Colors Philippine Travel Guide : Tours

Workshop Schedule and General Information:

Batanes

Workshop Fee: P25,000.00

There will always be that place that you will never forget; A place so mystical, so mesmerizing that going back home will make be difficult. What makes Batanes what it is, is its captivating beauty and pure magnificence. In Batanes, there is always a feeling of calmness and relaxation, because it is a place where time is not important and everything is still. It makes you realize the polarity of the place where everything is at rest, yet alive.

The chill of the north is balanced by the warmth of its people. If the Philippines is known for its hospitality, the natives of Batanes take the lead. Tourists and visitors are very welcome to stay in their houses, share their food and tell stories with. The Ivatans share their culture through the arts of boat-making. Their craft is praised for its originality in form and ability to stand the rough seas.

Also, for a land with limited supply of electricity, the natives live in an envious state of simplicity. The cold nights are met with starry-filled skies. Visitors can have moments where they can just relax and lie beneath the blanket of stars and watch the vastness of the quiet front.

Each land is unique from one another, as if the island wants the person to experience every aspect of its realm. From the rolling hills of Marlboro Country to the marvelous sunset viewing of Vayang Hills, Batanes is truly a site to behold. Other amazing attractions within the island include the old lighthouses, the unspoiled beaches in Nakabuang and Sabtang Island, and the stone houses in Chavayan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site nominee.

Another force to feel in Batanes is its waters, controlled by the strong thrusts of the wind. With every giant wave, an individual can realize the state of his existence and how precious life is, compared to the power of nature. But with its power comes great blessings -- the abundance of sea life is also shared with the natives. The sensation of freshness and contentment experienced in Batanes fills the heart of the person.

Batanes may have its share of strong typhoons and rough winds, but come summertime from March to May, the island warmly welcomes its visitors. During the months of January to February, temperatures can drop to 14 degrees Centigrade, making it seem like you are far away from the Philippine tropics.

22-26 March 2008 (Sat-Wed) (view itinerary)

Time of departure from Manila: 6:30 a.m.

Time of departure from Basco: 9:00 a.m.

Master Photographer: George Tapan

George Tapan is one of the most famous travel photographers in the Philippines. His works constantly grace the covers and pages of prestigious travel magazines and have garnered several awards including Best Travel Photo award from the Asian Tourism Association (ASEANTA) and Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) in 1990, the Kalakbay Travel Photographer of the Year award from the Philippines Department of Tourism in 1999, and the Grand Award from Northwest Airlines in 2000 for best destination photography.

Palawan

Workshop Fee: P25,000.00

Where to Stay: www.elrioymar.com

The island province of Palawan has been declared as a nature sanctuary of the world -- with obvious reasons. WIth its rainforests, dive sites, majestic mountains, primeval caves and pristine beaches, it is definitely a destination that is unparalleled anywhere else in the world. It is surrounded by a coral shelf that is home to diverse marine life, and the entire island boasts of exotic flora and fauna, like the mousedeer and the scaly anteater, that are found nowhere else.

The waters of Palawan are among the best in the world, not only for diving, but also for other activities. With the island's vast sub-surface coral and rainbow reef walls which surround the coasts and coves, you will be able to see for yourself why this place is called a paradise.

The province boasts of extraordinary scenic wonders. African animals from Kenya in Africa - giraffes and elands, zebras and gazelles - co-exist with endemic Philippine animals, like the Palawan bearcat, mousedeer and peacock, in the Calauit Island Wildlife Sanctuary in Busuanga which is considered as one of the province's most amazing sites. Palawan also has lakes and hot springs where you can relax and enjoy your union with nature.

Palawan has two types of climates. The northern and southern extremities and the entire western coast has two distinct seasons - six months dry and six months wet, while the eastern coast has a short dry season of one to three months and no pronounced rainy period during the rest of the year. The southern part of the province is virtually free from tropical depressions, but northern Palawan experiences torrential rains during the months of July and August. It is best to travel to the province from March to June when the seas are calm.

11-14 April 2008 (Fri-Mon) (view itinerary)

Time of departure from Manila: 7:20 a.m.

Time of departure from Busuanga: 8:40 a.m.

Master Photographer: Wig Tysmans

Wig Tysmans is one of the most sought-after corporate, fashion and advertising photographers in the Philippines. His works, focusing mainly on portraiture and figure studies, have been exhibited both in and outside the Philippines. His photographs have been shown in magazines such as People Asia, the Philippine Tatler and Lifestyle Asia, and featured in books such as Sinaunang Habi, Bencab's Rock Sessions, Malacanan Book by Nick Joaquin, Art Petron and Central Bank's Ginto and Tanaw.

Camiguin

Workshop Fee: P25,000.00

Where to Stay: www.camiguinhighlands.com

Camiguin is a pear-shaped volcanic island that is said to be "Born of Fire". Seven volcanoes, with its eruptions and volcanic movements, created this island of natural wonders and historic riches.

Camiguin is an island of untouched beauty, and with its lush forests, hot and cold springs, black and white beaches, majestic waterfalls and serene surroundings, it is definitely one of the best vacation destinations in the Philippines.

This paradise, located just south of the Visayan Islands, has a Sunken Cemetery, century-old churches and exotic marine life that offers many adventures and discoveries. But though there is much to do in Camiguin, it still has a peaceful and quiet atmosphere that gives the island a mystical charm that never fails to echant tourists from all over the world.

Visit Camiguin and discover that it is a land, not just of fire, but of water. Aside from the seven volcanoes that are unmatched anywhere in Southeast Asia, Camiguin also has beautiful and glorious water that shelter its visitors from theit harried lives in the metropolis.

Camiguin generally has good weather with seasonal rainshowers enhancing its fresh green environment. Fine weather is guaranteed from April to June, while the coolest is from November to January.

1-4 May 2008 (Thu-Sun) (view itinerary)

Time of departure from Manila: 8:10 a.m.

Time of departure from Cagayan de Oro: 10:05 a.m.

Master Photographer: Jay Javier

Workshop Package:

• Round-trip airfare

• Airport transfers

• Accommodations (based on triple sharing for Batanes/twin sharing for Palawan and Camiguin)

• Full board meals

• Island Tours

• Graduation Night Celebration

Boracay

Workshop Fee: P25,000.00

Yahoo Travel's Most Popular Beaches of 2007 has cited Boracay Island as the world's number one beach destination. This island paradise has awed many visitors with its powder white sand, tropical palm trees and crystal blue waters.

The most famous part is the island is the White Beach which is divided into three stations, each catering to a different kind of market. Dotting the 7-kilometer stretch of fine white sand are various resorts that meet every visitor's lifestyle. The surrounding water is shallow and the sand is finer and brighter than most beaches in the archipelago.

Many adventures await tourists in the island. Boracay plays host to the annual Paraw Regatta, an international sailboat race that makes use of the native outrigger. Other activities that can be done on the White Beach also include kayaking, windsurfing, jet and water skiing, snorkeling, scuba diving, and parasailing.

At night, the island comes alive as various restaurants along the beach offer different kinds of feasts in every cuisine imaginable and serve drinks that are perfect for just hanging out while listening to reggae music or the gentle lap of the waves.

The best way to explore the White Beach is to walk barefoot. The sands of Boracay are so fine, it will feel as if you were treading on miles of baby powder.

The best time to go to Boracay is during the summer months of March to June where temperatures can reach as high as 38 degrees Celsius. The months of November to February are spent with pleasant winds, cool nights, and occasional rain showers. July to October are the wettest months.

9-12 May 2008 (Fri-Mon) (view itinerary)

Master Photographer: Wig Tysmans