Snapshots: White Water Rafting, Cagayan De Oro, Philippines

I know a lot of students will be having their sem breaks this month, so I thought I'd write about two sem break destinations perfect for a barkada. On Saturday, I'll be posting about our trip to Cagayan De Oro, Camiguin and Bukidnon last year. If your group is adventurous and - let's face it, you also have to be a little crazy - this trip is for you!

I've previously made a few posts about Mapawa Nature Park in CDO, but I've yet to share pictures from our white water rafting adventure - until now! White water rafting on the Cagayan De Oro river was definitely a great way to cap off our four-day out-of-office adventure, but I reckon it'll be just as fun for people taking a break from school.

Snapshots: Carlos Celdran, Walk This Way Tours, Manila

I think Carlos Celdran is an ideal portrait of the modern Filipino nationalist - intelligent, witty, unafraid to poke fun at the culture and people he loves and respects, and equally unabashed to air out its dirty laundry, whether from the past or from the present. However, his impartial view of the Philippines does not keep him from expressing his sincere love and concern for his country, and that's probably the best thing about him.

His walking tours around Manila are a hoot - my friend and I went on the one around Fort Bonifacio, San Agustin Church and Casa Manila one Sunday morning, and we had a great time.

I should also mention that Carlos Celdran has been very active in supporting numerous relief efforts for the victims of typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng, so let's all sing it together - for he's a jolly good fellow! There should definitely be more Filipinos like him.

Carlos Celdran
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Rain Love On Manila: Help The Philippines Recover From Ondoy / Ketsana

No travel posts for now as my country struggles to rebuild itself after Tropical Storm Ondoy/Ketsana.

On September 26, 2009 Tropical Storm Ondoy hit Manila, capital of the Philippines. To date, it has taken at least 300 lives and have displaced over 400,000 Filipinos.

Relief and rescue operations are ongoing - the fortunate ones whose homes and families were not affected by the typhoon have been manning these operations since the beginning of the week. I helped out last night and it was amazing to see so many people actively and passionately trying to help those in dire need in these times of tragedy.

Photo from rainloveonmanila.blogspot.com

Click here to see a comprehensive list of how and where you can help, wherever you are in the world.

After the Philippines, Ketsana also ravaged Vietnam and Cambodia. The ancient city of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is currently submerged in floodwater, along with other Vietnamese cities. Hoi An, being located beside a river, is generally prone to floods, and from what I know, it does experience flooding every year. Hopefully this means that they were better prepared for Ketsana.