggest players is Penrhyn Quarry which is near Gwynedd, part of The Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Now… with slate quarrying, around 75% of extracted material are inferior in quality, called overburden, and so becoming mineral waste. Here, they’re now mountains.
But the trail also shows views typically associated with Wales – e.g. rolling hills that go on forever, rock fences, sheep farms, canals with flowing water… and more.
Usually, sa matatag, people hike the Snowdonia Slate Trail for up to seven days, passing through Bethesda, Llanberis, and so on. But for others… it’s but an opportunity to commune with nature, in a way, while taking those must-have shots.
But we’re off for more LGBTQIA+ discoveries…
-
Travel4 weeks agoEnjoying nature via trail hiking in Wales
-
NewsMakers4 weeks ago‘Drunk riding’ behind almost half of fatal electric scooter crashes
-
NewsMakers4 weeks agoWhy taking a sick day depends on more than being sick
-
NewsMakers4 weeks agoMove to quit: Exercise boosts smoking quit rates
-
Travel4 weeks agoTreacherous beauty: Hiking at South Stack Lighthouse in Wales
-
Product Showcase4 weeks agoFor every parent who wants to be present: AXA reinforces importance of early health preparedness
-
Product Showcase3 weeks agoSuperbod Movement goes beyond the stage
-
Product Showcase4 weeks agoOmega Healthcare recognized

