13 “Untouristic” Provinces You Should Visit this 2013 (Part 1)

If you are the same age as me or older, you must have heard this song:

Enero, Pebrero,
Marso, Abril, Mayo,
Hunyo, Hulyo, Agosto.
Septyembre, Oktubre,
Nobyembre, Disyembre,
Lubi Lubi.
Konwaray sin abaniko.
Patay na inin lawas ko.
Lawas ko, ay ay!
Madedesmayo
San balhas na desmayado konwado.

This has a new meaning to me now after somewhat learning some local dialects.

So this is a Bicolano folk song called “Lubi-Lubi.” It talks about a woman enduring the heat (summer) from January-Lubi-Lubi (a Dolphy joke that Philippines has 13 months) and if not for the fan’s help, she would have fainted. And BTW, Lubi-Lubi is a kind of plant called “Kamakamatisan” in Tagalog. Its different from “lubi” which is coconut in Bisaya.

Now, because the Philippines is a tropical country blessed with 2 seasons called hot and hotter (endless summer eh?!!); why not plan your trips in these provinces that are not too ‘touristic.’ Promise, these are my faves!

To help you see the big picture, here is a location map of where to find these provinces:

13 “Untouristic” Provinces You Should Visit this 2013 (Part 1)

Enero: Kalinga

Kalinga, Whang-od Tattooing a centipede to a Spaniard

Kalinga! Probably my favorite in the Cordilleras for its well-preserved culture and forests. I was talking with a well-traveled friend who has been to this place and I was not surprised to hear him speak well of this province as well. Another traveler was listening to us as we describe the experiences we had and he was stoked of going there A.S.A.P.

I want to go back here and get a centipede tattoo from Whang-od.

Pebrero: Cagayan

The Divine Chamber at Callao Caves in Penablanca, Cagayan

Cagayan is a province I want to spent more days exploring this 2013. I have been to Tuguegarao to eat pancit batil-patung and Penablanca for the Callao Caves but I know Cagayan has much more to offer. I’m looking forward to the Babuyanes! Ohhh yes, that would be an awesome addition to my off-the-beaten-path destinations.

I put it on February so you can time the Humpback whales.

Marso: Sorsogon

A rare event! A dog (might be feeling that I’m solo) joined me as I watched the setting sun making the sky indigo

Could be the best province Bicol region can offer to intrepid travelers. Yes, its far and that makes it a perfect place to spend 3 days or more. March is the perfect month to see the whalesharks in Donsol. You might also want to try surfing the waves in Gubat or simply enjoy nature’s bounty and Bicolano’s pinangat.

I guess I will be there on March for the Surf Camp the boys are cooking. If you wanna join, please do visit this Gubat, Sorsogon link: Summer Camp 2013- A Green Camp (or contact Noli for details: 0905-242-1693)

Abril: Marinduque

Mongpong island’s dry port. How do you like to set up camp there?

Marinduque is perfectly placed at the heart of the Philippines. This ♥-shaped province is where I found the most accommodating and hospitable locals ever. I want to get back there and visit the friends and family I made when I first visited it February of 2012.

I placed this in April in time for the Moriones Festival.

Mayo: Masbate

Masbate’s Halea Nature Park in Ticao Island

It’s not mas-beyt, its mas-ba-te. Masbate is another island province that will surprise a visitor. I want to share with you a log on my travel note, “I visited Halea Nature Park. This is the place where I said “I’m in an island where I don’t want to blog about. I want to keep it a secret. Fishes as many as the stars, as colorful as the rainbow.” I also met some divers that are planning to see the Giant Manta Rays. How I wish I have the money to dive with them that time. Oh well, maybe next time.”

Could this be the year where I finally dive and see the Giant Manta rays?

Hunyo: Romblon

Could be the hardest mountain to peak. (Photo credits: www.lagataw.com)

The last time I was here was 2003, yep almost a decade ago. My only remembrance is a marble egg I bought for myself. I can’t even locate my old photos. But I plan to visit Romblon again this 2013 and maybe explore for a week or more. Hmmmm… I want to chase more waterfalls, hike mountains (everyone wants to peak G2) and discover white island beaches.

Who wants to come with me?

Part 2:  13 Untouristic Provinces You Should Visit this 2013