Balbin, Maria Theressa A.

BSHM-2B

Activity

Write your own travel diary of a province you have personally visited
in Luzon. In case you have not visited any yet, choose one province and
create a fictional travel diary similar to a bucket list of one within the region.
Note: A bucket list is a term used by travelers for destinations and
activities they plan to visit in the future.

It’s cold, my muscles started to freeze, I almost touched the clouds, I felt like I am in the
summit of the world. I saw beautiful mountains, houses were like a terraces, the people
that I have met were generous and kind and their skin were as white as snow, their nose
were pointed and they were filled with so much fun.

But wait, am I dreaming? Where am I?

Never in my wildest dream the possibility of visiting a place that I only saw in post cards,
news, tiktok and youtube videos, and magazines. A place that is very exotic and seems
too different from the rest of the provinces in our country.

The moment that my family and I will visit to this beautiful city I felt excitement and of
course I am thrilled to explore the unreachable horizons. This will be a once in life time
tour --- a tour that will shape my aesthetic adolescent period, a tour that will allow me to
dig deeper the cultural and geographical differences. I am excited to ride a plane, bus,
see scenes, and experience the adventures that I never experienced before.

The “City of Pines”, Baguio City, famous for its green park spaces, and of course,
hillsides teeming with gigantic pine trees. Even back in the day, the city has always been
filled with greeneries. Tourist spot in Baguio grew number over the years, and several of
its parks started offering other activities. Of course, my family and I will surely visit the
tourist spots of the summer capital and the city of pines.

Let me first share my travel experience from Tacloban to Manila. It was my first time to
ride in a plane, I felt like I flew in the sky, my mother gave me a chewing gum and I asked
my mother, “Kay ano kaylangan mag bubble gum?”. My mother instantly replied, “Para
dire magsuol imo talenga, ayaw na damo na pakiana, supa-a nala it”. The forty-five
minutes plane ride was so thrilling, I saw houses like an ant colony, I saw the clouds and
deep inside my head I am wondering, “is Santa living above the clouds?” well that is
certainly a joke that my mind formulated… what an imagination. Then, we finally arrived
at the capital city of the Philippines --- Manila, this city is full of tall buildings, road were
too large, the street were busy, I heard sounds of different machines. I heard
conversations from foreign individuals, “Be careful, there’s a lot of theft in the streets”.
Sad to say, this was the impression of the foreigners in our beautiful country. I can’t
blame them. From the terminal, we ride a bus to Baguio City, a seven hour journey was
so thrilling and full of memories, I saw the beautiful landscape of Central Luzon, the rice
field with matching sun set --- it was very romantic and I totally fall in love in nature. Little
by little my ears started to felt pain, shivering I felt due to the cold breeze. At last! We
were arrived in our destination. We eat and rest in a five star hotel and tomorrow our
wonderful journey will be painted with colors.
We first visited to the “mother of all parks --- Burnham park”. It was named after urban
planner Daniel Burnham, the American architect who came up with the original design
and layout of the park. The old artificial lake in the center of the park captivated my eyes,
the beautiful flowers served as a therapy from a very long ride and of course never
missed the opportunity to ride a boat at the famous Burnham Lagoon. After a long
morning journey we decided to visit “The Father’s Daughter” which is famous with its
authentic traditional Filipino dishes. Baguio is known for its fresh vegetables and their
world class meat. We tried their best sellers Pinikpikan, Etag, and Pinuneg. Yummy! It
was taste of heaven, indeed.

Around 1:00 p.m we visited “Camp John Hay” I can say that this is one the best place to
visit in Baguio City. My soul, heart, and mind exploded as I witnessed and experienced
the beauty of pine trees, fresh air, cold breeze,and a serene atmosphere. I was literally
emerged and immersed with nature. We also experienced the Treetop adventure inside
Camp John Hay where we tried several thrilling rides including the Superman ride (zip
line), Tree Drop (harnessed free fall), and Canopy ride. To end our thrilling day adventure
we visited “Mines View Park”. Wow! What an stunning view of the Cordillera Mountains
and Benguet’s old copper and gold mines, we also experienced to dress in traditional
Ifugao garbs like bahag, vests, and headdresses, and even hold a shield and spear for
picture - taking.

The next day we visited to the “Strawberry farm”, “BenCab Museum” and “Tam - Awan
Village”. We spent our last night hunting for bargain and low prices in night market.

Third day, this is already our day to say goodbye. It was hard for me to leave this
paradise. I am already fall in love to this wonderful city but I know one day I’ll visit again
to this beautiful city. We visited “Good Shepherd Convent” and bought peanut brittle, ube,
and strawberry jam before we proceed to the terminal.

Three days in Baguio was too short vacation, next time I am planning to visit again for at
least five days. It will be a trip with my future lover. I want him to experienced what I had
experienced and together we will create memories with the help of the beautiful places in
Baguio City.
Application

Search in the internet for the current regional and provincial tourism slogans used
by the different provinces within. What does each slogan highlight? Knowing the
attractions of each province, is it the most appropriate tagline to use? If not, do you
have another suggestion on the slogan/tagline to be used?

Region 8

Biliran - Tagline: “Paradise undiscovered” The highlight of this tagline is that the
province of Biliran is not a known place yet for it’s beautiful places “Undiscovered”.
Even though this province might small but there are many beautiful tourist spot to
offer specially many falls like Tinago Falls and many more. Yes, It’s appropriate
tagline to use because this province is not well known for it’s beautiful spot but when
people visit or when they find some information about this province they might call it
a beautiful paradise but an undiscovered place.

Eastern Samar - Gateway to Philippine Discovery. The country’s rich colonial history
through the island of Homonhon, where Ferdinand Magellan first set foot on
Philippine soil in 1521 on his way to conquer the Philippines for the western world.
Yes it’s appropriate tagline to use because this province is full of discovery.

Leyte - Land of History. Historical and interesting sites the province was known to
16th-century Spanish explorers as Tandaya. Yes it’s appropriate tagline to use.

Northern Samar - A journey Back in Time. In the late 16th century, the San
Bernardinon was a part of the galleon trade route of the Spaniards between Manila
and Acapulco. Yes it’s appropriate tagline to use it will take you a journey back in
time.

Southern Leyte - The Centuries - Old Charmer. The small province of Southern
Leyte. The highlight of this tagline it has maintained a pace that is welcome after the
hurly-burly of city life. It is also blessedly situated between sea and forest. Yes it’s
appropriate tagline to use.
Assessment

Please read and understand the following questions. Answer briefly

and comprehensively.
1. What are the major activities that can be done by the tourists
within Luzon?

• Tours & day trips,

• Watch scenic lakes and waterfalls
• Adventure and outdoor
• Food tripping
• History and Culture
• Food, drink, & nightlife

2. What rare attractions, activities, flora and fauna exist in Luzon?

• Minalungao National Park,

• Candaba Swamp and Wild Duck Sanctuary
• Pawikan Conservation Center
• La Mesa Eco Park
• Las Piῆas - Paraῆaque Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area
• La Union Botanical and Zoological Garden
• The Garden Gindad De Victoria
• Pamulaklakin Forest Trail
• Magaul Birk Park
• Jungle Environment Survival Training Camp
• Masungi Georeserve
• Maryknoll Ecological Sanctuary
• Quezon National Forest Park
• Butterfly farm
• Butterfly Garden
• Botolan Wildlife Farm
• Las Farolas The Fish World
• Millennium Tree
• Bluroze Farms

3. If you are to design a package tour in Luzon, what kind of tours will
you have and what sites and attraction will you include?

• I would have the sightseeing tours. I will include Minesview Park -

Tourist spot sa Baguio that offers the best view of nature and
Anawangin Cove a great camping site in Zambales. Attractions that
I will include is Mt. Pinatubo - A beautiful volcano in Pampanga and
Zambales. I will also include Mayon Volcano it is more attractive a
perfect cone-shaped volcano in Bicol.

4. Prepare a SWOT analysis in Luzon by filling out the following table

in terms of attractions, accessibility, accommodation, and
amenities.
 LUZON SWOT ANALYSIS
Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities Threats
A • It’s beaches, • Weather • Growth • Lack of
T mountains, rainforest, condition. opportunity in modern
T islands, and diving • Poor airport our local tourist tourism
R spots are among the facilities. sites. technology.
country’s most popular • Pollution in • Growth in • The region
A
tourist destinations. the region was tourism was prone to
C • Rich for it’s historical increasing industry. natural
T and cultural heritage specially air Increase disaster
I attractions. pollution number of especially
O • The region was near because of tourist coming volcanic
N in National Capital high numbers to the country. eruption.
S Region. of vehicles. • The
• Is an all - around • Lack of government
destination, with great policies for the was planning to
diving, hiking, bird development of develop
watching, and surfing. the tourism infrastructure in
It has a variety of industry. the region.
landscapes to explore, • There are few
beaches to relax on, areas that was
and urbanized cities to develop for
wander around. tourism in the
region.

A • Accessible to all • Lack of • Networking • Funding cuts

C people, regardless of available among at state and
C their physical technically companies for Federal
E limitations, disabilities trained mutual support. agencies.
or age. workforce. • Open for spot • Abnormal
S
• The attraction are • Travel Hour. and Weather
S accessible via land air. documentation.
I
B
I
L
I
T
Y
A • Many • The • Higher wages. • Environment.
C accommodation like accommodatio • Experience
C hotels, transient, in. n is expensive. the expensive.
O • Small town living and • Housing,
lifestyle. healthcare and
M
children costs
M challenge
O business
D retention and
A relocation.
T
I
O
N
A • Close to a hundred • Expensive • Trade • Extreme
M hotels, resorts, and fare fee. industries and changes in
E transient houses were more local weather and
N issued a special permit businesses. changes in
to operate. infrastructure.
I
T
I
E
S

Assessment