Seeing Spain attractions is one of my intentions for my travel to Spain. Nevertheless, the travel itinerary prepared by the Agencia Española de Cooperación Internacional Para el Desarrollo (AECID), which sponsored our 10-day Study Tour on the Development of Cooperative Integration In Spain, was very hectic. Hence, I and the rest of the 15-man Philippine delegation just made use of whatever free time available to have a free wheeling visit to Spain attractions and have a peek on Spain culture.

Thus, after the conclusion of our 6^th day study tour at  ANECOOP and COARVAL, two of the largest secondary cooperatives not only in Spain but in Europe as well, our tour guide gave us the green light to roam aroud the city with instruction for us to divide the delegation into smaller groups to make the sightseeing trip as manageable as possible. It is worthy to mention that prior to that instruction, I and my fellow Caraga Region delegates Almar Autida of Surigao del Sur and Nielo Tingzon of Agusan del Norte had already formed an informal alliance dubbed CONTRATA in view of our standing agreement to exchange cameras amonng ourselves during photo opportunity sessions.

The Contrata Group composed of from left: Me, Almar Autida and Nielo Tingson posing for posterity at Toledo City, Spain.

Hence, in response to the tour guide’s instruction, the three of us had allied ourselves quick like metals clinging into the magnet. Our first and only stop was the Centro Historico (Historic Center) located at the heart of Valencia City, which is encircled by the Jardin del Turia to the north and by the ring roads of Guillem de Castro, Carrer Xativa and Carrer Colon. The spot is famous for narrow, cobbled streets and medieval stone houses like this . . .

A walk through the pinched streets within the vicinity of the Historical Center.

Among the popular Spain attractions found in the Historic Center is the Arch of Triumph . . .

Almar having pose with the Arch of Triumph at the background

The people of Valencia City are noted for paying tribute to men and women who bring honor not only to the city but the entire country as well as exemplified by this sculpture made of marble with the inscription Al Pintor Pinazo Valencia dedicated to Ignacio Pinazo Camarlench considered as one of the greatest painters Valencia has ever produced.

A souvenir photo in front of the sculpture dedicated to the great painter Ignacio Pinazo .

Eager to buy souvenir items for our families, close friends and relatives back home, we decided to go on shopping at the popular mall chain in Spain, the El Corte Ingles. . .

The facade of the El Corte Ingless mall chain

The sprawling 17,000-capacity Bullring, a Coliseum-styled Neoclassic building made between 1850 and 1860, would surely fill the emotions of first time visitors like you with awe and inspiration. Truly, the building stands as proof that the controversial, but regularly thrilling, gladiatorial activity between a human and a ferocious bull, which is considered as one of the most popular among Spain attractions, is very much alive in the city of Valencia.

The imposing Valencia Bullring

We had the chance to squeeze our study tour time the following day and visited some tourist attractions within the vicinity of the historical center, among them, the Plaza del Ayuntamiento where you can find the City Hall that is open for tourists like you who want to view the magnificent architecture this building is proud of. Another must visit in the square is the main Post Office building where unique stamps abound that could really satisfy the appetite of avid stamp collectors like you. But most importantly, the fountain at the center of the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, which is bordered by beds consisting of every type, shape, color , size and fragrance of flower that you can imagine, makes your visit to the main square of Valencia City memorable and enjoyable as it makes the surrounding sprawling buildings more picturesque than they already are.

The attractive fountain at the center of Plaza del Ayuntamiento in Valencia City, Spain.

I really considered myself fortunate enough to have witnessed one of the unique Spain attractions comprising of a fountain which represents the Turia River, considered the most important body of water in the Autonomous Community of Valencia, in human form surrounded by its tributaries. Dubbed as the Turia Fountain, it sits outside the Basilica of Nuestra Señora de los Desamparados in the Plaza de la Virgen.

A pose for posterity at the unique Turia Fountain at Plaza de la Virgen in Valencia, Spain

The lack of material time had hampered my desire to visit one of the most popular man-made Spain attractions in Valencia dubbed as the City of Arts and Sciences. However, the chance for us to pass by the area en route to another study tour destination was already a manna from heaven like me as I struggled hard to take the best shot from the chartered bus window as possible . . .

One of the magnificent buildings comprising the City of Arts and Sciences as seen from our tourist bus window.

As our bus was cruising the expressway, I really felt sorry for not setting foot and marvel at one of the most impressive examples of modern architecture I have had ever seen in my lifetime. Designed by the great Valentian architect Santiago Calatrava, it is an ensemble of five areas in the dry river bed of the now diverted River Turia made up of an Opera House and Performing Arts Centre; Imax Cinema, Planetarium and Laserium; Walkway and Garden; Science Museum and; Open-Air Oceanographic Park surrounded by attractive streams and pools thereby making it a perfect to learn and unwind by day or night.

But nothing beats my excitement as I was able to grasp myself the popular Valencia Orange which abound in the city proper of Valencia like this one being grown abundantly inside the compound of the GRUPOUTECO or Territorial Union of Cooperatives in Valencia . . .

Getting hold of the popular Valencia Orange . . .

Spain Attractions In Valencia – Final Thoughts

There is nothing more enjoyable after seeing some of Spain attractions in Valencia City. From sitting back and relaxing to the sounds of the unique Turia Fountain and the picturesque fountain with occasional bells that chime on the hour from the Town Hall to seeing impressive sculptures, neo-classical buildings and bustling modern shopping centers, those were once-in-a-lifetime experiences especially for a person of lesser wealth and stature like me. Candidly, my sightseeing experiences in the third largest city in Spain made me realize how blessed I am to be among the few Filipinos being given the chance to savor the popular Spain attractions which other persons like you are surely dreaming to see for themselves.

Jellyfish Lake Philippine Version – Where Is It?

A Jellyfish Lake, the local version of which is called Jellyfish Kingdom, is one of the emerging natural attractions and tourist spots frequented by island vacations lovers situated in a seaside lagoon with crystal clear water within the vicinity of the Sohoton Cove in Bucas Grande Island, Socorro, Surigao del Norte, Philippines.

Jellyfish Lake Philippine Version – Why Visit The Tourist Spot?

As local and foreign tourists are rolling into Bucas Grande Island, my family-owned and operated Island Vacations Travel and Tours had finally started its business with a group of 11 combined guests from Panabo City, Davao del Norte and San Francisco, Agusan del Sur in Mindanao Island, Philippines as our maiden clients. During our email correspondence, I advised the group leader to spend one full day in order to savor the beauty of the island. And true to my suggestion, they came in time for the past 4-day respite courtesy of the 2-day holiday in addition to the usual 2-day weekend break. After checking in at the Island Vacations Country Inn, we escorted the group for a 2-hour swim at the Puyangi White Sand Beach. At exactly 4:00 in the afternoon, we proceeded to the Kapihan View Park to catch-up the sunset and engage into sightseeing and stargazing activities. Back into the town center, the group went on a sunrise photography session at the feeder port . After breakfast, we proceeded to the Sohoton area doing island hopping and adventure diving at Sohoton Cove, boating at Tiktikan Lagoon and caving at Crystal Cave. We then proceeded to the Jellyfish Lake of Bucas Grande, dubbed locally as Jellyfish Kingdom, before strolling at the majestic Club Tara Resort. As all, except 2, of the mentioned destinations were already featured in my previous blog posts, I will be discussing in detail the Jellyfish Kingdom trip while the caving adventure will be featured in my future post. From the Sohoton Tourist Assistance Center,we were supposed to ride on small paddle boats with a maximum capacity of 2 persons per boat, excluding the paddler, towards the Jellyfish Kingdom. Nevertheless, the sea current was swift by that time due to the onset of high tide, hence, we opted to ride on a pump boat. On board our rented boat, we maneuvered at the narrow passage leading to the Jellyfish Kingdom . . .

The tour guide expertly maneuvering the frontal section of the pum boat as it entered the narrow passage of the Jelly Fish Kingdom

The area may not be comparable to the famous Jellyfish Lake in Palau as it is not exactly a lake but a lagoon with a constricted entrance. . .

The azure waters of the Jellyfish Kingdom with its surrounding verdant hills. . .

Seen from a distance, the minute lagoon seemed to be just an ordinary scenery but as we moved forward, I had proven to myself that millions of golden jellyfish were really lurking beneath the crystal clear water. I then briefed the group that the underwater creatures surrounding us actually belong to a jellyfish specie who do sting but their stings are too mild to feel, hence, they were often referred to as non-stinging jellyfish.

One of our guests enjoyed staying afloat on the water surrounded by golden jellyfish . . .

To satisfy his excitement, the other male guest hurriedly dived into the water . . .

... and swam with the smack of golden jellyfish.

The other guy was still cautious whether the golden jellyfish was really non-stinging . . .

Touch Me or Touch Me Not might be in the mind of the guy with this hand . . .

With this one trying to be romantic with the nice underwater creature . . .

Planting a kiss on a golden jellyfish . . .

But the other male guest proved to be the most enterprising . . .

As he grabbed a jellyfish as if it's a sphere of gold . . .

Proving to themselves that they ought not to be outdone in any challenge, the female guests also showed their prowess . . .

With this lady trying to play with the nice creature . . .

But the other one really wanted a feel if there's a jellyfish sting or not right in her palm . . .

But this girl had another trip . . .

Wanting the jellyfish to pose with her for a smile in front of my Nikon D7000 camera.

I could really feel the fun deep inside them as I took a group picture of my guests . . .

My guests' final pose for posterity at the Jellyfish Kingdom.

Jellyfish Lake Philippine Version – Final Thoughts

The Philippine version of the Jellyfish Lake has become a source of pride among the local inhabitants. For one, it is the only known place so far in the Philippines to host such friendly underwater creatures. On the other hand, it is situated within the vicinity of the Sohoton Cove thereby adding to the variety of natural attractions in the area and contributing to its fame as the Philippines all-in-one tourist destination. No wonder, such Bucas Grande version of Jellyfish Lake has really proven itself to be a sound alternative for those who lack resources to visit Palau to experience for themselves befriending the amazing non stinging creatures called golden jellyfish.

Kawasan Falls – An Introduction

Kawasan Falls is considered as the most famous waterfalls in Cebu Island with images prominently displayed among the best waterfalls pictures of the Philippines and frequently visited by island vacations enthusiasts, creationists and other tourists wanting to visit natural attractions and tourist spots for the purpose of sightseeing and taking pictures of nature. It is situated in Barangay Matutinao in the town of Badian, 105 kilometers away from Cebu City.

Kawasan Falls – Why I went There?

Upon invitation of my good friend Reynero “Tata” Escultor, Vice-Chairman of Kawasan Nature Park Multi-Purpose Cooperative (KNPMPC), I decided to include Kawasan Falls in the itinerary of the study tour of the staff of the Socorro Empowered Peoples Cooperative (SOEMCO) based in Bucas Grande Island, Socorro, Surigao del Norte, Philippines.  On board 4 hired vans, we left  the Hidden Valley Resort in Lamac, Pinamungajan, Cebu at exactly 7:00 o’clock in the morning of April 22, 2011. We passed by the towns of Pinamungajan, Aloguinsan, Barili, Dumanjog, Ronda, Alcantara and finally Badian. We travelled  a few more kilometres until we reached Barangay Matutinao at 10:00 o’clock. From the junction we walked towards the direction of Kawasan Falls with Annabella Esbillas, KNPMPC Treasurer serving as our guide . . .

The SOEMCO staff walking their way towards Kawasan Falls

Along the way, we stopped on a stall to pay the Php 10.00 per head entrance fee. The SOEMCO staff  also took turns buying souvenirs such as breaded necklace, bracelets and  t-shirts prominently printed with “Kawasan Falls.”

We walked on gravelled road along tributaries crossing in the process three small bridges. As we went deeper into a rainforest, some of the female employees were already starting to feel exhausted. But the roaring in the distance announcing our approach to the phenomenal natural attraction had mobilized our strength to proceed. The roaring increased and became more and more thundering as we went on. Finally, after 30-minutes of walking on a 750-meter road, we reached the First Level of Kawasan Falls. Candidly,  it seemed I was hypnotized by the close encounter with this natural spectacle . . .

The firsl level 20-meter high plunge type Kawasan Falls

Since it was a Good Friday, the spot was on a festive mood full of local and foreign tourists enjoying a swim on the turquoise plunge pool . . .

Close-up view of the plunge-type Kawasan Falls with Korean tourists on the foreground . . .

I was preparing to settle and take more pictures but our tour guide signaled that we have to proceed to the second level 250 meters away as our billeting area was situated therein. Hence, we proceeded and maneuvered on sometimes steep and narrow  but oftentimes comfortable trails. On our way, my sight was glued at the enthralling view of a fan-type mini falls . . .

A female tourist, whom I befriended later, preparing for a jump at the fan-type mini falls. . .

Our tour guide signaled that we were already about to reach our destination. I stopped for a while as I was fascinated to see this spillway . . .

The Kawasan Falls Level 2 Spillway . . .

We were warmly welcomed by Ms. Myrna Divinagracia, Ms. Milagros Batongmalaki and Mr. Iasuro Belarmino, Kawasan Nature Park Multi-Purpose Cooperative (KNPMPC) Chairman and members of the board, respectively. After taking a sumptuous dinner prepared by the cooperative, the hospitable officers oriented the group on the cooperative’s history, governance and management. Afterwards, the staff engaged in a free-for-all swim into the plunge pool. . .

Some SOEMCO staff on board a bamboo raft enjoying the plunge of level 2 Kawasan Falls . . .

With raised hands...shouting victoriously... WE Conquered Kawasan Falls!

Scared with the thundering sound of the  falls and the plunge pool’s depth, some female staff were just contented with taking pictures of nature and posing with the majestic waterfalls scenery as background . . .

Ms. Racquel Kristina T. Ocon, CPA, SOEMCO Accounting Manager on her best pose with the Kawasan Falls plunge pool at the background . . .

To satisfy my curiosity, I decided to proceed to the Kawasan Falls water source. As I climbed on a steep and sometimes slippery trail, I passed by and took shots of this  enthralling  view . . .

Kawasan Falls' plunge into the pool viewed from atop . . .

I slogged further into slippery stones for 30 minutes until I reached the 3rd level cascading Kawasan Falls . . .

Turquoise, crystal clear stream pool of the cascade-type level 3 Kawasan Falls

Kawasan Falls – Final Thoughts

The sight of a flowing water rapidly dropping in elevation as it flows over a steep region or a cliff is truly a wonderful experience among the SOEMCO staff. The lessons learned on how to operate a cooperative-run nature park are really worth the time, money and efforts.

Finally, the view of a multi-step waterfalls, or a series of waterfalls one after another of roughly the same size each with its own sunken plunge pool, which characterized Kawasan Falls will surely go down as one of the most exciting trips I have had undertaken in my life.