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Trends in Biobank and Genetics

A symposium with a title of “Trends in Biobank and Genetics” was conducted last 18th of July in the Shangri-La EDSA in Mandaluyong City. It was a seminar of Technidata in collaboration with St. Luke’s Medical Center Human Cancer Biobank.

The symposium was attended by the different Hospitals both private and government hospitals and research institutions. researchers, medical technologists, doctors and scientists took part in the seminar. The rain was pouring heavily in the morning and the traffic going to the hotel was really bad, but luckily the turn out of the participants was really high.
The first part was the introduction of the Technidata corporate profile by the General Manager, Ronan Mage. The second part was the Future in Cancer Genomics and Cancer Biobank by Dr. Daphne Ang of St. Luke’s Medical Center.  After the very highly anticipated talk of Dr. Ang was a snack break.

The third part was about TDGenetics of Technidata by Kristine Agustin, the Business Development Manager of Technidata before they proceed to the lunch break. After lunch, Carlo Fernandez, Technidata’s Senior Service Engineer talked about TDBiobank and had a demo. The last part of the seminar was a talk by Loraine Kay Cabral of St. Luke’s Medical Center.

The best part of the symposium was the sharing of knowledge and ideas with regards to biobank issues related to the industry and the problems that arise from the different laboratories on how to set up the facilities. The biobank is still new in the Philippines. There are many hospitals and researches who want to put up their biobank lab to preserve the different specimens to help researchers.

Bohol Grand Scenery Tour

I joined my friend and her family in their Bohol trip. We were 9 in the group plus a child. We availed tour from Bohol Grand Scenery Tours to see the different places to see in Bohol.

Blood Compact Shrine

Continue reading “Bohol Grand Scenery Tour”

Potipot Island

It was a one and a half land trip to San Antonio to Candelaria after our Anawangin trip We went to Dawal beach resort in the town of Candelaria for an overnight stay. After having lunch in Dawal, we asked for a boatman to take us to the island.


Potipot island is a 15-20 minutes boat ride from the jump-off point in Candelaria, Zambales. The Island is a small island in Uacon on the West Philippine Sea. It has fine white sand and lots of trees which shades the tourist on their camping site. From docking of the boat and the payment of the entrance fee, we went around the island starting from the left side.


There were no visitors at the side of the island. My friend Maki and I were all alone exploring this side of the island. Potipot is a very small island that you could explore within an hour.

We stayed in some part of the beach in the secluded area. After an hour we then reached the part of the island with the tourist and campers. There were nipa huts in the area and you could also avail of tents for overnight stay. But it gets fully booked. We stayed there for some time before heading back to the beachfront of Dawal.


From the beachfront of Dawal, we waited for the sunset while overlooking Potipot Island. We sat at the fine black sand on the beach in Uacon.

For other post about Zambales, please check Anawangin Cove, Capones Island and Camara Island

Anawangin Cove, Capones Island and Camara Island

We went to San Antonio in Zambales during the height of Southwest monsoon. After 3 hours of driving from Manila, we reached San Antonio, Zambales and asked direction going to Pundaquit.  The road going to our resort was a little rough and we also crossed a signal from a Chinese radio station with our local station.

Canoe Beach Resort, Pundaquit

After 15 minutes from the town proper, we reached Canoe Beach Resort.  It is a resort with good amenities like a swimming pool, with a beautiful beachfront – overlooking Capones and Camara Islands, a nipa hut to stay and a coffee shop.  The beachfront was also a site for surfers and there was an incoming event for surfing when we got there.  We booked a room for an overnight stay good for 3.  We then asked for a boatman to take us to Anawangin.  The sky was dark on the horizon when we left the resort.

Anawangin Cove

We headed to Anawangin cove with a small boat.  The sea was not rough going there.  As we enter the coast of Anawangin, everything was breathtaking.  The rich greenish trees of the mountainous area that surrounded the cove and the white sand beach engulfed our adventurist site.  Anawangin is a place for camping.  There are restrooms and store for campers.  We weren’t there to camp but just to enjoy the view and to swim with the waters.  I love the line up of trees in the cove.

It rained while we were in Anawangin and decided to go to Capones Island after the rain.  We didn’t know that after the waters of the cove as you turn left to the open sea, it was raining hard and the waves were violent.  Our boat was not that big.  There was a thunderstorm in the open sea, as we saw lightning struck the waters.  It was scary and longest boat ride I had for a short distance journey from Anawangin to Capones Island.

Capones Island

It was still raining when we arrived in Capones and we weren’t able to explore the lighthouse.  We were on the other side of the island. We only took shelter because of the raging waters and the thunderstorm we encountered in the open sea. After 30 minutes we went to Camara Island.

Camara Island

I love sand bars between waters.  Camara has a long stretch of the sand bar.    We stayed here for a while before heading back to the beach resort.

Guimaras Island: Nueva Valencia Island Tour

Guimaras is the home for the famous sweetest and the best varieties of mango of the Philippines. Guimaras is a small island in the Visayas Region. It is also best to visit the island during summer especially in May to witness the Manggahan Festival held every May 11-22.

How to get there

From Iloilo City, we went to Ortiz Wharf and took a 20-minute pump boat ride to Jordan Wharf. From there we asked local policemen how to get to Nueva Valencia where we booked our resort. He told us to ride a jeep going to Nueva Valencia. There are multicabs in the area, but hiring one would be expensive so my friend and I opted for cheaper transportation, a jeep for only Php 45.00 for 45 minutes to one hour depending on the jeep. The jeep was full of passenger, my friend and I were already at the end of the jeep uncomfortably sitting on a piece of wood.

Raymen Beach Resort in Alubihod

We told the barker to drop us going to Alubihod. We got off a gas station in an intersection going to Alubihod. From there we rode a tricycle going to Raymen Beach Resort in Alubihod. Upon checking in and since it was already almost 5 in the afternoon, we decided to check Alubihod beach and enjoyed the water with other tourists. Raymen also sumptuous food and the famous mango.

The following morning, we availed of the island hopping tour from Raymen Beach Resort and they helped us with the local boatman. It was still early in the morning and the sun was rising from the horizon. The first place we went to was our local boatman’s house where he fetched a tour guide for us. Our first island was the Ave Maria Island

It is a small island where the sand bars disappear during hightide. And since it was very early, we get to enjoy the small sand bar all by ourselves. The water was clear here and we took a short swim.

Across Ave Maria Island was the turtle sanctuary where we got to see a huge turtle. The island was surrounded by rock formations and a nice beach.

Baras Cave

Our next stop was the small cave of Baras Cave. Nice went inside the small cave with the rock formation.

Lamurawan Beach Resort

From Baras Cave, we went to Lamurawan Beach Resort. This island has a beautiful garden and is open to tourists to take pictures. We were able to talk to the caretakers of the garden. From Lamurawan, we could see the 7 small islands.

Natago Beach Resort

Our next destination was Natago Beach Resort. It was a resort and a secluded island. We tour the whole beach and were able to talk to the owner. It was my favorite beach on our tour because of the landscape, the sand bar between water with the rock formation and clear water with the visible school of fish.

Isla Naburot

 

We also check out the Fairy Castle and Isla Naburot.

Coron Island Tour

Coron has many islands tour packages to choose from. And since we were there for 3 days and 2 nights, we arranged for the basic tour. Our tour package is Island Tour A. There are upto 5 island tours to choose from.

CYC Island

We then availed the island tour that we booked and went to the tour operator.  The first island was the CYC of Coron Youth Club island, a small island with white sand beach and a mangrove.


From CYC, we went to the snorkelling area in Coral Garden. My three companions went to snorkel here and found diverse species swimming in the waters and the corals underneath.

Twin Peak Reefs

The next stop is Twin Peak Reefs, named after the two islets found in the area. I joined in for the snorkeling.

Bulungan Beach

We had our lunch in Bulungan Beach. It was included in the package where we shared the prepared lunch with the different tourist in our boat. We had grilled fish, liempo and seaweed salad. Tall limestone cliffs surrounded the area. After lunch we also enjoy the water here.

Hidden Lagoon

The fifth stop was the Hidden Lagoon with amazing rock formation and clear turquoise water. I was busy here trying to get a great picture of the limestone cliffs in a lush of green trees.

Kayangan Lake

Our final destination was the Kayangan lake. We then had a short trekked and found the most photographed spot where most of the tourist post during their island tour in Coron. It was a beautiful view from above of the cliffs in the waters.
We then went back to the muddy trail with stiffed rocks. We found the lake where there were pathways of wood at the sides. We left our things because clear water was inviting that made us jump to swim.


After the tour we head back to the Inn. We had dinner at Lolo Nonoy’s Food Station. It was not enough for a 3 days and 2 nights in Coron. There were so many islands and tourist spots that were still on my list. And I would definitely going back there.

For other post about Coron, please check: Coron: Mount Tapyas and Maquinit Hot Spring

Coron: Mount Tapyas and Maquinit Hot Spring

Coron is one of the tourist destinations in Palawan. It is one of the island on the top of Palawan. You have to take the Busuanga Airport. The Busuanga Airport was thirty minutes drive to Coron town proper. We were fetched by an airport transfer and we stayed in R2R Bayview Inn.


We then looked for a place to have lunch. We walked to the town and found La Sirenetta Bar and Restaurant. You have to walk in the bridge to get to the restaurant. The walls of the restaurant were painted and shaped into mermaids. They serve Italian and we ordered pizza and pasta. You could also see the cross of Mount Tapyas from the restaurant.

Mount Tapyas

We then ventured the Mount Tapyas. There were four of us, but there only three of us who made it on the top. We had so many stops to rest going up.

But as you go up, the spectacular scenery of the islands from Coron were viewed. We could see the restaurant from the middle part of the stairs.


We took a long rest in the area with a shade because the sun was so hot. When we were about a few steps away from the top, there were many tourists who were cheering us to finish the stairs. And voila, we were looking at the cross of Mount Tapyas.

When we were on top, we went around the area to see the different view from above. The different islands and the waters of Coron were lining up from different directions.

Maquinit Spring

When we went down and went back R2R Bayview Inn. We decided to go to Maquinit Hot Spring. It was a natural salt water hot spring. It was raining when we were already swimming in the hot.


We then had our dinner in the town.

Puerto Princesa City Tour

What are the other places we can see in Puerto Princesa City? Here are some of the places to see. Upon checking out to Sheridan Beach Resort we then had our city tour before going back to Manila. The first stop was Baker’s Hills.

Baker’s Hill

Baker’s Hill is one of the tourist attraction in Palawan. It is located on top of the hill and the store is also famous for Palawan’s baked goods and delicious bread. There is also a theme park on the top of the hill. The park also different stores and restaurants to accommodate tourists. The park has different character figures in a beautiful landscape. It is located at Mitra Road, Sta. Monica, Puerto Princesa.

Binuatan Weaving Creations

We then went to Binuatan Weaving Creations, a manufacturer of handloom woven products utilizing Palawan’s fiber. They have placemats, wallets, slippers and other authentic Palawan products made of fibers and endemic grasses. We were able to try weaving as part of their program.

Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral and the Plaza Cuartel

Our next stop is the Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral and the Plaza Cuartel. They are located at Rizal Avenue and was established as the Apostolic Prefecture in Palawan, and then became Apostolic Vicariate of Palawan. Behind the church is Plaza Cuartel, which is known for the ruins of old garrisons and tunnels.

Kahlui Restaurant

We then had our lunch in Kalui Restaurant along Rizal Avenue in Puerto Princesa. It serves a buffet lunch. The restaurant has also great decorations and paintings.

For other posts about Palawan, please check Puerto Princesa Honda Bay Island Tour Sheridan Beach Resort & Spa

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park

Early morning we went to the rock side formation at the edge of the Sabang Beach. It was low tide during that time. From the rocky area, you will see the mountain range was Sabang Beach is nestled.
Sheridan Beach Resort is just a few minutes away from the Sabang Port. We walked from Sheridan to and we find the Palawan Bearcat along the trail.
We lined up with the other tourists who were availing the tour to the Underground River. We also waited for our permit from Palawan Subterranean River Tour Office to be able to get inside the Puerto Princesa’s pride and number one tourist destination.


After 20 minutes of boat rides, we were in National Park. We transferred at the riverside for a small boat with a tour guide to explain the tour process and to share the story about the wonderful cave.
and the river is called Puerto Princesa Underground River. It is a protected area located at the Saint Paul Mountain Range approximately 80 kilometers north of the city center of Puerto Princesa. It is the longest underground river which is navigable for 8.2 kilometers and the cave system is 24 kilometers. It was also inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1999 and chosen as one of the New Seven Wonder of Natures in 2011. The river is flowing directly to the West Philippine Sea.


The opening of the cave features a lagoon and limestone karst mountain landscape. As we enter the cave, the light was only coming from the flashlight and the flash of the cameras from different tourist. The tour guide was really funny as he made us look at the different stalagmites and stalactites formation of the caves. There were different figures like mother and child, mushrooms inside the cave.
http://world.new7wonders.com/?n7wn-finalist=puerto-princessa-underground-river-philippines

Sheridan Beach Resort & Spa

Sheridan Resort is dubbed as the first green resort in the Philippines. It is located in the towering mountain ranges and the clear turquoise waters of the West Philippine Sea.

The travel from Honda Bay Wharf to Sheridan Beach Resort was about one hour and thirty minutes with one-stop to a simple store along the way. The road going to the resort mostly curves and up and down. There were so many of us who were nauseated and vomiting going there. But my van mates were really cool in thinking that we were riding a roller coaster. The view of the road was limestone formations trees and green mountains.
Sheridan Resort is dubbed as the first green resort in the Philippines.

It is located in the towering mountain ranges and the clear turquoise waters of the West Philippine Sea. Upon reaching Sheridan Beach Resort we had our welcome drinks. Our room was located on the first floor with the pool view. We explored the place and found the beachfront area of Sabang Beach.


My colleagues enjoyed the different amenities and recreation of the resort-like spa, pool, Jacuzzi, gym, billiards and darts. I enjoyed swimming in the pool. Some of my colleagues were also enjoying the basketball while swimming. And others were sleeping and resting in their rooms. While enjoying the pool, you could also order in the Wet and Dry Pool’s Bar, just between the two pools of Sheridan.


We had the superior room in the Pool View. I love the private balcony in front. We had our company dinner set up in the spacious garden near the pool area.
The breakfast is always at the South Sea Restaurant.
The best part of the Resort is Sabang Beach. I love the wide sand bars and the crashing waves from the beach.
For more information please visit http://www.sheridanbeachresort.com

For other posts about Palawan, please check: