Unique Philippine Travel

Philippine Adventure Destination 2010

2010-01-27T19:31:00.000-08:00

The Philippines is being promoted by the Philippine Department of Tourism as an adventure destination in Asia. With 7,107 islands offering every activity imaginable, the Philippines is the ideal destination for the most energetic outdoor enthusiast. Here's a glimpse of some of the adventures that will make you see why the Philippines must be the foreign traveler's next destination: (click the links below from IslandsPhilippines.net)

Best Diving Anyone who has had any experience exploring the seas will agree that the Philippines has a number of the best dive sites on the planet. Of the more than 500 species of corals in the Philippine seas, 396 are found in the Tubbataha Reef alone, making it a favorite among scuba enthusiasts.

Breathtaking Whaleshark Encounters In Donsol, Sorsogon, thousands of whalesharks or "butandings" swim from November to June to this place which is now called the Whaleshark Capital of the World. Visitors on pump boats can see an average of 15 whalesharks – some as long as buses – during peak season. Tourists can swim alongside these creatures which are often referred to as the Gentle Giants of the Deep for being harmless and mild.

Thrilling Whitewater Rafting Rafting in the Philippines is one experience that will definitely get you wet and wild over water. Cagayan de Oro has one of the longest rivers in the Mindanao Region and is one of the most popular rafting and kayaking destinations in the country. Up north, in Cagayan Valley in Luzon, is the Chico River – a 72-kilometer stretch of frothy waters winding through the Cordillera Mountains. In Davao, one may also go on an exhilarating water adventure in the 13-kilometer Davao River.

World-Class Surfing Known as the Surfing Capital of the Philippines, Siargao has big, challenging swells, making it a favorite site for numerous international competitions. Other Philippine destinations such as Baler in Aurora, Virac in Catanduanes and San Juan in La Union also have great waves that range from beginner to advanced.

Extreme Wakeboarding This is one extreme activity that can be done in a man-made facility. Wakeboarding, the latest adventure craze enjoyed by sports enthusiasts and fitness buffs, is a surface water sport that uses a combination of water skiing, snowboarding and surfing techniques.

Awesome Cave Explorations Some of the most fascinating natural formations can be found inside the caves of the Philippines. The caves of Sagada holds many secrets that may never be revealed, but the coffins that hang in the caves remain to be a testament of a culture that still remains.

Astounding Trekking/Mountain Climbing Experiences Mt. Apo, the tallest mountain in the Philippines, remains to be one of the most popular mountain climbing spots in the country. It is home to the mighty Philippine Eagle, the precious Waling-Waling Orchid and a unique diversity of flora and fauna. It has three summit lakes and a National Park that is home to over 270 species of birds.

Escapin' to the Philippines Travel in Photos

2010-01-06T20:32:00.001-08:00

To see some very beautiful photos of the various parts of the Phillippines check out this link http://lagalog.com/2010/01/backpacking-photography-banaue.html

Breath-taking places in the Philippines video

2009-12-30T04:22:00.000-08:00

Also see the beautiful photos and descriptions at this blog

Best of Philippines

Airports in the Philippines, Manila, Cebu, Iloilo, Bacolod, Davao,

2009-12-27T23:18:00.000-08:00

Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3

Finally this long-mothballed and -awaited addition to the Philippines’ flagship airport was opened to the public last July 22, 2008. after 11 years since construction first commenced. Get a complete photo tour of this airport used for Cebu Pacific domestic and international flights, Click the forward and back arrows below the photos to go through the photos quickly.

See the photos here http://www.unlawyer.net/photos/?a=ninoy-aquino-international-airport-naia-terminal-3&i=2236

Tazis: If you’re taking a cab home, you have three options: take the expensive Airport Taxi, which has a fixed price (super expensive), a “metered” yellow taxi (I hear from Melo that they were charging a flat rate of Php 400. What the heck, right?), or the regular (and true) metered taxi. The first thing you’d see when you step out of the terminal are the airport taxis. Keep walking to the right and you’d see the line of Yellow taxis. I had a bad feeling about these yellow taxis, as I saw a huge concentration of their ilk in the airport parking lot.

To get the cheapest white taxis, you must now go upstairs to the arrival area, by taking the esculator at the one end of terminal and then going to the other end gate 4 exit and cross the street to the main street where white taxis pass by. Make sure you ask for the meter or you have wasted your tmie.

Read more with comments here http://justwandering.org/2008/08/naia-terminal-3-2/
http://www.travellerspoint.com/forum.cfm?thread=52835

Cebu Pacific initially used the terminal in the last week of July 2009 for some of its domestic routes, then followed by PAL Express and Air Philippines... Last August 2, Cebu Pacific moved all its flights, domestic and international to T3...

How Many Terminals Are there in Manila airport?

There are two operational International Terminals at the Manila Airport and a third which is yet to be opened and a Domestic Terminal no more than 1 kilometre from the International Terminals.

Terminal 1

Terminal 1 is the original International Terminal and is known as the NAIA Terminal where all international flights arrive except Philippine Airlines (PAL). This is the terminal which you will more than likely arrive in. It is old and can be a challenge but I’ll get to that in a minute.
Get more advice on the procedures at the NAIA airport here http://www.philippines-travel-guide.com/manila-airport.html

Photos Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1

You can catch a metered taxi on the departure level by going out exit 4 and going out to the street. Take the esculator at the far end of the terminal to go up to the departure level. Otherwise you must take the foreigner priced metered expensive taxis on the arrival level.

Airport taxis are reported to be a rip-off, charging up to 4 times the meterd fare. To avoid this, walk up the stairs to arrivals (ask if you cannot find the stairs) and get in a taxi that someone has just arrived in - nobody will care. Go by the meter and add a few extra Pesos. When heading to the airport make sure you tell the taxi driver which terminal, if you go to the wrong one it is another taxi ride across to the correct one.

How do you like the semi-private lounge in NAIA?
I tried it this past visit, $10 US$ (P 460) includes buffet breakfast, wireless or they provide prvt hi-speed desktops to use, a shower area in case u waited overnite in the airport, a smoking area and relaxing chairs to watch tv or read there are also prvt rooms with a double bed. if you and/or travel companion wish to sleep an hour or two before your flight, - they offer a wake up at boarding time. for an extra small fee theres a fully stocked bar, massages available w/2-4 filipinas on duty.

no airline membership required its for any passenger... with the Ten smackers

Terminal 2

The second terminal is known as Centennial Terminal. It is for the exclusive use of the Philippines National carrier, Philippines Airlines (PAL). The terminal itself is relatively new, opening in 1999 and is modern and spacious. It caters for both Domestic and International PAL only flights.
Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 photos

Terminal 3

Interesting enough the NAIA 3 was ready for operation in 2003. Now in 2005 it appears the opening of Terminal 3 is to “expected” by the first quarter in 2006. Due to a business dispute between the terminals contractor a German consortium and the Arroyo Administration the opening of Terminal 3 has been postponed on numerous occasions. In December 2004 the Philippine Government took over the management of the new NAIA Terminal 3 at Manila Airport.

This Terminal 3 is significantly larger than Terminal 1 and was intended to take the place of the original terminal. I will keep you up to date as to when this Terminal 3 will eventually open. See photos http://www.unlawyer.net/photos/?a=ninoy-aquino-international-airport-naia-terminal-3&i=2236

Manila Domestic Airport

Mactan Cebu International Airport

Taxis: What we did was walk out the arrivals section, cross the street and look for the stairs that headed for the departure area. We then flagged a cab that was dropping passengers off from the departure area. Very practical considering that the cab who just arrived from the departure area already made money dropping a passenger off and would not think about bleeding you dry for a fixed rate considering that you are paying for his way back to the main island. If he did try to jack you, you could just get off and wait for the next cab exiting the departure area. But our last trip the airport in their wisdom as tried to eliminate this choice as they have new taxis with a much higher rate now sitting there and the police hassle the taxis dropping off passengers. The airport has joined the official ripoff and passengers dont like it! Some say you can get a white metered taxi in front of the Waterfront hotel at the airport.
traditional white taxis are the cheapest. P30 flagfall plus P2.5 per 200 metres plus P2.5 per minute waiting time.

The new yellow airport taxis are P70 flagfall plus P4 per 200 metres plus P4 per minute waiting time.

The average cost in a yellow airport taxi to the centre of Cebu City is P270, compared to about P150 in a white taxi.

The New Iloilo International Airport
The New Bacolod-Silay Airport
Davao International Airport

Tags: Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3, Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 , Terminal 1 International Terminal NAIA Terminal, Manila Domestic Airport, Mactan Cebu International Airport. The New Iloilo International Airport. The New Bacolod-Silay Airport. Davao International Airport, taxis at airports philippines

Philippine Festival Websites

2009-12-25T14:11:00.000-08:00

There is a saying here in the Philippines there is a fiesta everyday of the year somewhere in the Philippines

Here is the list some of the Philippine Festival Websites.

A festival is an event, usually and ordinarily staged by a local community, which centers on some unique aspect of that community.

Among many religions, a feast or festival is a set of celebrations in honour of God or gods. A feast and a festival are historically interchangeable. However, the term “feast” has also entered common secular parlance as a synonym for any large or elaborate meal. When used as in the meaning of a festival, most often refers to a religious festival rather than a film or art festival.

In the Philippines, there are hundreds of festivals and fiestas, This site is your window to the major festivals in the Philippines. A online tour guide to the best Philippine Festival and Fiestas around. Showing you the color and glamour of the festivals in the islands. Via PhilippineFiestas.com

SANGYAW FESTIVAL
SANDUGO FESTIVAL
PASIGARBOSASUGBO
PINTADOS FESTIVAL
KADAYAWAN FESTIVAL
ALIWAN FIESTA
KAGAY-AN FESTIVAL
KASADYA FESTIVAL
PINTAFLORES
BUGLASAN FESTIVAL
DINAGYANG FESTIVAL
CEBUSINULOG FESTIVAL
PANAGBENGA FESTIVAL
HIGANTES FESTIVAL
HERMOSA FESTIVAL
KASADYAAN FESTIVAL
KASADYA FESTIVAL
DIYANDI FESTIVAL
GENSANTUNA FESTIVAL
CARACOL FESTIVAL
CARABAO FESTIVAL
ATIATIHAN FESTIVAL
KAAMULAN FESTIVAL
KALILANGAN FESTIVAL
BACOLOD MASSKARAFESTIVAL
HIGAONON FESTIVAL

Tags: Filipino fiesta, Filipino festival, Philippines fiesta schedule, Philippines festival schedule, Philippines fiesta photos, Philippines festival photos, SANGYAW FESTIVAL. SANDUGO FESTIVAL. PASIGARBOSASUGBO, PINTADOS FESTIVAL, KADAYAWAN FESTIVAL, ALIWAN FIESTA, KAGAY-AN FESTIVAL, KASADYA FESTIVAL, PINTAFLORES, BUGLASAN FESTIVAL, DINAGYANG FESTIVAL, CEBUSINULOG FESTIVAL, PANAGBENGA FESTIVAL, HIGANTES FESTIVAL, HERMOSA FESTIVAL, KASADYAAN FESTIVAL, KASADYA FESTIVAL, DIYANDI FESTIVAL, GENSAN TUNA FESTIVAL, CARACOL FESTIVAL, CARABAO FESTIVAL, ATIATIHAN FESTIVAL, KAAMULAN FESTIVAL, KALILANGAN FESTIVAL, BACOLOD MASSKARA FESTIVAL, HIGAONON FESTIVAL

Philippines Adventure Travel offering

2009-12-23T20:12:00.001-08:00

I came across this website and offering it for interested Philippine Travelers

Philippines Adventure Travel has been increasing its popularity nowadays. Taking off the traditional vacations to a more daring travel, tourists enjoy their tour more with those unusual experiences.

Some of the adventure travel we can do in the Philippines are adventure racing, skydiving, wakeboarding, mountain hiking, whitewater rafting, skydiving and many more.

These extreme travels are rarely offered by other travel agencies. But at e-Philippines Adventure Travel and Destinations, we offer more than just a vacation and tour. We will take you to the next level simultaneously offering you a travel package that suits your budget for you to experience, enjoy and at the same time explore the wonderful islands of the Philippines with an adventure travel you surely won't forget.

e-Philippines Adventure Travel and Destinations
www.e-philippines.com.ph
explore.experience.enjoy.Philippines.

Living on a Sailboat or houseboat in the Philippines

2009-12-16T21:19:00.000-08:00

Living on a Sailboat/Houseboat in the Philippines
Dock your boat in Carmen Cebu in a protected harbo...
A boat builder for your dream boat, Carmen Cebu
Boaters experiences in the Philippines suggestions...
Where can I build buy a boat in the Philippines? W...
Living on a Sailboat/Houseboat in the Philippines ...

Read more at my blog http://philippinesboat.blogspot.com/

Tags: house, houseboats in philippines, packages tour tourism tours travel, houseboat plans, diy construction, watercraft houseboat plans, boat marina, boating, houseboat living, houseboat living, boats home, outdoors, house, sailboats in philippines, sailboat plans, sailboat living, sailboat living,

Surfing in the Philippines

2009-12-16T20:10:00.000-08:00

A 4am start from Sea scape began the long journey to Siargao. One day, two boats, two buses and an argument- filled tricycle ride later and we finally rock up at Cloud nine, Philippines surfing haven. Home to the annual national surfing tournament we were expecting there to be LOADS of people, but, like the rest of the Philippines, things were pretty quiet and very beautiful.. Continue to read more here http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/danandkate/1/1260370279/tpod.html

Siargao Island in relation to the Philippines.

More articles on surfing in the Philippines here

Siargao: The Philippines Surfing Capital
http://www.thingsasian.com/stories-photos/2937

Surfing in the Philippines
http://www.margarita-station.com/surfing.html

Calicoan Island Surf Camp, Eastern Samar Located in Calicoan Island in Easter Samar, the Surf Camp is a surfer’s haven. Just a 1 hour plane ride to Tacloban City and a 3 hour Van ride from Tacloban to Eastern Samar will take to you this island paradise. Even if the resort is very re...

SURFVIVOR LA UNION – December 19-20, 2009 SURFVIVOR LA UNION Surfing Adventure for Beginners Dec 19-20, 2009 La Union, Philippines Travel Factor’s Overnight Surfing Adventure for beginners in La Union. Highly recommended to all SURFERS (zero to any skill level), PHOTOGRAPHERS, and BEACH B...

Cloud 9, Siargao Island Spot This: Cloud 9 is one of the premier surfing spots that can be found in Siargao Island, Philippines, this year Billabong is also holding its annual “Cloud 9 Invitational 2009” event here Related posts:Calicoan Island Surf Camp, East...

Philippines : A Premier Surfing Haven

Siargao Philippines - An Outlying Seventh Heaven For Surfers http://www.philippine-travel-guide.com/siargao-philippines.html

Discover Siargao Island

http://discoversiargao.com/index.php/200708019/Newsflashes/Newsflash/The+Siargao+Siren.html

GREAT HIDEAWAY BEACHES PHILIPPINES

2009-12-11T03:52:00.001-08:00

from mygiaf web: The Beach: With 7,107 islands, and a coastline twice the length of that of the United States, the Philippines can claim to be Asia's Beach Capital. Enjoy the warm crystal blue waters of both the China Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Mention the Philippines and images of long, white sand beaches and bodies of water blessed with a variety of marine life come to mind. Continue reading here about this bloggers best hideaway beaches in the Philippines http://myqjaf.com/sites/tp/beach.html

To read more about his choice beaches, search google for more details on the choices.

Google searches reveal top tourist spots in the Philippines

2009-12-10T14:37:00.000-08:00

ABS-CBN news MANILA, Philippines - Beaches or water sports destinations are popular this year, based on internet search data by Google Inc.

In Google's Zeitgeist (German for "spirit of the times"), a collection of top items searched on the internet by users from a particular area, the company identified the "fastest-rising travel destinations" in the Philippines.

Topping the list are beach destinations like Baler in Quezon province, a budding surfing hotspot; Coron town in Palawan, which is dotted with lagoons, caves, and rare fauna; as well as El Nido, also in Palawan, which is home to the posh El Nido Resort complex.

Filipino internet users who searched for travel destinations in the Philippines were also specific about the leisure areas they favored.

Resorts that made it to the Top 10 in the Zeitgeist travel list were the Acuatico Beach Resort in Batangas, 8 Waves Waterpark and Hotel in Bulacan, the Camsur Watersports Complex (CWC) in Camarines Sur, and the Amana Resort also in Bulacan.

Continue reading here http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/lifestyle/12/10/09/google-searches-reveal-top-tourist-spots

Kayak 'n' roll Tourism

2009-12-09T21:09:00.000-08:00

Kayak 'n' roll

From the Philippine Star It really is possible to see the entire Philippines by traversing the sea. Our ancestors did it. They sailed into the Philippines on boats called balangay before settling in the various islands. But without doubt, sailing is a test of skill, mettle and a bit of luck. It is fraught with danger because swift currents can push you towards perilous open seas, or strong winds may force you inland and dash your craft on shoreline rocks. Thus, to kayak throughout the Philippines takes considerable navigational skills, physical strength, adequate “sea sense” and an adventurous spirit.

The sea craft are 19-foot touring kayaks. By paddling at least 10 kilometers a day, Buzzy and Swee Chiow expect to log 3,000 kilometers at the end of the tour. “It’s a good way to see the country,” says Buzzy. “We’re hoping to set a pan-Philippines kayaking trail.” He identifies Cebu and Bohol as hotbeds of tour kayaking, but rues that the sport is not gaining popularity as fast as it should, saying, “There are endless possibilities for kayaking as a serious sport in the Philippines since we are an archipelagic country.” Continue reading here http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=527666&publicationSubCategoryId=87

Here is another Kayak adventure story Philippines, click title to read
A kayaking adventure in Corregidor

CHEAP BOHOL TOUR PACKAGE 3 DAYS & 2 NIGHTS

2009-11-30T00:21:00.000-08:00

I saw this ad and thought I would share it with my readers since Bohol has some unique travel boating on Luboc River and small monkey like creatures. Click the link to read more about the tour.

A group of 8 people-------Total of Php 23,200.00 or Php 2,900.00 per person (2Quadruple Sharing)

A group of 7 people-------Total of Php 22,400.00 or Php 3,200.00 per person (1 Quad&1TripleSharing)

A group of 6 people--------Total of Php 21,000.00 or Php 3,500.00 per person (2 Triple Sharing)

A group of 5 people--------Total of Php19,000.00 or Php 3,800.00 per person (1Twin/1 triple sharing)

A group of 4 people--------Total of Php16,600.00 or Php 4,150.00 per person (2 Twin Sharing)

Three persons----------------Total of Php15,000.00 or Php 5,000.00 per person (1triple Sharing)

Two persons------------------Total of Php13,800.00 or Php 6,900.00 per person ( twin Sharing)

Package inclusions:
Aircon transfer from airport/ pier to hotel/resort and vice versa.
Aircon van for day 1 and day 3 tours
Hotel/Resort accommodation
All entrance fees and permits in all tours
Buffet lunch at Loboc River Cruise at day 1
Motorized banca for Balicasag Island, dolphin watching and swimming.
Personal lifeguard/diving tour guide
Snorkel Gear / Mask
Driving tour guide

Read all the details with contact information here http://ph.88db.com/ph/Services/Post_Detail.page/Travel_Leisure/Promo_Special_Offer/?PostId=496475

Islands Banca Cruises and Cebu Pacific Airlines Cebu Unusual adventure

2009-11-29T23:10:00.000-08:00

From the Philippine Star To further stimulate domestic travel, the Islands Banca Cruises (IBC) partners with Cebu Pacific Air (CEB) to promote Cebu as the island hopping destination in the Philippines.

Both companies, whose main thrust is to spur the domestic tourism market in the country, agreed to jointly promote Cebu as an island hopping destination, as IBC joins CEB’s “Fun Tours” packages which are easily available through online booking at the latter’s website.

In a press conference, Island’s Group head for marketing Carlo Borromeo said that while IBC observed an increasing demand for out-of-Cebu bookings for island hopping tours, the Aldeguer-owned company has decided to enhance its market reach through partnering with CEB.

Those with plans of going to Cebu and booking through CEB’s website can easily find IBC’s island hopping tours with choices of going to nearby islets in Cebu like Talima and Gilutungan or Pandanon Island in Bohol.

According to Borromeo, IBC’s packages for island hopping tours are designed to fit the cost-conscious domestic market, while tailored-fit packages are also available depending on the clients’ requirement.

Aside from island hopping, the company also offers other water-sport activities such as snorkeling, dive safaris (Malapascua, Moalboal, Bohol and Dumaguete); fish feeding (Gilutungan, Nalusuan and Talima); Lechon Barbeque Picnic in several islets in Cebu, Sunset Dinners; Dolphin Watching (Sogod, Camotes); and Kayaking (Mactan, Olango and Gilutungan).

“Adventure tourism is picking up. The Philippines is pushing adventure tourism. Gone were the days that hotels, and resorts were the main attractions. Now, guests would like to go out from their hotels/resorts and look for activities outside,” Islands Group chief executive officer (CEO) Jonathan Jay P. Aldeguer said in an interview with The Freeman.

The Islands Group’s sister company Island Souvenirs Inc. (ISI) has been partnering with Cebu Pacific for years now. Borromeo said this time, the two companies are joining hands to promote adventure and leisure tourism in Cebu, through this partnership, of which a client who may want to avail of IBC packages through CEB online booking can get attractive discounts or at least 20 percent lower than the regular rate.

IBC utilizes motorized boats for its island hopping activities. Unlike the traditional pumpboat ride, Islands Banca offers beverages, light snacks, and toiletries and Spa (service) on board, with comfortable bean bags. It also offers water sports equipment for rent.

A banca is an archetypical Philippine boat, fundamentally, a sturdy, deep-hulled outrigger canoe designed primarily for inter-island transport. Despite being very simple, almost rustic, a banca is a stable, reliable and fast vessel.

The modern Islands Banca, on the other hand, is a more streamlined, elegantly styled, and efficient version of the traditional motorized banca, fondly called a "pumpboat." It combines the versatility and speed of a classic banca, with the convenience and reliability of modern transport and travel. Continue reading here http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=527466&publicationSubCategoryId=108

The website is here www.islandsbanca.com/

Here is a review and photos of their trip http://budgettraveler.blogspot.com/2008/04/kitchies-islands-banca-cruises.html

TALIMA FOR TWO
Route: Talima Marine Sanctuary - Talima Beach Villas
Duration: 3pm to 7pm
Boat: Butete
Inclusions:
- Boat rental
- Snorkeling gear
- Fish feeding activities
- Romantic sunset dinner (seafood) with one free drink
- Choice between bottle of wine (white or red) OR massage therapist services
- Towels
- Steward services

Mechanics:
- Price is Php2,900 per person.
- Islands Banca Cruises can accommodate only two (2) Talima for Two bookings per day.
- This special offer cannot be combined with other existing Islands Banca Cruises promos.
- Availing of additional equipment/services is allowed with corresponding charges upon request during booking (kayak, fins, violinist, etc.)
- Cold drinks are also available for sale onboard.
- Strictly for two people only.

WEEKDAY HOLIDAY
Mechanics:
- Applicable for Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays only. (Holidays not included.)
- Discount shall be deducted from total cost.
- This special offer cannot be combined with other existing Islands Banca Cruises promos.
- Child/Infant and Senior Citizens' discounts are not applicable.

You don't even need a reason to celebrate. If you just want to have a good time, come on board with Islands Banca Cruises.

For inquiries, bookings or more details, contact us:
ISLANDS BANCA CRUISES
Tel No.: (63 32) 236 4896 or (63 32) 516 1903
Mobile: (+63917) 6300736
Yahoo! Messenger: islandsbancacruises@ymail.com
Email: info@islandsbanca.com
Website: www.islandsbanca.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/islandsbancacruises
Multiply: islandsbancacruises.multiply.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/islandsbanca

A piece of Philippine paradise

2009-11-29T02:59:00.000-08:00

November 21, 2009 from overseas filipinos blog Endless unspoilt beaches, affable locals and dirt-cheap but miraculously easy-on-the-body Tanduay rum made the Philippines the perfect location for FERGAL QUINN

THE CONCEPT of paradise is an overused one, but as my rented motorbike rounds the top of Mount Bandilaan, on Siquijor Island, in the Philippines, it’s the only word I can think of.

Just a few hundred metres up, almost at this tiny island’s highest point, I can see most of the 100km of coastline, the gorgeous palm-lined beaches and the effervescent blue of the Bohol Sea all around. Best of all, my girlfriend, Suzanne, and I have it almost to ourselves.

Though excellent roads and ferries make most corners of the Philippines – a collection of more than 7,000 islands in the Pacific Ocean – surprisingly accessible, the secret to the perfect holiday here is not trying to do too much. Continue reading here http://overseas-filipinos.blogspot.com/2009/11/piece-of-paradise.html

Philippine Metro Manila’s best hotel buffets

2009-11-24T15:01:00.000-08:00

From the Manila Standard. Hotel dining is such a heavenly experience especially when it’s buffet. Many of us would often want to eat different types of international cuisines minus the hassle of choosing from a menu. So we end up in hotel buffets with a wide variety of food to choose from and cooked fresh by both local and foreign chefs. And of course, there’s the convenience of a five-star service that most of these hotels offer to their guests.

In Metro Manila, all top luxury hotels offer buffet dining for breakfast, lunch and dinner all throughout the week. This hotel buffet craze in the metropolis has captured a large number of followers during the past years especially among business executives. Even political figures are seen frequenting hotel buffet restaurants for either meetings or family gatherings.

So what really makes the best hotel buffet experience? I came up with four major criteria as follows: food choices, service, ambience and food quality. I also asked 50 executives and businessmen to list down and rank their favorite hotel buffet restaurants to come up with Metro Manila’s best.
Continue reading here http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/insideLifestyle.htm?f=2009/november/24/lifestyle2.isx&d=/2009/november/24

Top 10 Best Day Trip Out-of-Town Experience in Manila

2009-11-07T00:07:00.000-08:00

This is a frequently asked question for some of the tourist and Balikbayans when they visit Manila and only have 1 day free time to visit a place outside Manila. Here are my Top 10 best out-of-town experience that can we done within one day! Comment I have given only a few links just search on google for so many other links to learn more

1. Tagaytay Cuisines (RSM, Sonya’s, Antonio’s) and Taal Volcano Trek (By far, the most popular out of town destination) http://www.tagaytay.gov.ph/TOURISM.html

http://www.clickthecity.com/travel/?p=1548

2. Laguna Bay Lake Tour with stop-over in Los Banos, Pagsanjan Falls and Exotik Restaurant

http://tsikot.yehey.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15999

3. Historic Tour of Corregidor Island

http://www.travelph.com/day_tours/suncruises/index.htm

4. Tina Decal’s Culinary Tour of Quezon

5. Viaje Del Sol’s culinary delights of Tiaong Quezon, and San Pablo, Laguna (includes Villa Escudero, Cusina Salud, among others)

6. Mt. Pinatubo Crater Trek and Spa experience

7. Healthy Spa experience at The Farm @ San Benito, Lipa Batangas.

8. Snorkelling and Diving at the Anilao, Batangas resorts (Dive and Trek’s Marine Sanctuary)

9. Nature tripping @ Subic Bay Metropolitan Area or Shopping @ Clark Economic Zone.

10. Enjoying the Beaches of Nasugbu, Batangas in Peninsula de Punta Fuego or Tali Beach!
from the blog http://www.pinoytravelblog.com/roadtrip/39/top-10-best-day-trip-out-of-town-experience-in-manila

Tags: Top 10 Best Day Trip Out-of-Town Experience in Manila, Manila Day trips, tagaytay, laguana

Philippines - RP in National Geographic's 25 Best New Travel Destinations in the World for 2010; Ancient Cultures, Structures and Biodiversity Cited

2009-11-06T13:32:00.000-08:00

Photograph courtesy of Wilderness Travel

The Philippines was named "One of 25 Best New Trips in the World in 2010" by National Geographic which cited its ancient cultures, structures and
biodiversity as key reasons to visit the country.

In its November 2009 Adventure issue, the DC-based National Geographic described the Philippines as harboring "as many islands as the Caribbean and some of the most spectacular reefs on the planet", adding that travel organizations have "finally gotten wise."

National Geographic presented the "25 brand new adventures, all of them just right for right now." The list is directed at "travelers who want their dollars to do more - for others, for the planet and for themselves."

Philippine Ambassador to the United States Willy C. Gaa said the inclusion of the Philippines in the list shows the global community is "taking note of the natural and cultural wonders in the country as well as the efforts to protect and preserve them."

Summit to Sea

The Philippines has a PR problem. While it harbors as many islands as the Caribbean and some of the most spectacular reefs on the planet, the nation sees only a fraction of the visitors of nearby Thailand. Even travel companies, it seems, have bought the bad rap: Other than the occasional sea kayaking trip, U.S. guides have largely avoided the archipelago. But Wilderness Travel has finally gotten wise. This May the outfit will lead clients high into the 4,000-foot Cordillera Central, then deep into the world's most biodiverse marine environment. The trip begins in Banaue, where travelers spend days hiking into terraced mountains and nights back at the town's namesake hotel (pine cabins, private balconies, killer views). Then it's down to the island of Cabilao, trading butterflies for fish? species of them. For the next five days, you'll bob around reefs, scanning the area's 350 varieties of coral (including table coral that's a whopping nine feet wide). But don't forget: The best snorkeling starts at dusk. "It's like being in a train station during commuting hours," says Barbara Banks,

Wilderness Travel's director of new trip development. "The day fish are moving out and the night creatures like octopuses and eels are moving in."

According to the article, Wilderness Travel is organizing a trip to the Philippines in May 2010 which will "lead clients high into the 4,000 foot Cordillera Central then deep into the world most biodiverse marine environment."

Wilderness Travel is a company of and for travelers whose trip members are mostly repeat travelers or referrals from past members. These include "naturalists, authors, ecologists, archeologists, art historians, teachers and mountaineers."

The 12-day trip to the Philippines costs $3595 (10-12 members)

http://www.wildernesstravel.com/trip/philippines/banaue-cabilao-hiking-snorkeling-hilltribes-coral-triangle-ifuago

On its website www.wildernesstravel.com, the Philippines is described as a country which boasts breathtaking hikes among ancient rice terraces and
scenic mountain landscapes, cultural encounters with Ifugao people, world-class snorkeling in the "Coral Triangle."

According to Wilderness Travel, the Philippine journey explores "the emerald world of the Ifugao hilltribe people - steeped in ancient tradition- who
have transformed the precipitous mountainsides of their homeland into steeply contoured rice terraces, complete with ingenious irrigation systems
dating back 2,000 years.

The trip then takes travelers to Cabilao island in the Visayas to view "stunning coral reefs" that are part of the famed "Coral Triangle," the
world's greatest concentration of marine biodiversity.

The Philippines has been promoting its cultural and natural wonders as preferred travel destinations for global tourists. The Embassy of the Philippines works closely with the National Geographic in raising awareness on the importance of sustainable development and ecological protection.

During President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's official visit to Washington D.C. in August 2009, she delivered a talk at the National Geographic Headquarters in the U.S. capital, underscoring the Government's efforts in and urging international support for preserving, promoting and protecting biodiversity in the Coral Triangle. http://dfa.gov.ph/?p=10254

http://adventure.nationalgeographic.com/2009/11/best-new-trips-2010/trips-text

Boracay Philippines Travel Tips

2009-10-27T00:28:00.000-07:00

About Boracay

Boracay is a palm fringed island known throughout the world for being a tropical paradise with its white, powdery beaches, balmy weather and warm, crystalline waters, diverse marine life, and easy lifestyle.

These links are from, and just click the titles to go to the articles the blogger wrote

http://www.everythingboracay.com/category/blog/travel-tips/page/2/

How to Go to Boracay Guide

History of Boracay

Beaches in Boracay – Take your pick of more than a dozen white sand beaches

White Beach of Boracay - The Best of Boracay

Station 1 of White Beach - High-end Segment of Boracay

Station 2 of White Beach - The place to be and be seen in Boracay

Station 3 of White Beach - the peaceful and less expensive side of White Beach

Where is Boracay? Locating Boracay on the Map

Boracay Map

Boracay – One of the Best Beaches in the World

Cagban Jetty Port - Main entry and exit terminal of Boracay Island

Going around Boracay Island - Transportation Tips

Bike tours - Outdoor tours - Team Events PHILIPPINES

2009-10-26T22:56:00.003-07:00

Here you will find Information about unique and unforgettable Bicycle and Outdoor Adventures in the Philippines.

Besides that you can read about our bike expeditions from Pakistan to China, through Mongolia and our planned expedition to Tajikistan.

Living and biking in the Philippines means more for us than just fun. The discrepancy between poor and rich made us to do some thing. Our advocay is to support people in need with all our programmes and expeditions.

http://www.bugoybikers.com/

Zip-lining: New craze for adrenaline junkies

2009-10-24T23:34:00.000-07:00

DO YOU crave that adrenaline rush you get from flying without having to pay an arm and a leg for a skydiving trip? Or are you bored with classroom discussions on physics and want to see “momentum” and gravity in the real world?

Zip lines, according to wikipedia, consists of a pulley suspended on a cable mounted on an incline. They are designed to enable a user propelled by gravity to traverse from the top to the bottom of the inclined cable, usually made of stainless steel, by holding on or attaching to the freely moving pulley." It's also known as a flying fox, zip wire, aerial runway, death slide or tyrolean crossing).

Or do you simply want to try something new for half the price of a movie ticket?

Welcome to zip-lining, and it’s now in Cebu City.

A zip-line is an aerial runway consisting of a cable suspended on a pulley system and mounted on an incline. It is designed to enable a user to use gravity to travel from the top to the bottom of an inclined cable through a free-moving pulley.

The cable is made of stainless steel, making sure that even those on the heavy side can enjoy the thrill.

Around the Philippines, there are several zip-line courses available to the public, but there are none yet in Cebu City. Most of them are also quite expensive, and can only cater to the higher middle class and up categories.

But a group of Cebuanos, involved in the teaching of arnis, wants to change that.
The Doce Pares Organization, led by Grandmaster Dionisio “Diony” Canete, who along with his son, Gerald Canete, have decided to add zip-lining into their training regimen, making it the first zip-line course in Cebu.

They specialize in the teaching of Kali Eskrima also known as “arnis” to aspiring students both young and old, Pinoys and foreigners alike and their school in Sto. Nino Village has attracted hundreds of visitors.

To develop their skills in the sport, they decided to incorporate other specializations like kickboxing, grappling, and various rope courses which include zip-line.
Wanting to offer something new with Eskrima, as well as to the Cebuanos, they put up a park in Malubog, Busay which is right next to the road leading to Tops Skyline Garden.

The park, which will be open to the public by the end of October, is both a training ground for Eskrima students and a getaway haven for adventurers and ordinary people alike.
The main attraction is the 180-meter long zipline course—a fun ride to experience—that not only gives users the adrenaline rush but also a picturesque view of Cebu City.

Adventurers
According to Gerald, most of the materials used for the zip line were made right here in Cebu by local folks who were enthusiastic about the course. These were adventurers by heart, and they helped them out by providing the needed materials in building the course.

The park, which boasts a breathtaking view of the city, will also include a convenience store and other shops so that people won’t have any problem looking for food and the like.

Also, Dionisio, ever the arnis master, also noted that the park is good for high-altitude training to help improve the cardiovascular workout, an important aspect for anyone engaged in any sport.
The father-and-son tandem wants the park to help promote tourism in Cebu, and will add other attractions in the future. They also plan to upgrade the zip line course into a 400-meter ride which will be from one mountain to the other for an extreme and fun challenge.

They also said that the park will be affordable to people of all ages, because they want the Cebuanos to enjoy it to the fullest. The entrance fee is pegged at P20 per person, while the zip line course is P50 per two rides—much cheaper compared to the other courses available in the Philippines. Read the original article here http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/zip-lining-new-craze-adrenaline-junkies

-------------------------------
Youtube Philippines longest tallest zip line in Bohol
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nffnc3o6iWU

u can visit now the longest and highest zipline now in RP at Magtangtang, Danao, Bohol island. all are invited to hav fun

Not getting enough challenge? Get your adrenalin pumping, go for the latest and wildest attraction in Bohol ziplining called the Sui-Slide, known to be the highest and longest zip line in the country. So if you are looking forward to experience the ultimate ride of your life, this is the zipline to go! Its probably not for the faint of heart, but for the darings and have the guts to cruise along a wire spread way up in the air, it is definitely an unforgetable ride of adventure.

To know more about Sui-slide, keep in touch with EAT Danao (Eco/Extreme Adventure Tour) organizers and promoters.

Groups or companies that may offer zip lining in Bohol:

Sui-Slide - a ziplining adventure http://www.eatdanao.com/

Danao Bohol Philippines
Prices http://www.eatdanao.com/2009-rates-per-activity.html

-------------------------------------------------
i came across this link which claims to have the longest zip line in asia at 700 meters. this is also located in davao. i haven't tried the one in camp sabros or the outlandadventure zip line.
http://www.outlandadventure.org/

Macahambus Adventure Zipline, Cagayan De Oro City
110 meters and height of 60 meters high (approximately 14 secs)

The Zamboanga del Sur canopy walk and Zipline
154 meters in length, about 80 feet above ground
Location: Dao (former PADAP compound), Zamboanga del Sur

In Luzon, a zip line also beckons adventurers to Tree Top Adventure Park in Subic Bay. It's 130 meters long called Superman Adventure, the zipline at Picnic Grove in Tagaytay, another zipline at Camp Explore in Antipolo, Rizal and the nearest of them all is at the La Mesa Ecopark in Quezon City.

Another zip line in Davao is located at Eden Nature Park called the Sky Rider!
Eden Nature Park PhP 235/person day tour

The zip line at Camp Sabros, currently the second longest zip line in the Philippines, boast of a length of 380 meters and 400 meters (yes, there are two of them). The 380 meter is called Slide for Life, 150 feet from the ground and takes an average of 50 seconds to ride.

Zip Line Cost:
Solo Ride : PhP 200.00
Tandem Ride" PhP 150.00/head
Round trip: PhP 400.00

There is actually a "war" on who has the longest zip line in Davao. At the rate that it is going, I will not be surprised if we beat the world record of 2km+ longest zip line in the world.

In fact, when I was inquiring at the White Water rafting group they discouraged me to try Camp Sabros but to try Outland Adventure instead.

Outland Adventure is near Davao City while Camp Sabros is 2 hours away and located in the foot hills of the highest mountain in the Philippines - Mt. Apo.
It would be a shame if the 700m claim is actually 300m + 300m. Otherwise, if they do have a 700m zip line then that is something else. I want to expose the truth here in OAP.
----------------------------------
i have just tried the outland adventure zip line. it is one continuous 700 meter zip line.
there is another zip line in davao that i have come across xtreme samal here is a link: http://www.jbpss.com/id17.html

what makes xtreme samal different is that you start from a cliff and end up in the water. i have not tried this.
---------------------------------------------
i tried both zips (sabros and outland adventure), the Xcelerator of outland adventure is longer than the one in sabros. according to the staff of outland adventure, the zip line is around 1km long at an altitude of 200m. :)

Outland Adventure, owner of the Xcelerator, has an extensive website; www.outlandadventure.org for detailed information including cost (P300/ride) and special reservation packages.

Some of this information and more detail can be found at http://www.backpackingphilippines.com/2008/01/davao-zipline-camp-sabros-eden-nature.html

BAGUIO on P500 a day? Summer Capital Cheap deals

2009-10-20T16:23:00.000-07:00

IS it possible to enjoy the summer capital BAGUIO on P500 a day?

The Department of Tourism estimates that a typical tourist spends an average
of P2,500 daily in Baguio City. This includes accommodation, meals, and
local transportation fares around the city and souvenir items.

For a tourist on a tight budget, however, P500 is more than enough to savor
the sights, scents and tastes of Baguio City for a day. Setting aside
transportation and accommodation costs, it's still quite possible to get
that exhilarating experience of pine trees and cool clean air.

First off, one doesn't need cash to enjoy a walk in Baguio's wooded parks
(Burnham Park, Wright Park and Botanical Garden) amid the nippy weather.

Still, for adventurous tourists with only P500 in their pocket, here's how
to enjoy Baguio:

1. Aerobics class

Go straight to Burnham Park at 6 a.m. on any day and join workers, students,
the elderly and health buffs for an hour-long aerobics and taebo class. For
donations of at least P20 from each participant, fitness instructors will
lead the workout near the Burnham Lake.

2. Breakfast meals

After your morning exercise, walk toward Lower Mabini Road and get a P52
breakfast at Dane's Bakeshop. The meal is a choice of tocino, longganiza,
corned beef or tapa, fried egg and brewed coffee.

Or you may want to try the breakfast meal offered by Pizza Volante on
Session Road for P78.

3. Sto. Tomas trek

If it's not raining and you want to camp out, the best place is Mt. Sto.
Tomas at the outskirts of the city. The area offers a panoramic view of
Baguio City and the Lingayen Gulf.

To get there, take a jeepney bound for Barangay Dontogan (terminal is near
the old Bayanihan Hotel, now an ukay-ukay center) and tell the driver to
drop you off at the "Turning Point." Fare is P13.

Start the trek to Mt. Sto. Tomas, a dormant volcano, and enjoy the wild
flowers and vegetable plantations along the route. In 30 minutes (depending
on your pace), you can reach the summit, where the satellite dishes of the
weather bureau are located.

Wear thick clothes and bring a blanket as temperatures drop at the summit
every afternoon. Frost is common from October to February. During cold
months, thin sheets of ice cover vegetables grown there by local farmers.

4. Camp John Hay eco trail

If a trek up Sto. Tomas is too daunting for you, try the Camp John Hay eco
trail. Take some friends along - it's free but you have to spend P10 for
jeepney fare. Take the Scout Barrio jeepney at the Igorot Park near Burnham
Park.

While inside Camp John Hay, spend P30 to visit the Historical Core. The area
boasts of the postcard-pretty Bell amphitheater, the house of the American
governor-general, the Cemetery of Negativism and the Secret Garden, where a
"history trail" of Camp John Hay is offered to visitors.

5. Eat out for a hundred bucks or less

Many restaurants offer complete meals for P85 to P100. Try Star Café,
Mandarin Restaurant, Tea House and Jack's on Session Road; Cathy's and Jen's
on Diego Silang Street and Good Taste behind the Baguio Center Mall on
Magsaysay Road.

6. Museums, art exhibits

For P20, tourists and students can learn about and appreciate the culture of
the Cordillera in the Baguio-Mountain Province's Museum on Gov. Pack Road.

7. Souvenirs and "pasalubong"

For P20, you can buy the ubiquitous Baguio bonnet at the city market or at
the Maharlika Livelihood Center.

Three pieces of walis tambo (broom) sell for P100. Key chains with
strawberry design are offered at P10 to P15 each. Peanut brittle, ube jam
and chocolate flakes can be bought for under P100 at stalls in the city
market.

If you want to save on fare money, you can always walk. Baguio, after all,
is a walking city.

From Burnham Park, you can walk to the Botanical Garden on Leonard Wood
Road. Warm up with a P10 cup of strawberry-flavored taho, available from any
of the vendors you encounter along the way.

The Wright Park is a short walk from the Botanical Garden.

Let's see... How far did your P500 go?

A P20 contribution for the aerobics session, breakfast (P52), cinnamon twist
and pan de coco (P5) and a cup of brewed coffee (P20) for snacks, trek to
Mt. Sto. Tomas (P26), bulalo and rice at Slaughterhouse (P145) for lunch, a
slice of cassava cake (P12) for dessert, museum visit (P20), jeepney fare to
Camp John Hay (P20), Jack's rice (P65) for dinner, a walis tambo (P35) and a
key chain (P15). That's P435.

You may wish to spend the remaining P65 to shop for ukay-ukay (used clothes)
at the Hilltop area, where some clothes can go as low as P10.

Or better yet, save the change and spend the afternoon strolling around John
Hay or reading a book amid the pine trees and the fog. It's priceless. Read
the complete article here as this is only a summary edited
http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/sim/sim/view/20091010-229396/Baguio-on-a-Budget&ct=ga&cd=PRWlYwrh4jo&usg=AFQjCNG2R4jnpwt9

Top 10 Reasons to Go to Manila Ocean Park

2009-10-19T22:56:00.000-07:00

To show children how beautiful the ocean is on the underneath, and to teach them about the richness of life in the often inaccessible depths, take them scuba diving. What? It would be great if that were possible; but if not, the next best thing to scuba diving would be to take the children to Manila Ocean Park.

Some of us have been to the other “ocean parks” and it’s tempting to compare. Comparisons often rob you of life’s joy. Had I not tried going here, I would have failed to see why, for some good reasons,Manila Ocean Park is more than good enough.

1. It’s the nearest (of course, I have assumed you’re from around Manila). Travel time and travel cost is not a hurdle.

2. It’s aptly-sized: not too big. There are “ocean parks” which you can’t enjoy in just a day. In those parks, if you want to see most of the “must-sees” in a day, you have to rush; and rushing and panicking not to miss anything, is not fun at all. It’s tiring, stressful, and potentially disappointing. “Why do you need to see it in a day, anyway?”, you might ask. In the most common tours abroad, you have only 3 or 4 days to see the major tourism highlights (it depends on your tour package and budget). You have to set some time for the other “must-see” destinations.

3. It has the best sunset. Cliché and biased? Arguable. I’d always argue for our very own, the Manila Bay sunset.

4. It has a mermaid show. I’m not sure, if the other parks already have one as well. I didn’t see one. It has music, narration, underwater choreography and water acrobatics, colorful costumes (only, of course), and admirably well-trained aquatic ballerinas. Amazing how they’re able to smile to entertain; do somersaults and hold in oxygen for so long a time. I hope they keep this in the program.

5. It has Makansutra Asian food court by renowned Singaporean celebrity chef, writer and TV cook show host, KF Seetoh. It is a one-stop Asian “culinary tour.”

6. It has an Asian Food Museum.It’s to open soon. Watch out for it.

7. It has a must-experience foot spa --- done for you by a school of FISH! Imagine dozens of small fish nibbling at your feet. It had us laughing as it was, especially initially, ticklish. One gets used to it in a minute. It’s fun, so have someone with you to chuckle with.

8. It educates children on nature, water and energy conservation.

9. It has a good place where they sells souvenirs -- pasalubong!

10. It is a “treat” even a big family or barkada can enjoy. You can’t take everyone with you on a foreign tour. Well, a few of us can; but for the majority of us, since this is near and affordably priced, we can share the fun with more of our loved ones.

It’s a Pinoy Green Academy-recommended Green Kids’ Treat Read the original blog here http://pinoygreenacademy.typepad.com/pinoy_green_academy/2009/09/top-10-reasons-to-go-to-manila-ocean-park.html#more

Enchanting Camiguin, Philippines

2009-10-16T01:05:00.000-07:00

Camiguin Coastal Village

I visited paradise and didn’t even know it until I left Camiguin Island. A little more than 12 miles away from the north coast of mainland Mindanao, this small pearl-shaped island showcases more volcanoes per square kilometer than any other island on earth.

Camiguin’s stunning coral reefs and kaleidoscope of coastlines with alternating black and white sandy beaches and volcanic rocks are less menacing than the movie, “Jurassic Park.” Surrounded by deep, blue, crystal-clear waters, it is teeming with a wide variety of marine life—barracuda, jacks, wahoo, skipjack (locally known as bonito or tulingan), tangigue, whale sharks, tamban, bolinao and malangsi, are just some of the island’s riches. Locals guarantee sightings of true pelagics such as marlins, tunas, and manta rays. In addition, snorkelers and divers could spot large reef and shoreline dwellers like barracuda, eagle rays, sting-rays, surgeonfish, red snappers, groupers, turtles and the occasional reef sharks.

Unmistakably, the island’s majestic volcanoes give a hint of danger. Natives share stories of survival through great floods during the monsoon season and landslides from volcanic eruptions. Seven volcanoes dominate the rugged and hilly terrain of Camiguin Island. Five of them are active. Despite these volcanic activities, the island is one of the top 25 tourist destinations in the Philippines. Perhaps it is because of its untrammeled natural beauty. Or maybe the island beckons the eco-tourist to its nonexistent artificial distractions. Ecotourism sites of Camiguin encompass countless mountain ranges, thunderous waterfalls, pristine dive sites, secluded coves and white sandy beaches.

The natives of Camiguin Island, who are mostly farmers and fishermen, are known for their hospitality, in a country noted for its friendly people. Cebuano is the spoken language although a few residents still speak the older, native dialect, Kinamiguin. Many residents speak English; in fact, most want to practice their English on visitors, so American, British and Australian tourists can easily communicate when trying to find a place to eat, lodging or checking out a sight.

History
Part of the allure of the island is its place in history. Explorers Ferdinand Magellan and Miguel Lopez de Legaspi were said to have set foot in the island in the 1500s. Spain established its first settlement in 1598 and called it Guinsiliban, a Kinamiguin word that means “watching out for pirates.” Guinsiliban’s original settlers were Manobos from Surigao.

The eruption of Mount Vulcan Dann on May 1, 1871 destroyed the town and all its inhabitants. In 1951, Mount Hibok-Hibok, which means shaky ground, erupted for the sixth time, killing more than 2,000. Despite these infamous eruptions, Camiguin’s population continues to grow and thrive to its current count of 70,000.
Even more famous than its volcanic activity, the Lanzones Festival plays a prominent role in the island’s commerce. Typically, held the fourth week of October, the festival shows the appreciation of the islanders for continued prosperity.

Camiguin, which became a province in 1966, also offers an array of activities for active, adventurous tourists. These outdoor activities include scuba diving, snorkeling, jungle-trekking, volcano-climbing, rappelling and big-game fishing. For those who prefer more culture, visits to the five towns (Sagay, Mambajao, Mahinog, Guinsiliban, Catarman) can whet any tourist’s appetite for old-world charm. Three of the five towns were established in the late 1800s. Each town allows tourists to soak up the culture by checking out the sights unique to the areas. The sunken cemetery is located in Catarman, while the Port of Benoni, where most ferry boats drop their visitors, is situated in Mahinog.

Mambajao (pronounced Mam-ba-hao) is the capital of Camiguin Island. This bustling town, established in 1855, prospered to become a busy port where 50 percent of the island’s commerce takes place. This is where the Camiguin airport is also located.

The Sunken Cemetery in Catarman, one of Camiguin’s five towns.

A Bounty of Attractions
Camiguin Island offers a variety of hot and cold springs. Ardent Hot Springs, located less than a mile from Mambajao, takes one hour to walk the distance. Because of its location, it is one of the island’s most popular hot springs, highlighted by a four-tiered pool. A natural spring, that gushes natural soda water, originates from the bowels of Mt. Hibok-Hibok, reaching 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Because of its high temperature, the locals suggest taking a dip in the late afternoon or after dark.

On the other end of the spectrum, more than a half mile uphill from Catarman, the Sto. Niño Cold Springs lives true to its name. Its cold spring water sprouts from its sandy bottom. Ideal for picnickers with small children, water flows into smaller pools designed for the pint-sized individuals. Adults can check out the eight-foot lagoon next to the smaller pools.

The Tangub Hot Spring, located west of Mambajao, is both a hot spring and part of the sea. This pool of sea stones and corals provides a variety of temperatures, depending on the tide changes. It is an ideal spot for diving and scuba.

Popularly depicted in tourist posters showcasing Mindanao, White Island is the quintessential beach lover’s paradise, offering a variety of activities such as snorkeling, swimming, sunbathing and shell collecting. Although not quite an island, it is better described as an elongated sandbar with beatific backdrops of Mt Hibok-Hibok and Mt. Vulcan. It is best to visit White Island during the early morning when the sun is rising.
History buffs can check out the Sunken Cemetery, lying 20 feet underwater in Bonbon, Catarman. Scuba divers and snorkelers are enticed by this historic site, which slipped into the sea during the volcanic eruption of 1871. A white cross, floating on a pontoon, marks the spot and provides an eerie remembrance of lost lives. If you look closer into the shimmering, emerald sea, one can see swarms of reef fish surrounding the decaying tombs.

The ruins of the 17th-century Gui-ob Church, a remnant of the 1871 volcanic eruption, stand as a reminder of the unnerving presence of volcanoes on the island. Another prominent historic site is the Guinsiliban Old Spanish Watchtower, which is 300 years old. Camiguinians used the watchtower to patrol sightings of Moro pirates and potential intruders.
My favorite place on the island is Katibawasan Falls. Less than one mile—two hours by foot—southeast of Mambajao, this majestic, thunderous waterfall plunges over a rocky cliff into a deep pool. Surrounded by a lush jungle, this island treasure is 50 meters in height. When I visited this site, rain storms had washed away most of the road leading to it, but the uphill hike was worth every step to see Mother Nature at its best.
Volcano Land

With several volcanoes in such a small density of land, staffers of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) play a prominent role in Camiguin’s tourism. They encourage tourists, guests and geology students to explore their station, which monitors unusual seismic activities of the island. A large map is displayed prominently, showing the island’s volcanoes. Spectacular photographs of Mt. Hibok-Hibok’s eruptions are available for viewing.

[Part of the extensive Pacific Ring of Fire, Camiguin’s volcanoes include Mt. Hibok-Hibok, Mt. Vulcan, Mt. Uhay, Mt. Ginsiliban, Mt. Timpoong, Mt. Tres Marias and Mt. Daan.]
The famous Mt. Hibok-Hibok last erupted in 1951. Adventuresome tourists can hire guides to show them the way to the top of this peak and can complete the climb in one day. Along the way up, one can see steaming vents and hot springs throughout the side of the mountain.

Besides the fantastic views, visitors can soak up the culture through its religious underpinnings. The relics of Roman Catholic icons play a big role at Old Camiguin Volcano, marked by life-size alabaster statutes, representing the 14 Stations of the Cross. It is a breath-taking sight, witnessing islanders offer penance by climbing several steps to each of the 14 Stations of the Cross.

Camiguin Island, considered one of the most peaceful islands in the Mindanao, offers a slice of paradise to all visitors, balikbayans and tourists. For more information visit, www.camiguin.gov.ph.
Read the original post here http://www.filipinas.inquirer.net/?p=1480

MassKara: Philippines

2009-10-14T23:39:00.000-07:00

MassKara: Celebration of 30 years of smiles, Bacolod City, the capital of Negros Occidental, Philippines

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines—Bacolod City’s MassKara Festival is celebrating 30 years of smiles this month, this time with a dramatic fusion of public art and street entertainment.

The MassKara Festival is a week-long festival held each year in Bacolod City, the capital of Negros Occidental province in the Philippines every third weekend of October nearest October 19, the city's Charter Anniversary.

http://media.photobucket.com/image/MassKara/altum_viditur/Masskara%20Festival/masskara.jpg

“We are going to unveil a major work of art at the Bacolod public plaza in the evening of October 14 that is our vision of what the MassKara street dancing should evolve into,” says festival director Eli Tajanlangit.
Atop a 30-foot trailer will be giant, moving papier-mache figures in vivid colors and dancers dressed as clowns—a mix of circus art and street entertainment.

Smoke around the trailer will create the illusion that the performers are on a floating platform, Tajanlangit said.
The figures are being created by a group of city artists led by multi-awarded painter Charlie Co.

Oct. 14 spectacle
“We are inviting Bacolod’s choreographers and barangay captains to watch the Oct. 14 spectacle to influence the MassKara street dancing of the future,” Tajanlangit said.
The envisioned dazzler will be multidimensional choreographed numbers, instead of field demonstration-like performances.
Highlight of the festival is the afternoon street dancing competition among performers at the plaza, and the Electric MassKara night parties along Lacson Street.

In the evening of Oct. 15, the Lacson tourism strip will be shut down for two hours to give residents and their guests a preview of the parties and to showcase the work unveiled the previous day.

MassKara Queen
The MassKara Queen contest will be held at the University of Saint La Salle gymnasium on Oct. 15.

The first MassKara ledge dancing competition will be held the next day on Lacson Street. Eight groups will perform on top of five 40-foot trailers. At night, a MassKara Fantasy costume tilt will be held.

On Oct. 17, the Ipanema drum beaters will snake down the strip and invite the spectators to join them down the strip.
The Ipanema is inspired by the Conga line, a Latin American carnival march that was first developed in Cuba and became popular in the United States in the 1930s and 1950s.

“We hope it will become an institutionalized activity for the MassKara because we are trying to develop the festival into a giant street party to allow visitors to participate,” Tajanlangit said.

Charter Day
On Oct. 18, bands will perform at the plaza, the tourism strip and the New Government Center, culminating with a countdown to midnight to usher in the city’s Charter Day celebration.
Eleven school groups will join the regular MassKara street dancing competitions on Oct. 15, 24 barangay groups will perform on Oct 17, and the open category groups on Oct. 18.

“We are developing the MassKara into a light, airy cheerful and fun-filled festival,” Tajanlangit said. This will give visitors good memories of what it’s all about, he said.

Mayor Evelio Leonardia said the festival had evolved into the city’s top tourist attraction, economic stimulant and icon. http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/regions/view/20091009-229239/MassKara-Celebration-of-30-years-of-smiles

Organizers stage event to promote kayaking Cebu Bohol

2009-10-11T16:30:00.001-07:00

IN a bid to support the government's promotion of the Philippines as a kayaking destination, organizers will hold the third leg of the Philippine Kayaking series in a race from Cebu to Bohol on December 4 to 6.

The third leg, called Kayak Explore Cebu-Bohol Crossing, have a 125-kilometer kayak marathon, clinics, 5-km novice races, eco-touring flotilla, island hopping, moonlight paddling, and eco-tour packages.

Organizer Didi Camara said they are expecting around 100 participants in the three-day event that will start from Mactan Island, Cebu and move to Panglao Island, Bohol.

Among the local participants are communities from Moalboal, Daanbantayan, Borbon, Aloguinsan, and Camotes Island.

“Kayaking is gaining a strong following among locals and foreigners,” Camara told Sun.Star Cebu.
Camara recalled that she and her husband, Val, of Sun and Sea Sports Systems, Inc. introduced and promoted kayaking in Cebu in 1995. Val is also Philippine Kayaking Association, Inc. president and Philippine Kayaking Series event organizer.

The couple said the market potential for kayaking is “wide and diverse” since the popular aqua sport has many disciplines such as whitewater kayaking, slalom, kayak surfing, river kayaking, sprint, and touring.

“However, the potentials of bringing international tourists and capturing a sizeable share in the international kayaking market have not been realized. While almost all resorts offer kayaks and tour packages for that ultimate kayaking experience in the Philippines, we still cannot claim to be a kayaking destination,” they said in a statement. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/organizers-stage-event-promote-kayaking

Adventure tourism Philippines

2009-10-09T00:15:00.000-07:00

gets top billing in Lonely Planet Philippines

Surfing in Siargao, there’s much to do in RP. — Lonely Planet Philippines

swimming with Donsol’s butanding

The latest edition of the travel guide Lonely Planet Philippines published in May has a decidedly adventure tourism bent but it is also chockfull of interesting bits that even many Filipinos might not be aware about.

On the cover, one reads the book contains over 100 detailed, easy to use maps but for first time visitors who don’t know what to expect, the fact it is "100% researched and updated" might be the bigger draw.
Since authors Greg Bloom, Michael Grosberg, Virginia Jealous and Piers Kelly have over 30 combined years of experience living in or visiting the Philippines, their passion for ferreting out little known gems is almost palpable.

As expected, Boracay island in the province of Aklan figures prominently in the book. It is one of the most mentioned locations but there are other places worth checking out.

In fact, the first few (illustrated) pages of the book are devoted to "activities in the Philippines" that range from kayaking, white water rafting and swimming with Donsol’s butanding (whale sharks) to climbing, caving and surfing in Siargao.

In the essay "Destination Philippines," readers are given a peek at how Filipinos are perceived by foreigners. The fatalistic "bahala na" mentality is touched on as well as the fact that we are a country of smilers.
"Many arrive expecting the country to be ’dangerous,’ [only] to discover instead a land of shiny, happy people. When everybody’s smiling like it’s going out of style, how can you not enjoy the place?" the authors write.

The guide book, as in earlier editions, is divided into sections beginning with a brief history of the country, the culture and a smattering of useful phrases like, "Hindi ako kumakain ng karne" (I don’t eat meat) and "Hanggang anong oras kayo bukas?" (Until what time are you open?).

The main part of the book consists of the different locations, how to get there, where to stay (budget, midrange and top-end) and what to expect. Read the original article here http://www.bworldonline.com/Weekender100909/main.php?id=travel1

Philippine Calicoan Island, Smar Hidden Paradise Revealed

2009-10-06T15:26:00.000-07:00

THE highlight of our—or any—trip to Guiuan was our visit (and subsequent overnight stay) on Calicoan Island, the “Sleeping Beauty of Eastern Samar.” And with good reason, as the island is blessed with long stretches of unspoiled white-sand beaches, crystal-clear blue waters, 20 isolated and romantic coves, six huge and unexplored saltwater lagoons, and nature trails inside tropical virgin forests (50 percent of the area). After paying an evening courtesy call to Vibina Jauacon at the town proper, my son Jandy and I made our way to the island via hired tricycle (P400), getting to the island, not by boat but via a short concrete causeway, then traversing a dirt and gravel road which runs the length of the island. Our home on the island was its best: the luxurious Surf Camp. This hideaway, reason enough to explore Calicoan, was developed by Cebu-based lawyer and pioneer developer Maning Go (who owns about 500 hectares of the island’s 1,600 hectares) and designed, with distinctive Asian-inspired lines (Thai, Balinese, Indonesian and Filipino), by Frenchman Nicolas Rambeau, owner and creator of the highly acclaimed high-end Pansukian Resort in Siargao (Surigao del Norte).

Here, we stayed in one of its seven well-appointed, spacious bungalows with its soaring rooflines, the beach just a few steps away. Each bungalow has a native feel, with its own deck and floor with alternating dark and light wood stripes. Modern amenities include air conditioning, compartmentalized bathroom with hot and cold shower, satellite TV, minibar and safety deposit box.

Here, we watched the surging, breathtaking surf (boasting perfectly shaped left or right reef breaks) as the island’s eastern side juts out to the rolling surf of the Pacific Ocean (its powerful swells tirelessly rolling in over the 10,000-meter Philippine Deep), making it a surfer’s paradise. The best surfing months, according to resort general manager Danilo Molina, are March, April and September to October, when southwesterly winds blow offshore, piling up incoming ocean swells and carving them into glassy shaped hollows.

Surfboards are rented out for a small fee and beginner’s lessons can be provided, on request, by the resort staff. Surfers must wear booties as protection against the sharp rocks. Although the currents are strong here, the island offers opportunities for big game fishing along the “Tuna Highway,” the migratory route for tuna to Japan. Original article here http://businessmirror.com.ph/home/life/16674-hidden-paradise-revealed.html

Read more information about the island here

http://www.travbuddy.com/Calicoan-Island-travel-guide-1292984

A Long Week’s Journey Into Paradise In The Philippines

2009-10-04T23:21:00.001-07:00

The Philippines, the world’s second-largest archipelago next to Indonesia, is speckled with hundreds of islands boasting pristine beaches, cross-cultured cuisine, and friendly people wearing content smiles. The wide variety of islands encompass an illustrious array of different languages and topographies that make the Philippines a destination that travelers find themselves revisiting over and over again.

Beaches with driftwood that ornament the sugar-like sand lightly sparkle from the sun. The water is a sapphire blue that melts into the afternoon sky making the horizon vanish. There is only one set of footprints in the sand that lead directly to a village just beyond the barrier-bitten black volcanic rocks. No, this is not bustling Boracay, the destination most well renowned in the Philippines, but Negros, an island located in the central Visayas.

A ferry from Cebu city, the major travel hub in the Visayas, can connect you with the port city of Dumaguete, the self-proclaimed “most friendly city in The Philippines.” Dumaguete is home to the first Protestant university in the country, Silliman University, and incorporates the exemplary fiesta vibe that seems to resonate throughout the rest of the Visayas. The pace in Dumaguete is leisurely, even for a city in the Philippines, and a great port of entry to the rest of Negros Oriental.

A five-hour bus ride northwest from Dumaguete along coastline and through rice paddies will bring you to Sipalay, the home of secluded Sugar Beach. However, your journey has only made it to the start of the last leg at this point. From Sipalay you must rent a “trike” — a motorcycle with a side car — to ride over a rickety wooden bridge. From there, small motor boats must be hired to take you and your belongings around the peninsula of Sugar Beach. If you are lucky enough to catch the night sky, the boat ride will be illuminated by globs of fireflies clenched to mangroves and the occasional shooting star plummeting through the stainless sky. The hum of crackled karaoke and chatter breaks through the silent night as the boat passes a small village. The beach looks like a black void completely barren of lights. None of the hotels on Sugar Beach break the forest line.

Sugar Beach is a castaway’s haven, offering a small selection of palm-roofed bungalows, driftwood villas, and sand-carpeted bars a stone’s throw from the Sulu Sea. Beach-washed European proprietors claim the four main accommodations on Sugar Beach. Jogi, a willing castaway from Germany, remembers the days when travelers would wash up on the shores and set up tents under the thatched roof that has now become his restaurant and bar. “I started the construction on Sulu Sunset in January of 2000,” Jogi remembers. “When the restaurant was finished, I, my family, and the staff slept in tents.”

All of his employees are locals from the neighboring villages around Sugar Beach. “That was the time we cooked and ate where the bar is now. Of course, we had to run generators at the time,” Jogi continues. “Germans need cold beer.”

The bungalows, chairs, and tables are all built from the surrounding coconut trees and bamboo stalks. If it rains, you’ll find that coconut-based items from the restaurant will be limited because the trees will be too wet to climb.

By the end of 2000, Jogi had built four bungalows with the help of his family, staff, and fellow German cohort, Oliver, a backpacker who discovered Jogi through a pension house in Sipalay. He ended up staying two weeks to help Jogi with odds and ends. “Oliver continued his trip to Palawan and told every backpacker in the whole of Palawan Island about my place.” After the word got out, Jogi’s four bungalows periodically began filling up. But, if travelers can’t find a place to sleep during the high seasons of January and February, they’re always welcome to pitch a tent.

Beached fishing boats sway in the sand as the gentle tide glides them with the pace of the evening current. The sand turns a shade of red as villager’s gaze on to the sunset. Day trips picnicking on the beach are very much a part of Philippine culture. The English literacy rate in the country is over 90%, making it very easy to communicate here compared to many other parts of Asia.

Fifteen minutes by foot from the northern point of Sugar Beach lays a beach facing east towards the sunset, barricaded by jagged volcanic rock on both sides. As I sit, a shadowy figure emerges from the damp jungle behind me, spilling onto the sunlit sand. Doubts grow in my mind as to whether I have arrived on his private property or insulted him by taking pictures of what appears to be a village beyond the brush.

“Hello friend,” the young man says, greeting me with a smile wide enough to knock the blue baseball cap off his head. “Do you need a room?” He offers. “You can stay here in my village . . . we can also cook some fish for you.” Read the whole story here http://www.theexpeditioner.com/2009/10/04/philippines/

Natural disaster preparedness for the overseas adventure traveler

2009-10-02T20:57:00.000-07:00

An earthquake in Indonesia. A tsunami in Samoa and Tonga. Deadly storms in the Philippines, Vietnam, and Cambodia. The latest string of natural disasters in Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands might have you wondering what you would do if you were traveling overseas and Mother Nature reared her ugly side. While not as devastating or widely televised as the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, these recent and powerful natural disasters have taken numerous lives, injured many, destroyed communities, and serve as a bold reminder that these things do happen. And it could just be while you’re on your next exotic adventure across the globe. What would you do?

The situation turns dramatically different when we suddenly find ourselves in a remote village on the island of Sumatra, with no cell phone access, no TV or radio updates, and - perhaps most daunting - no ability to speak the local language in order to communicate with anyone. The scenario sounds downright scary, not to mention it could prove to be life-threatening.

When traveling abroad, we’re often accompanied by a sense of invincibility. Adventure travel - particularly in the exotic third world - has a way of doing that to us. Making us feel indestructible. Daring us to go beyond our comfort zones. Urging us to try crazy new things. While those are the hallmarks of this type of exploration, they might not serve us well when faced with a natural disaster. On the other hand, adrenaline could be your best friend in a drastic situation.

Here are a few things you can do to protect yourself before and during your overseas travels:
Be informed

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has a wealth of information, including detailed reports and statistics for the latest natural disasters affecting the Asia Pacific area.

Read and watch the international news for the areas in which you’re traveling. You can find BBC World and CNN International broadcasts in English in most Western-catering hotels and even smaller guesthouses. You can even set up a CNN profile and be alerted via email or your mobile device when breaking news occurs.

Visit an online community forum, where folks in-country regularly report the latest real-time accounts of what’s happening around them, first-hand and uncensored.

In the event of a natural disaster, terrorist attack, or even a health emergency, you’ll have an easier time getting assistance abroad. This is particularly important for those traveling longer than one month in any one country, and/or in areas where there are known problems, natural or political. The U.S. State Department website has detailed information on how to register.

Purchase a good travel insurance policy

I always recommend some level of travel insurance in my Tips for Extended World Travel seminars. What specific coverage you buy is up to you, but it’s a good idea to consider a plan that includes natural disaster coverage. Check the U.S. State Department’s comprehensive list of insurance providers, or consult my list at the bottom right of this article.

Leave contact details with a friend or family member

Even if you’re a last-minute traveler who shows up unannounced in a place, you can usually get yourself to a cheap Internet cafe - or use your laptop if you have one - to check in with folks back home. Drop them a quick note and let them know your whereabouts. Give them the name of your guesthouse, hostel, or hotel; provide a website for your accommodations if available. Bottom line: It’s a good idea to let someone close to you know your whereabouts at points along your journey.

For more info: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) devotes a section of their website to natural disasters and severe weather. While geared toward the U.S., these tips could prove helpful - although not always practical - anywhere in the world. Some international information is provided. Read the original posting here
http://www.examiner.com/x-19106-SF-Adventure-Travel-Examiner~y2009m9d30-Natural-disaster-preparedness-for-the-overseas-adventure-traveler

The Top Five Island Tourist Destinations in the Philippines

2009-10-02T00:35:00.000-07:00

Boracay

Number one on the list, of course, a world class resort, the most popular island destination and the number one tourist spot in the Philippines – Boracay. It is regarded as “the finest beach of all Asia”. Likewise, popularly known as, “the number one tropical beach in the world”. Everyone will surely enjoy swimming and sunbathing on its 4 kilometer “white sand beach”. You will definitely like this island paradise. It is situated in Panay Island, Philippines, about 300 km south of Manila.

Palawan

Next on the list is Palawan known as “the last Philippine frontier “. It is blessed with beautiful tourist attractions like Club Paradise Resort, El Nido Resort, and many others. The famous underground river is also here, and the Tubbataha Reef Marine Park which is the best place for snorkeling in Asia is also located on this island.

Dakak

Third on the list is another world class beach resort, Dakak. It is famous not only for its “powdery white sand” but also famous for its coral reefs and diving that is why it was named the “Diving Mecca in Mindanao”.

Siargao

In the fourth spot, we have Siargao, the haven of surfers from all over the world. Popularly known as, “the surfing capital of the Philippines”. International Surfing Cup is held here annually.

Batanes

And the last, but certainly not the least, we have Batanes, the northernmost province of the Philippines. It is the smallest province in terms of land area and population. You will surely love this place. It is the best place for nature lover and people who love tranquility and serenity. This is where the Pacific Ocean merges with the South China Sea. Batanes is great for summer vacation, fishing, diving and hiking.

Read the complete orginal posting here and also the beautiful photos the writer has http://trifter.com/asia-pacific/philippines/the-top-five-island-tourist-destinations-in-the-philippines/

Philippine Wonders of Nature

2009-10-02T00:23:00.000-07:00

The wonders of nature found in the Philippines. Some of the featured places are included in the on-going search for the seven wonders of the world

If you are a nature lover, you will like it here in the Philippines. It is here where some of the most beautiful wonders of nature are found. These world-renowned wonders of nature are sights to behold and to enjoy by citizens of the world.

Listed here are some of the great wonders of nature found in the Philippines. I have chosen 10 places that in my opinion are the best places to see in the country.

Banaue Rice Terraces

This beautiful place is located in the northern part of the country. This wonder of nature is known to Filipinos as the 8th wonder of the world. This rice terraces has been carved into the mountains by the indigenous people of Mountain Province and Ifugao more than 2000 years ago. The Banaue Rice Terraces is included in the Unesco World Heritage List in 1995.

Tubbataha Reef Marine Park

This Unesco World Heritage-listed marine park is located in the Municipality of Cagancillio, Province of Palawan. Tubbataha is made of about 10,000 coral reefs lying in the middle of Sulo Sea. Tubbataha is a nesting place for green sea turtles. It has almost 500 species of fish, about 45 species of birds, 9 species of dolphins and whales and it has about 400 species of corals.

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park

This great wonder of nature is another sight to enjoy. It is located in Palawan, Puerto Princesa, about 50 kilometers north of the Capital City. It has about 8 kilometers of navigable Underground River considered to be the longest in the world and features a limestone karsts mountain landscape. The river winds through a cave before it flows directly to the sea. This underground river has several chambers and also contains major formations of stalactites and stalagmites. Like the Tubbataha Reef, this nature park is included in the Unesco Heritage List.

Chocolate Hills

Chocolate Hills is located in Bohol, Philippines. It is made up of around 268 small cone-shaped hills that are almost of the same size and spread over an area of about 50 square kilometers. These coned-shaped hills are covered with grass and turns brown like a dark colored chocolate during summertime

Mayon Volcano

Mount Mayon is located is located in the province of Albay and about 15 kilometers northwest of the capital city of Legaspi.

Mount Mayon is an active volcano and has erupted about 47 times in the last 400 years. The volcano is known the world over as the most perfect cone shape volcano.

The most destructive eruption of Mount Mayon occurred in 1814 when lava flows emanating from the volcano buried the nearby town of Cagsawa, leaving only the bell tower of the church visible from the ground.. In this worst eruption, more than 2,000 people died.

Boracay Beach

Boracay Island is located in the province of Aklan with a land area of about 10 square kilometers. The island is famous for its powdery white sand and now considered as one of the best beaches in the world. From an unknown travel destination years ago, Boracay is now teeming with upscale tourists from all over the world.

Siargao Island

Siargao Island is located in the province of Surigao del Norte. It has a land area of over 400 square kilometers. Siargao is known the world over as one of the best Surfing destinations. It is home to Siargao Cup, a Philippine and International Surfing competition sponsored by the local government of Surigao.

Hundred Islands of Pangasinan

Hundred Islands is located in Pangasinan. These islands are scattered in deep blue waters of Ligayen Gulf. Some of the bigger islands have white sand beaches and dining facilities for visitors to enjoy.

Pagsanjan Falls

Pagsanjan Falls is located south of Metro Manila in the province of Laguna. The place is very popular among domestic and international travelers. Shooting the rapids is its major attraction. Boatmen will take you in their banca (wooden boat) to the river upstream, go swimming and shoot the rapids on your way downstream.

Taal Volcano

Taal Volcano is located in the island of Luzon in the province of Batangas, about 50 kilometers south of Manila. It is an active volcano with a large lake in its crater. The lake is popular fishing ground for residents living in the vicinity of the volcano.

from the blog http://www.bukisa.com/articles/29226_philippine-wonders-of-nature

The Best Beach In The Philippines

2009-09-27T22:42:00.000-07:00

I will be a cliche and say that Boracay is still, by far the best beach in the Philippines. No other Philippine beach comes close to it. Palawan, also called the last frontier, may have its beautiful little beaches but when individually putting these beaches side by side with Boracay, Palawan’s beaches pale in comparison.

So why do I love Boracay so much? Let me count the ways.

Boracay has a 3 kilometer shoreline of fine dazzling white sand. Even if you walk barefoot on a scorching sunny day, the sand seems to absorb the sun’s heat and never gets hot as to require you to wear slippers.

Blessed with warm waters from the __ sea, you can dip in Boracay’s waters any time of the day and not shiver in the cold. And the color of the water, it makes you want to drown yourself underneath and never come back up. Even the seabed has fine sand which makes it all the more enjoyable.

With the advent of commercialization, some folks say that Boracay is no longer the paradise that it used to be. True there are now establishments along the beach but I do believe that it only opened up the island to all walks of life. Now it’s not just for people who prefer to rough it out with nature. The filthy rich can have the luxury that they are accustomed to while the not so rich still have their choices of very affordable accommodations.

The food on the island has also become very varied which can only mean that people have more places and restaurants to choose from. Those who complain that the place has become quite expensive don’t know where to look, or lack the stomach for adventure. You only have to dig deeper to see that not everything is priced for foreigners.

The nightlife is thumping as well. There are a lot more bars and establishments now so after a full day of swimming and frolicking under the sun, you can drown your sorrows in beer or dance the night away in the many bars and restaurants by the beach.

Boracay has also become more accessible. Before, people have to spend long hours at sea just to be able to save on fares, but now with plummeting plane fares, everyone can just hop on a plane and be on the island in just a couple of hours minus the financial distress.

Having said that, what’s not to love about Boracay, the best beach in the Philippines. click this link to go to the original complete posting

http://agiledeals.com/2009/06/the-best-beach-in-the-philippines/

Why Travel To The Philippines

2009-09-26T00:24:00.000-07:00

Traveling to the Philippines can be one of the most rewarding adventures you can have in your life.

Reason #1 – The Weather
This goes without saying. The Philippines is a tropical island which means that we have sunshine all year long. True there are the occasional typhoons here and there but these are usually concentrated in certain parts of the country. With all the information available on the weather, it should be relatively easy to target areas in the country where there’s no typhoon. If you’re cooped up in a European country where it’s always cold, the abundance of sun here will be a very welcome change.

Reason #2 – The People
I don’t think you’ll find any other country in Asia where people are more welcoming towards foreigners. We’ve had lots of experience with foreigners staying (some even overstayed) in the islands since the 1800’s. Seriously though, people here always have that ready smile and a pathological desire to please visitors. You only have to attend one of our barrio fiestas to experience this.

Reason #3 – The Language
No, not our Filipino language, although it’s pretty lyrical in its own right, I’m talking about our second language which is English. Unless you go to the hinterlands, people you meet will always know how to speak English, not fluently perhaps but nothing that a few artful gesticulations and sign language can’t augment.

Reason #4 – The Cost of Living
Beer = $0.40/bottle
Cigarettes = $0.80/pack
McDonalds set meal = $2.50
Movies = $3.00
DVD = $0.60 .lol but true

Reason #5 – Domestic Travel
There are still islands in the country that are not accessible via plane, but there are always alternative sometimes exotic ways of going to these places that they become attractions/adventures unto themselves. Have you heard of the habal-habal? No? Well, that’s another reason to visit our country.

These days plane fares for domestic destinations in the Philippines have been hitting all time lows courtesy of Cebu Pacific Airlines. You can check them out at Cebupacificair.com.

There are 7,107 more reasons to visit the Philippines. I could probably go on and on about why this country should be at the top of your must-travel destinations but that would be spoiling the fun. Some things you have to discover for yourself. read the original item here http://agiledeals.com/2009/09/why-travel-to-the-philippines/

Motorcycle Adventure Tours

2009-09-25T16:35:00.000-07:00

Motorcycle Adventure Tours Philippines Inc. will take you on a trip of a lifetime. We travel through some of the most beautiful places in the Philippines, with tropical forests, crystal clear diving reefs, caves to explore, rivers, magnificent mountains, volcanoes and exotic beaches. You will experience the local culture and hospitality. This will be like no other adventure tour you will experience.

Accommodation on the tour ranges from some of the best beachside bungalows in the Philippines, to exotic hotel stays. The tour routes go through very low risk areas for tourists with enjoyable terrain and roads. The tour includes a support vehicle ready for any mechanical failure and other support needs.

You will be on tour with an experienced guide of the Philippines and an experienced rider through these regions.

http://www.adventuretoursphilippines.com/

Volunteer Vacation in the Philippines.

2009-09-25T16:31:00.000-07:00

Volunteer in the Philippines. Environmental volunteering. Convert your holidays into a mix of a volunteering, travel and tour programme.

This fantastic induction to Filipino culture gives you the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful landscapes and activities that the exotic Philippines can offer you. At the same time you can give something back and take part in a volunteering programme.

You are able to choose between five voluntary work experiences:

Environmental Action Awareness
Children's Outreach
Medical, Health and Education
School Teacher
Child Care and Rehabilitation Centre

This is the perfect programme for those who would like to volunteer but also want access to a thrilling variety of travel and tours, challenges and lots of experiences around the Philippines.

Combine comfort and leisure, travel adventure holidays, great accommodation, and sightseeing while doing something worthwhile and helpful to the Filipino community.

The goal of this project is to offer travel adventures and volunteer programmes to people who are attracted to learning about Filipino culture, whilst contributing their time and skills to worthwhile community services in the Philippines.

Why international volunteers? Foreign volunteers can have a big impact on indigenous communities, creating important cultural connections highly valued by developing communities.

The benefits of sustainable tourism and voluntary projects are of fundamental importance in issues like poverty, environmental awareness and sustainable develop programmes in the Philippines.

Visit the site to learn more

http://www.workandvolunteer.com/programme/?pgid=354

3 Week Volunteer and Escape Adventure Philippines

2009-09-25T16:28:00.000-07:00

Company : Twin | Work & Volunteer Abroad
Activities : Care Work / Humanitarian / Medical, Health, Medicine / Orphanage / Community Projects / Charity
Countries : Philippines
Location : This placement is based in the city of Metro Manila and also the close cities: provinces of Laguna and Batangas.

Info

Volunteer in Philippines and Adventure Holidays. Volunteer with Orphans, Children, in Medical Health and Environmental Awareness.

Volunteer in the Philippines. Environmental volunteering. Convert your holidays into a mix of a volunteering, travel and tour programme.

This fantastic induction to Filipino culture gives you the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful landscapes and activities that the exotic Philippines can offer you. At the same time you can give something back and take part in a volunteering programme.

Read all about it here

http://www.oneworld365.org/company/twin-work-volunteer-abroad/3-week-volunteer-and-escape-adventure-philippines

Philippine Adventure Sites

2009-09-25T16:27:00.000-07:00

Adventure Racing
Airplane Flying (4)
Gamefishing (9)
Kiteboarding (9)
Mountain Hiking (15)
Offtrail Driving (2)
Sailing (7)
Scuba Diving-> (53)
Skydiving (2)
Surfing-> (8)
Ultimate Adventure (8)
Ultralight Flying (4)
Wakeboarding (5)
Whitewater Rafting (8)
Windsurfing (4)

from website http://www.e-philippines.com.ph/

The Exotic Adventure of Philippine Travel

2009-09-25T15:58:00.000-07:00

When it comes to Philippine travel, you will notice the second you arrive to the country that things are done a lot different then anywhere else in the world. In order to explain the concept of Philippine travel, you have to turn back the clock to the days of World War II. It is back in this time period that many of what can be seen today as Philippine travel came from.

For starters, one of the most apparent forms of Philippine travel that one would notice immediately is that of what has become known as the Jeepney. The jeepney is the major form of mass transportation in the Philippines operating much like that of a privately owned bus service which follows specific route, but no specific times. These jeepney are just that, they are based on the World War II U.S. Wiley’s Jeep. The front hood, cowl and the better part of the jeepney mimics that of a stretched out limousine style jeep that is open to the elements.

Unfortunately these jeepneys can not fit down every street because some of the streets are narrow. As a result another World War II concept is utilized in Philippine Travel. For the more narrow streets and places that are off the beaten path, the vehicle you turn to is the tricycle. These are motorcycles with large side cars and the ability to seat a lot of people. There are many different variations of the tricycle and much like the jeepneys, the styles used are largely dependant on the area you are in.

But also like the Jeepneys, the tricyclescan not go everywhere and when it comes to getting around a neighborhood you have to turn to the small two-seater tricykads. These are pedal powered bicycles with a side car and depending on where you go, you can see some pretty artistically designed ones.

For large distance, the preferred means of Philippine travel across land is the bus. These buses are usually tightly packed and come with an amazing sound system built in to keep everyone entertained. A ride in a bus in the Philippines is like a going to a mobilized discothèque.

However, the Philippines is a bunch of islands so to go from one island to another, the form of Philippine travel is the boat. You have large passenger ferries which are based on the World War II landing crafts while at the same time you also have the pump boat. The pump boat is a broad term used to describe any small boat powered by and engine, but the most common of these is known as the banka boat. For great travels from Manila to Cebu, a number of liner services are available which use humongous boats complete with cabins and other sleeping arrangements.

Needless to say, getting around the Philippines can be a fun and exciting. With so many interesting Philippine travel types and styles, you will never get enough. Philippine travel is purely Filipino. Read the original posting at http://kakosa.com/philippine-travel.php

Pinoy Christmas Treats

2009-09-21T16:28:00.001-07:00

Pinoy Christmas Treats

Christmas has finally rolled into town. Without a doubt, the season is the best reason to eat, drink, and be merry. And seriously—what would Filipino Christmases be without the boxes of sapin-sapin mysteriously appearing in the refrigerator? Or the pillow-soft bibingka and fragrant puto bumbong welcoming you as you stumble out of Simbang Gabi? Hungry yet? Then get on as we go all around the metro for the best kakanin in town.

My Top Five Kakanin

Bibingka

First off let’s start with the ubiquitous bibingka. The Christmas staple is now available all year round, but the certainly the best time to have it (meaning eat as many as one can handle) is during the holidays. Something about the chill in the air and the twinkling lights that make the fluffy rice cake taste infinitely better.

The dish is traditionally made from rice flour, clarified butter, sugar, and egg yolks. This is cooked in a clay oven with the hot coals above. Before it is served, more butter or margarine is spread generously on top, followed by desiccated coconut meat and sugar. If you adore bibingka, one brand to try is the mini-bibingkas of Bibingkabon. The cakes are absolutely heavenly! Owner Pinky Hilado has them prepared with real rice flour and mixes the grated coconut in the batter—making it easier to stuff in your mouth in one go.

Bibingkabon stalls are found in the following places: Sta. Lucia East Grand Mall, Starmall, and Shopwise Libis. Each bibingka is freshly made -- you’ll rarely find one sitting out because they are snapped up as soon as they come out of the oven!

Plain ones go for P15 while Specials—with salty red egg and creamy cheese-- go for P18. If you’re feeling generous in time for the company Christmas party, you can order by bulk two to three days ahead for a minimum of P3,500.

Puto Bumbong

If you find yourself in front of a bibingka stand, chances are, a stall selling puto bumbong is nearby. This curious dessert is made of sticky purple rice, steamed through bamboo tubes, wrapped in banana leaves, and served with a swipe of margarine or butter, grated coconut and sugar.

If you should ever get stuck in traffic (and you will be, as Filipino Christmas tradition dictates) along the South Super Highway, pass by the Shell Station right after the Magallanes Town Center. Squeezed in a teeny, tiny corner beside a donut shop, is the aptly named… Shell Magallanes Bibingka Corner. While their bibingka is definitely one of the best in town, try out the freshly made puto bumbong. Their cooks have been there for the longest time and they are quite deft when it comes to preparing these sticky delights.

The puto bumbong is gloriously sticky sweet and infused with the scent of the banana leaf wrapper. For P25 a pop, it is cheap means to tide your hunger, or calm things down when the traffic gets awry. Which brings us to our third kakanin: palitaw.

Palitaw

Yes, those palm-sized, milky-white treats are another good reason for stopover.

The Bibingka Corner sells them for P20. Request for extra coconut or sugar and they will easily acquiesce.

Sapin-Sapin

Whether they are homesick balikbayans or your Am-boy/-girl cousin spending the holidays with you, nothing spells festive Pinoy dessert more than sapin-sapin.

The multi-colored, round-shaped kakanin made with rice flour, coconut milk, sugar, and ube, is a perennial dessert favorite. Dolor’s Kakanin makes one of the best. The main branch is located in Malabon City, and smaller ones in Banawe Ave., Quezon City and Along McArthur Highway in Monumento. The dessert originated from the northern part of the Philippines but has since travelled down to other provinces and is now widely available.

Dolor’s version is absolutely delicious even if, at first glance it seems common looking; one bite of the glutinous dish reveals the densely packed flavor of the sapin-sapin of yore. Each layer is meticulously fleshed out and the ube never overpowers the delicate rice and coconut milk flavors. The large size costs P160 and the smaller one P120.

Suman Latik

For our fifth kakanin, we have the suman latik. Filipinos, used to the heat and humidity of the tropics, will always feel cold enough to wear a jacket during the so-called “brrr” months. The moment a slight bite hits the air, we run and look for the nearest thing to warm our stomachs. The sputtering, gurgling mess that is suman latik is definitely the best thing to warm us up.

Tsoko.Nut Batirol serves a fine version that will giddy up a good chunk of endorphins in your brain. The dish arrives at your table steaming hot with the thick latik bubbling up. As you dip your spoon into the kakanin, you realize it’s in that fantastic half liquid, half solid state. Eating the dish requires some dexterity, but your efforts are justly rewarded when the mixture hits your tongue and your taste buds go into overdrive. Tsoko.Nut’s version doesn’t scrimp on the latik—even going as far as putting both sugar and rice in equal portions.

The dish is quite rich, and small as it may seem it is best shared with another person. You will have to because you cannot eat suman latik—or any of the abovementioned kakanins for that matter—without a hot cup of traditional tsokolate. Why go anywhere else when Tsoko.Nut serves a fantastic cup of tsokolate ah? Some might recoil at the idea of drinking hot chocolate with sweets (usually bathed in butter at that) but Filipinos usually wave those kinds of worries away. You can never have too much of a good thing, especially during the holidays.

Those with a serious sweet tooth can push the envelope and order Tsokonut Ah with Gulaman, which takes a regular cup of tsokolate ah a step up the indulgence scale by adding buttery whipped cream, gulaman cubes made from tsokolate eh—which is the thick, syrupy hot version of the tsokoloate. To top it off, even more tsokolate eh is drizzled on top of the cream.

Well there you go—Top Five Kakanins to check out during the holiday break. Go on—eat, drink, and be merry. There is no better way to bust your gut during the holidays. Hey, it only comes once a year!
http://www.clickthecity.com/metro/?p=2512

Cemetery Tours of Metro Manila

2009-09-21T16:26:00.001-07:00

In the course of my “worldly” tours, nothing has caught my attention more than visits to our very own series of cemeteries in Metro Manila – the Paco Park, a small but romantic cemetery which has gone a full lifecycle; the columbary of San Agustin in Intramuros; The American Cemetery at tony Forbes Park in Makati and the Chinese Cemetery that crosses through the North and La Loma Cemetery in the northeastern part of Manila. Paco park was popularly known as the burial grounds of the wealthy neighborhood of old Manila, has now become a popular venue for garden weddings and receptions.

Then there is the columbary of the San Agustin Church where remains of famous Spanish governor generals including Juan Miguel de Legazpi plus a host of others and several other well known Spanish families – Zobels, Ayalas and Sorianos are all neatly buried in one side wall of this church.

San Agustin Church

Inside San Agustin Church

But having seen many crypts and mausoleums all over the world, our own burial grounds have hundreds of interesting stories inside them. Majority of these vast manicured properties are so steeped in lore that some of these cemeteries have their own “unofficial historians.”

For instance, the Chinese Cemetery. (Take the LRT Train from Baclaran and get off at the Doroteo Jose station. Take a tricycle and ask to be dropped off at the north gate) It’s a cemetery with star power. Among those buried here are rich Chinese patriarchs and matriarchs. Founded in the 1850s by Lim Ong and Tan Quien Sien, also known by their Christian name, Carlos Palanca, the 54 hectare Chinese cemetery contains graves that tell of wealth and social status of several generations of deceased. Here, one can see mausoleums as high as two stories, resembling temples, pagodas and budhas – everything you can imagine that’s typical Chinese. However, as you examine the area closer, especially the bigger crypts from prominent families, there are living persons maintaining these places complete with electricity, air condition, bathroom facilities even showers to cool off the heat.

Chinese Cemetery

The state of the Chinese cemetery reflects how the Chinese are in the Philippines. The streets are well paved, and well lit. It seems airier and more spacious somehow commented Teddy, my traveling companion and photographer. If you’re Chinese, you can light your joy sticks at the Chong Hok Tong Temple, where you will find a big golden statue of Budha.

Unfortunately, as one visit this place lately; one notices that the tombs are fast losing their architectural flavor as the cemetery space is getting more and more occupied. Some tombs are in disrepair because of lack of funding or family owners have just left the country.

Ramon Magsaysay's Tomb at North Cemetery

Near the Chinese cemetery are the North and La Loma Cemeteries. The North Cemetery is a host to a lot of “who’s who in Philippine history. Three Presidents – Sergio Osmena, Manuel Roxas and Ramon Magsaysay are entombed here. Other politicians buried here include Claro M. Recto, Quintin Paredes, Manila Mayors Arsenio Lacson, Antonio Villegas, Felix Huertas and Manuel de la Fuente. President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s mother in law, Lourdes Tuason – Arroyo is buried in the North Cemetery. Two years ago, the remains of First Lady Aurora Aragon-Quezon was exhumed and brought next to her husband’s resting place at the Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City. Going around the cemetery, where the raised graves are literally side by side, with very little space from each other, one gets to notice the different busts, figures, and Virgin Mary statues that try to gain this visitor’s attention. I was wise enough to have hired a caretaker guide to bring me around this maze of graves and marbles or I would have been soon overwhelmed by the kaleidoscope before me. No standardize headstones for most of these worthies; instead, equestrian statues, shrouded mausoleums, busts, plaques, overwrought epitaphs, and genuflecting angels are sure enough to win a nod from Saint Peter in heaven.

Paco Park

Over at Paco Park, I have always manage to return to this place in between drives from Manila to Makati or Paranaque. I don’t blame some lovers who just want to have their weddings officiated in this “graveyard” turned park. Though quintessentially a Spanish campo santo, Paco Park welcomes tourists and visitors alike. Others bring their children to play tag, or hide and seek. Old ladies and gentlemen arrive here early mornings equipped to feed the hungry colonies of pigeons and maya birds that warble in the cemetery’s grave ruins and acacia trees. Couples too come to hug and kiss; not all are young though, nor is it clear whether all are legally free to hug, but even those whose amours are not necessarily clandestine, find that love blooms along the paths of Paco park. This place is best enjoyed during late afternoons, before closing time (8:30am – 5:00pm) .Paco Park draws one back as I did, having returned often.

Paco Park

Unmarked and Empty Graves

When I was a child, I was always wondering why there was an American Cemetery in the Philippines when the US, had a far bigger space to bury their dead. As I grew older I realized the American part in our country’s history. The American Cemetery here in the Philippines memorializes the many thousands of Filipinos and Americans who died fighting during the last World War. Apparently, this cemetery is the largest facility outside the United States and consists of hectares of white marble crosses and Stars of David aligned in neat contoured rows up the hillside to the memorial. If you’re on a visit, check out the columns along the walls. You might just have a name posted of your long lost relative who fought in the last world war. As you walk the circular column enjoy one of the best views of the surrounding polo club landscape.

If you plan to do these cemeteries visit, it’s best to go with a friend or even your close relatives. According to culture experts, cemeteries are among the last places altered by forces of economic progress and development. Like historic artifacts, cemeteries tell what life was like in the past and how it continues to evolve. After all, they are in a way, a time capsule of Philippine history and culture. http://www.clickthecity.com/metro/?p=2210

Cebu Tips and Tricks

2009-09-21T16:20:00.000-07:00

With airfares plummeting to an all time low, getting around the Philippines has never been easier. With a little patience (and luck, perhaps) in promo scouring, a long weekend, extra moolah to spare, and Dora the Explorer's sense of adventure, you're ready to jet set and travel within the country.

And in case you find yourself in Cebu, the Queen City of the South, here are some tips and tricks to getting your way around.

Make the map your travel buddy.

If you've gotten yourself a tour group and a guide, good. If not, don't worry. Anyway, Dora the Explorer's sense of adventure entails nothing but reliance on the good ol' map.

Nothing beats the excitement of exploring a new place by encircling target destinations and making path lines. Cebu is relatively simple to navigate so even the ones with poorest sense of direction will find their way easily.

Secure one of the EZ Maps which can be purchased in local bookstores. Most of the travel destinations in Cebu can be found in Mactan, Mandaue and Cebu City, so make sure your map has those three highlighted. Landmarks such as the Magellan's Cross, Carbon Market, and the historical churches can be found there. All you need is a little strategy on which place to visit first.

To kick off your search, you might want to encircle the following landmarks:

Mactan Island
Lapu-Lapu Monument
Magellan's Marker
Mactan Tourist Sports Complex
Guitar Factories

Magellan's Cross

Cebu City
Fort San Pedro
Colon St.
Magellan's Cross
Basilica de Sto. Niño
Carbon Market
Ayala Center Cebu
Taboan Market

Basilica de Sto. Niño

Inside the Basilica de Sto. Niño

Be at the center of everything.

The key to a successful and budget friendly trip is knowing where you're headed and finding a place to stay within the proximity. Hotels and inns abound the island and the decision where to stay depends largely on what activities you'll partake.

For those who plan to spend all their days in the beach, resorts in the Mactan Island are aplenty. But for those who will be opting to spend more time in the Cebu City proper, an inn or hotel in the area around the Fuente Osmeña circle is your best bet as it is close to pretty much all the tourist destinations. You'd want to save those taxi fares for pasalubong shopping instead, right?

Locals know best

Our map was teeming with circles and path lines when we arrived in Cebu. But on our first stop at the Lapu Lapu's Shrine, we readily erased and changed our penned plans -- thanks to a local named Ivan and the mamang sorbetero who were more than enthusiastic to provide us with a list of must sees in Cebu.

If not for the two of them, we wouldn't have known that the so-called SuTuKils are just behind the stage we were fronting. If not for Ivan's advice, we would have spent way too much by availing the pricey snorkeling rates of the resort we were staying at. We might have also made unnecessary taxi trips in place of the cheaper 7-Peso jeepney rides.

So the next time you find yourself clueless (or not) on your whereabouts, don't be afraid to ask. Make instant 'bays (friends) and be ready for better travel bargains.

Food, food, and more food!

Ah, yes. What's a trip to Cebu without having a taste of the local food?

Cebuano food is altogether a different hodgepodge of cuisine and delicacies. A long weekend in Cebu isn't suffice for you to try all the wonders it has to offer, but with proper planning and pacing, at least you'd cover those under the "never-leave-Cebu-without-trying-these" category.

*For a list of restaurants you can try in Cebu, click here.

As discussed in my previous travel article, you haven't been to Cebu if you haven't tasted their esteemed lechon. Cebu lechons abound all the major areas of the city, but you can't go wrong and lost with CnT Lechon.

In terms of popularity, the SuTuKils probably fare next to the lechon.

These 'you-choose-we-cook' al fresco restaurants are just behind the Mactan shrine (which can be your first stop since it's nearest the airport).

SuTuKil stands for Sugba-Tula-Kilawin, three ways your seafood can be cooked. With their proximity to the fishing villages, there's no arguing that they have the freshest catch of the day.

For more on the SuTuKil experience, watch out for my next travel article.

Lastly, the street food capital of Cebu -- Larsian -- is one thing you'd be sorry to pass up.

This huge indoor complex houses numerous barbecue stalls offering grills of every possible kind: chicken (wings, thigh, skin, breast, feet, intestine, blood), pork (meat, liver, intestine, chorizo, tocino, etc.), stuffed squid, and fish of different sizes and sorts.

The barbecues go well with 'puso,' the Visayans' take on rice.

This no-frills food haven located near the Osmeña Circle and the Cua Dong hospital is simply too good and too cheap to be true. When I was there, numerous groups, local and foreign alike, are all in their respective hubs, busily chewing their grilled fare off the sticks, not minding the smoky atmosphere in the poorly ventilated complex.

Those with asthma should definitely beware and take caution. But for the rest, enjoy!

Always have something to bring home...

...and get them in the right places. You can always do your last minute shopping at the airport for pasalubongs but of course, expect to pay more. Find time to personally visit and haggle at the pasalubong meccas of Cebu. These include the Taboan Market, several streets away from Colon, where all the danggits and pusits await. Don't make this your last stop before heading to the airport lest you want to be barred. Once you get yourself in Taboan, prepare to be stinky!

For your otap, barquillos, ladyfingers, turones de mani and dried mangoes requests, head to the Mabini St. or Fuente Osmena for the Shamrock Outlets. As locals say, otap isn't otap if it isn't Shamrock.

I admit. Three days definitely isn't enough for a place as beautiful and as diverse as Cebu. In a province blessed with an irresistible stretch of pristine clear beach, historical roads and structures, and an ever dynamic metropolis, one would never run out of ways to enjoy.

Nevertheless, those few days in Cebu are sure to be worthwhile and memorable. Oh, thank God for cheap plane fares! http://www.clickthecity.com/travel/?p=5174

Paco Park

2009-09-21T16:18:00.000-07:00

Paco Park

One of Manila's underrated landmarks is Paco Park - a former cemetery, and now a National Historical Shrine. Located right across the Paco Fire Station in San Marcelino, Paco Park is a beautifully structured place where anybody can enjoy is peaceful and intimate atmosphere for an entrance fee of only Five Pesos.

watch a video here http://www.clickthecity.com/clipcast/?v=337

Paco Park and Cemetery

	+	-
	+	-
	+	-
	+	-

170 views

165 views

148 views

113 views

116 views

111 views

106 views

96 views

102 views

110 views

93 views

92 views

84 views

78 views

70 views

89 views

75 views

69 views

86 views

78 files on 4 page(s)

Giant Lantern Festival 2007

2009-09-21T16:16:00.002-07:00

Giant Lantern Festival 2007

The world-renowned Giant Lantern Festival is coming up! Mark your calendars! It’s going to be on Saturday, December 15, 2007, at the Amphitheater of SM City Pampanga, City of San Fernando, Pampanga.

Most only see the finished product. The dynamic interplay of lights and color that precisely moves with the rhythm of a brass band, the magnitude of size and their intricate designs, and so much more which spectators only get to appreciate as the giant lanterns of San Fernando are pitted against each other on festival night. No one can dispute the fact that the Giant Lantern Festival of San Fernando is the event that the province of Pampanga is most known for. And it is sad that we rarely acknowledge the tremendous preparation and investment the makers put in each of these giant lanterns. It is because of these giant lanterns and the San Fernando lantern-making industry that the City of San Fernando has been dubbed the Christmas Capital of the Philippines.

The Giant Lantern Festival is quite close to my heart. Aside from the fact that I chaired the Giant Lantern Festival Executive Committee in 2003, the giant lanterns of San Fernando make me proud to be a Filipino. Watching these technological works of art never cease to amaze me as I marvel at the craftsmanship and ingenuity of the Fernandino lantern makers.

Anyway, it was a great show as always. Expect a bevy of celebrities and diplomats to attend since the judges are all famous in their own right. Last year, there was Senator Mar Roxas and Korina Sanchez, French Ambassador H.E. Gerard Chesnel who chaired the Board of Judges, Tina Monzon-Palma, and Inquirer founding chair Eugenia Duran-Apostol among others.

I remembered how much the festival had changed since I was a kid. Although I lived in Manila at that time, the entire family always slept at our grandparents' house in San Fernando for Christmas Eve. The lantern festival used to be held after the midnight Mass in a small square beside the church. And the lanterns danced to the music of a live marching band. Smaller lanterns used during the lubenas and the barangay patron saint were also brought to the venue.

After the festival, the giant lantern of our barangay, San Jose, would pass by the house on the way home, in a procession together with the smaller lanterns and the image of San Jose on a carroza, accompanied by a marching band. And those in the house would usually ask who won since the rivalry between San Jose and Del Pilar was still very strong then, with Del Pilar usually winning and San Jose placing second. Those were the days!

Last year, my lantern appreciation skills worked well since the three lanterns that I predicted would win, all made it! Watch out this year for Barangay San Felipe, the defending champion, which was built by my friend, lantern-maker Roland Quiambao! Their winning streak was broken only in 2005 when they placed second.

The Giant Lantern Festival is an inter-barangay contest. In past festivals, it really was a barangay effort and the best lantern makers of the barangay were called on to create the entry to the competition. During that time, each participating barangay had resident lantern makers. However, as the years passed, many of these lantern makers were unable to pass on the trade. Today, only Del Pilar, Sta. Lucia, Dolores and San Jose can boast of resident lantern makers. So to keep the show on the road, other barangays have to rely on lantern makers from other localities."

Anyway, for the past several years, the giant lanterns have been eighteen feet in diameter, each with an average of 5,000 light bulbs, controlled by 8 rotors or more. Last year, there were twelve entries all deserving of praise for the effort they put in the lanterns.

So what's the prize? No cash, just a trophy. More than the cash, it's barangay pride that is at stake. And I hope it remains that way, a community effort where everyone pitches in, hoping to win top honors at the annual festival.

If you want to catch the festival, it would be best to come as early as possible. Although it starts at 8 p.m., there will be a lot of people watching. So to avoid traffic, you could opt to watch a movie or do the shopping marathon in the longest shopping mall in the country! And park near the entrance so that you don’t get stuck when the mad rush to the exit begins after the festival.

You can also catch the giant lanterns sans the crowd after the festival at Paskuhan Village and on December 24 in front of the Metropolitan Cathedral of San Fernando. Call the City Tourism Office at (045) 9615684 for more information.
http://www.clickthecity.com/travel/?p=2519

Bauan Parols at CCP

posted on Friday, December 14, 2007

It all started twenty-nine years (29) years ago, when the faculty of Bauan High School (BHS) in Batangas, headed by Engr. Vicente Cordero, was alarmed by the increasing criminal activities involving teenagers in schools. The group devised a way to reactivate and re-introduce worthwhile activities for students to think, cooperate and develop their artistic abilities through the Parulan (lantern-making) contest.

Today, the BHS, a forerunner and pioneer in lantern-making, continues the said tradition by encouraging its students to use indigenous organic materials such as betel & bunga nuts, rice, corn husks, fish scales, citrus fruits, pistachio shells, cigarettes, garlic, matches, guyabano and alibangbang leaves, coconut tree, "palotsina" & "alim" wood, plastic strings and bottles, among others. Each material used was carefully cleaned, dried, diced, scrapped, soaked, glued, and cut to form intricately-designed flower petals or buds, leaves, and mosaic coupled with flickering and sparkling lights to give birth to an entirely exquisite and unique Christmas lanterns. Truly, the BHS lanterns are a testament of the creativity and skill of the Filipino youth.

This year, 12 winning creations will be displayed at the Cultural Center of the Philippines' (CCP) Little Theater Lobby starting December 18, 2007 during the "Paskong Pinoy" celebration at the CCP. The top three (3) lanterns crafted out of rice grains and hay, citrus fruits and garlic won the BHS Parol Festival this year.

Admission to the exhibit is free. For more information, please call the CCP Visual Arts Division at tel. No. 832-1125 loc. 1504-1505.
http://www.clickthecity.com/arts/?p=2547

Animals Abound In Zoobic Safari

2009-09-21T16:16:00.001-07:00

Animals Abound In Zoobic Safari

Ever wanted a close encounter with animals of the wild? At Zoobic Safari, the country's only tiger safari, you get to be up-close with different animals (and yes, tigers!) in a forest atmosphere.

Located at the Ilanin Forest of Subic Bay, Zoobic is a huge 25-hectare area dedicated to entertaining and educating people about animal life.

Clipcast

Zoobic Safari
The only Tiger Safari in the Philippines! Have a sneak peek of Zoobic Safari's activities and amenities.

For an Entrance Fee of P395/person, you can tour Zoobic Safari for about a couple of hours. Entrance Fee for children 4 feet and below get P100 off the price, while kids 3 feet and below get in for free. No food and beverages are allowed inside, as different stores and vendors are in the area already. Since the entire place is built around a forest, prepare for an outdoorsy experience - wear comfy clothing and shoes. You will walk a lot. Bring a fan or some wet wipes if you easily perspire, as it tends to get humid and hot.

They have different attractions, and the tour will first take you to the Zoobic Park to meet some of their wild and farm animals. Some of the farm animals roam around freely, so watch your step! A goat or a duck may just be behind you while you trek the forest.

Afterwards, guests will be lead to the Rodent World. In this attraction, I learned that most non-flying mammals are rodents. The more common ones include mice, guinea pigs, hamsters, and rats. Zoobic is also selling cute little Abyssinian Guinea Pigs (P249 each), if you wish to take a critter or two back home. Right after this attraction, the next one is the Serpentarium, where they have different common and exotic kinds of reptiles.

Some of Zoobic's cuter critters

Next is a short ride to the Tiger Safari! You can opt for the Adventure Ride using the Zooper Train (P50 per head, per trip). It's a customized tram with tiger stripes and colors. The ride is optional, since you can also choose to use your personal vehicle to get to the other farther attractions.

Zooper Train

Zoobic houses around 20 tigers, and they have one white tiger named Snowy. The White Tiger (or Panthera Tigris) is commonly mistaken for an albino tiger. The white of their fur is a result of gene mutation (recessive gene).

White Tiger

Tiger Safari

You can also get some animal chow to feed the animals yourselves! At the Tiger Safari, you can feed them Chicken (P200) while you're inside the caged vehicle. At another attraction, the Croco Loco, you can feed the crocs some Chicken (P50), too.

We got ourselves one chicken and boarded our well-protected vehicle to enter the tiger safari. Earlier, we saw different kinds of animals in cages. Now, it's the other way around as we enter their habitat while on board a 'mobile cage' to get to see them up close.

Our guide teased us with tiger trivia: if we observe a tiger coming towards us with its tail moving up, that is a signal that it will urinate. Add to that, the stench of luminous (!) tiger pee according to them, sticks to you for 3 days. That was enough to make us all the more excited as they ambled toward our side of the vehicle, eyeing our piece of raw chicken intently. There were only several inches between me and the tiger, thank goodness for the reliable metal bars in between us! It was fun and scary to watch them gobble up the meat and even climb on top of our jeep!

After the safari, there is a tiger Close Encounter where several cages are lined up and you walk about a feet from the tigers. After the safari, this was easier to do, although the fear of getting sprayed with tiger pee lingered.

Our next stop was a short Zooper Train ride to the Savannah, where ostriches abound. While I can obviously say the birds were tamer, a lot of shrieks came from our train as they walked closer and closer to us. Since there are no glass windows and the animals can pretty much kiss us if they like, it was fun to dodge around and take photos as close as we can.

After the Savannah, we headed to the Bone Museum for a short while to view some preserved animals and bones on exhibit, then moved along to the Aeta's Trail. It was a cooler area with the tall trees, and we sat for several minutes to watch some Aetas perform their ritual dances. It was amazing to see them move with such grace in their animal-like movements. They danced the Tutubi (dragonfly dance) that signals neighboring tribes of a change in weather; the Unggoy (monkey dance) which they perform during hunting season; and the Pagbabayani (war dance), performed whenever they need guidance for a victorious fight.

Aeta's Trail

Afterwards we saw hundreds of Philippine freshwater crocodiles at the Croco Loco. There were so much that you see more crocodile skin than the ground! They looked like statues because they barely moved.

Croco Loco

Before heading home, you can also take a short trip to the Zoovenir Shop, where they have a lot of Zoobic merchandise like shirts, bags, and animal stuffed toys, that you can give to the kids or bring home as pasalubong.

Close encounters with tigers and ostriches at Zoobic really made our overnight trip more fun. This popular Subic Bay attraction has a good mix of activities for friends and family that will both be educational and entertaining. Aside from the thrilling tiger encounter, it was my first time to see a Cassowary (a flightless bird from New Guinea) and our local Palm Civet Cat up close and within the same area where Bearcats and Otters hang out. The sights and sounds of Zoobic was a good escape from the gray buildings and urban noises that I am exposed to everyday. Head on to Subic for a zoo-per time!

Zoobic Safari is open 8am to 4pm daily (including Sundays and Holidays). Their Animal Parade begins every 3pm during weekends and holidays. Visit www.zoobic.com.ph for more information.
http://www.clickthecity.com/travel/?p=5062

Tree Top Adventure

2009-09-21T16:14:00.000-07:00

Tree Top Adventure

http://www.clickthecity.com/Have you ever fallen off a 60 foot tree? I have.

Of course, I have survived it and actually enjoyed the fall (with little bits of sheer horror in between, yes, I admit). It was totally safe, and made much more fun in Subic Bay's Tree Top Adventure.

But before I share the most exciting part of the Tree Top experience, let's take a look at what else is in store for you when you visit this forest of fun.

Clipcast

Tree Top Adventure
Enjoy the natural beauty of the forest and get your adrenaline pumping at Subic Bay's Tree Top Adventure! Choose among exciting outdoor adventures such as trekking, canopy ride, Superman ride and the Tree-Drop.

Tree Top Adventure just turned 1 this month, serving up people with doses of adrenaline rush and excitement in a lush, virgin forest setting. To ensure that they do not harm any of the trees, Tree Top claims to uses a unique 'Tree Trunk Clumping Mechanism.' Safety is also a top priority here, so all their guides and instructors are well-trained and are educated with standard first aid procedures. They are well-equipped with safety lines, harnesses and safety helmets, and all the instructors are friendly and helpful should you need to address some concerns regarding the different attractions. They have 9 attractions that range from walking, trekking, balancing; jungle demo and Aeta dance presentations; and even flying like Superman! They also have a cafe by the entrance if you want some food and drinks.

Upon climbing up to the main area of Tree Top, the first thing that greeted us was a couple of folks trying out the Tree Drop, the 60-foot rappelling attraction that allows the person several seconds of free fall with the safety features of rappelling (with harness, rope, and helmet). The first drop we saw automatically made our heads shake a big NO. No way did we ever imagine ourselves doing that! I immediately advised our guide to lead us to the Superman Ride instead. I was with a couple of friends who have a fear of heights, and I saw in their faces that I made the right decision.

So our guide, Jackie, led us first to the Superman Ride (P200/head), which was on the left side of Tree Top. There were several log benches on the ground that served as waiting area, so we all sat and look up at the group earlier than us who were now all geared up for the ride.

It's a stretch of 134 meters from platform to platform, and you get whisked away in a lying 'Superman' position as if you're flying. The tricky and scary part is gearing up for it - getting all your harness secure, climbing up the railing, and placing your arms stretched out in front of you on top of a bar, while stretching out your legs and securing your feet on top of a bar as well.

The more the instructor tells you to relax, the tendency is to get all the more tense. But when you've got a barkada to back you up with cheers and moral support, all you do now is to exhale, hang tight, and fly! It was pretty fun after the couple of seconds of shock, with the harness pulling you hard to glide to the other platform. You also get a trip back to the original platform, so that's a round trip Superman ride for about 30 seconds in total. If you want to try for fun, don't face front on your return trip and let them pull you back backwards, feet first. It's a different feeling not knowing where you're headed!

After the Superman, we shook off some of our fear of heights, but not enough to convince us we had enough balls for the Tree Drop. Jackie suggested that we all take the scenic attraction first to cool down and rest, so we lined up for the Canopy Ride (P350/head).

The ride is basically single seats that hang from a motorized cable, and takes you platform to platform at a slow pace, for you to have a beautiful view of the lush greens and appreciate the cool climate. You will reach heights of 18 to 100 feet in this attraction, moving from tree to tree. It's pretty much like that Flying Fiesta ride in Enchanted Kingdom, at turtle speed, in the middle of a forest. You can take your video cameras and cameras and just snap away to get a bird's eye view of the area.

When we landed on our last platform, we climbed down the tree using a steep and small flight of stairs and started our short trek back to the main Tree Top area. The full Trekking (P100/head) will take you to the different sections of the virgin forest, with a guide showing you various species of flora and fauna. In between walks, we would encounter centuries-old trees, some of which have small holes in the base which our guide told us were created by the Aetas for shelter.

So far, we were able to try out Tree Top Adventure's three major attractions: the Superman Ride, Canopy Ride, and a few minutes of Trekking. I thought that we would call it a day by then, but thanks (or no thanks?) to Jackie's unbelievable persuasion skills, she managed to have us all geared up for their ultimate attraction: Tree-Drop! Oh my.

The Tree-Drop (Rappelling, P200 per drop) can be done three ways: the Conventional (sitting on the harness), Face Down (ala Tom Cruise in Mission: Impossible) or the Australian type, and the last and hardest drop style is the Lizard. Do you wish to fall 60 feet, facing the sky? Nope, definitely not doing it Lizard style, thank you.

You can also hold on to the rope if you wish to control the speed of the drop or to better balance yourself. You will be wearing gloves to prevent chafing, and a safety helmet, aside from the harness.

As with the Superman Ride, the toughest, most grueling part is when your mind plays games while you are about to step off the ledge and hang on for dear life. What on earth were we doing, right? There are some who have no ounce of fear in their bones and just go for it, while others (like myself) had a hard time letting go of their foot's hold or their instructor's hand. Once you've balanced yourself, you are given a few seconds of photo-ops (have you friends on standby for that!) and then whoosh! Down you go!

So how was it? Absolutely terrifying, and loads of fun. If I'm being contradictory, then so be it. Those seconds of free falling were just so fast and you get a flurry of emotions mixed with adrenaline rush. Okay, I have to admit, it wasn't so bad. You should all try it at least once, when you find yourself in Subic! Bring your army of friends to cheer you on, and you'll definitely have an unforgettable experience.

Tree Top Adventure is located at the JEST Area (beside JEST camp), Upper Cubi Area, Subic Bay. You can avail of different combinations of adventure with their packages (P400-P600/person). Call (047) 252-9425, (047) 252-9427 or visit www.treetopadventure.com.ph for more details.
http://www.clickthecity.com/

Backpacker low cost destinations

2009-09-21T15:56:00.000-07:00

September 20th, 2009 on 12:45 pm I recommend Dumaluan Beach resort. I’ve been there last year and the accommodations are affordable, nice and roomy. It’s almost everybody’s recommendation when my beau & I went to Panglao island last year.
It’s so great to be one of the guests ‘coz this resort is so clean and beautiful, all the staffs are friendly and accommodating plus if you need something it’s all in the resort..just name it, they have it.. great foods, beautiful and affordable accommodations, nice swimming pool, beautiful and relaxing beach… it’s really everybody’s recommendation when we were still looking for a resort… Staying in Dumaluan Beach Resort is never a regret. Really worth it! < *-*>
Here’s the room rates last year . (Maybe they already made li’l increase this year)
Room rates:
Standard Aircon - Php 1,300 ($29-30)
Standard De Luxe - Php 1,650 ($37)
Superior De Luxe - Php 1,850 ($40)
De Luxe - P 2,150 ($48)
Junior Suite Php 2,600 ($58)
Suite - Php 2,750 ($61)
Executive - Php 3,500 ($78)
Family - P 4,300 ($96)
Junior Presidential - Php 5,000 ($112)
Presidential - Php 6,000 ($136)
DUMALUAN BEACH RESORT:
Bolod, Panglao, Bohol
Tel. No. (038) 502-9092
Tele fax no. (038) 502-9081
---------------------------------
You can go to Maraira-ira Beach in Pagudpud Ilocos Norte although the travel time is around 10hrs if you travel by night.
Accommodation is around $25 a night i think, there’s no hotel. A family can accommodate you and it is accredited by the Dept. of Tourism.
Entrance to the beach is like $.50 cents only. The beach is white sand just like in Boracay.
-------------------
Try Bohol, Philippines. Affordable even for locals, more so for tourists. It’s very safe and, definitely beautiful.
Hope this website helps: http://www.bohol.ph/article75.html?sid=6…
---------------------
Caramoan in Camarines Sur - lots of beautiful beaches, limestone cliffs, a few people know about it cause its very far (8 hour bus ride from manila to naga, 2 hour travel by land from naga to sabang pier then 1.5 hours boat ride from sabang to caramoan). I’ve been there twice, the beaches are really awesome. For accomodation, you’ll need at most USD30 (that’s a room good for 3 persons), food is very cheap there. Travel costs (round trip) - about USD40-50 per person. Take a look at this site http://guides.clickthecity.com/travel/?p…

from blog http://www.tremblantlifestyle.com/around-the-world/is-there-a-backpacker-beach-destination-in-the-philippines/

Pinatubo’s lake is spectacular Philippines

2009-09-20T22:18:00.000-07:00

Vail travel: But be careful ordering eggs in one rainy Philippine town

A couple of last words about Manila before moving on. On my last day here I take the Light Rail Transport (LRT, basically an elevated tram) to the Chinese cemetery and it is quite curious that the first car out of five is completely reserved for women only.

Interesting; is it a safety measure, politeness or discrimination? You make the call!

The Chinese cemetery is definitely something to see. Hundreds of what almost look like second homes (better than a lot of first homes here) have been erected in a large section of Manila. The cemetery has streets, roundabouts, street signs etc.

The “homes” have kitchens that seem normal — in case the dead get hungry on their way. Several have telephones (you never know whom you might have to call) and I even spotted several with a bathroom, just in case — you finish the sentence. Quite intriguing, definitely an eye-opener and absolutely worth a visit.

From here I stroll — it’s too hot to walk fast — a kilometer or so to the Blumentritt market. It is huge and you can buy just about anything here. There are hundreds of people milling about and I even see a goat being beheaded.

Once again I am the only Westerner here. Last year in Indonesia people constantly yelled or greeted me with “hey mister. “ Here they shout “hey Joe” or “hey boss.” Interesting cultural difference.

A magnificent lake
Then I’m on my way with a two-hour bus ride to Angeles. When you tell people that’s your next stop, they invariably give you a sly smile and a wink and when I arrive I find out why: Angeles and “sex tourism” are synonymous.

I think I have entered Pattaya in Thailand — incredible and sad. Both these towns were more or less established by the US Armed Forces (Pattaya out of Vietnam, Angeles by Clark Air Force Base) and it is quite disturbing to see the “American Culture” so debased.

My reason for spending two nights here is that Angeles is the jumping off point for the famous Mt. Pinatubo volcano, which I visit the next day. Unfortunately I have my trip was made a few hours longer by having to stop for joint Philippino-US military exercises.

However, after having climbed up the last half hour through a creek bed to the top, the views over the magnificent lake are more than worth it. If you recall, this volcano blew its top, literally, in 1991, which accelerated the withdrawal from and the closure of Clark Air Force Base. It’s beautiful and serene and worth spending two nights in Angeles.

Soft-boiled eggs
Back to the mountains, and the town of Baguio at about 4,500 feet. Nice and cool, but unfortunately rainy and not really worth a stop. It is a very young town, lots of students — which is pleasant — but beyond that it doesn’t have much to offer.

An interesting if different experience here —I order soft boiled eggs for breakfast, which they say they make, but when they arrive they are green on the inside. Politely pointing this out to the waitress, she takes them and substitutes them five minutes later with virtually uncooked ones.

I give up and after finishing my tea, ask for the bill and also tell her that these aren’t really soft boiled eggs, but raw. She apologizes again and then the cook (no, definitely not a chef) comes out and asks what’s wrong with his eggs.

When I explain, he shrugs his shoulders, says “too bad” and returns to his domain. Once again, somewhat sad.

The hotel is a stretch, I’m very tired indeed, but for two nights I can handle it, because the location is superb. I strolled around town for a while, but with the almost continuous rain, nowhere is really fun. Tomorrow, I’m in for a seven-hour bus ride to Sagada and hopefully better weather.
Article from http://www.vaildaily.com/article/20090502/AE/905019942/1027/NONE&parentprofile=1066

Coffins hanging in the pouring rain Philippines

2009-09-20T22:17:00.000-07:00

’m leaving for Baguio on my “favorite transport” — the bus, which is the only way and therefore, my only choice.

Surprisingly, of the seven-hour trip, the first four are quite enjoyable. Driving through the mountains of Northern Luzon, the so-called Cordillera, everywhere I see terraced farming and it is a delight to the eye. The mountain scenery itself is breathtaking, so for a while I am quite happy, as even the road is made of concrete.

Then, however, things change. The weather deteriorates drastically. It is now pouring and the cement has given way to pressed dirt which, with the rains, is now a mud path.

There are no more views either because of the low-hanging clouds. When I arrive at my destination Sagada, it is a tropical downpour. For a while I take shelter in the bus stop, waiting for the rain to abate, but I have no reservations (no telephone numbers in “the book"), so now I need to arrange something.

There are no hotels, as such, in this town, but I secure a room with bathroom in one of the guesthouses. You know, I purposely came here in the summer, but you could have fooled me. It has been raining virtually every day since I left Manila. On top of it, the old sweatshirt is working overtime because here, like in Baguio, I am at about 4,500 feet.

For the first time in a very long while, I am subject to a curfew. I make it back just before nine, but I am still subject to a look that says “you’re lucky!” Wow!

Macabre feelings
I wake up early the next morning (what do you expect having gone to bed at 9:30?) to the unwelcome sounds of cocks crowing, dogs yapping, a pig squealing while it is being slaughtered and the pouring rain. There seem to be certain places on this earth I am not supposed to experience, such as the famous rice paddies in Sapa, Vietnam, and now, the well-known hanging coffins of Sagada (even the names are similar).

What to do? Do I exercise patience and wait 24 hours to see whether tomorrow is better or do I just chuck it and move on? There is not a lot — in fact, there’s absolutely nothing — to do here. Either leave or spend the day in my dreary guesthouse room with a book. Were I here with my girlfriend, we’d find definitely something to do to pass the time, but alone? Yeah, quite boring.

However, in between rainstorms I manage to climb down to the coffins. It’s a steep and slippery trail down and then back up again, to where they hang. Unfortunately, the guide doesn’t speak much English, but he manages to tell me that the last coffin was hung here in 2005.

Most people are now buried in the cemetery you have to cross to get to the site. Definitely unique and I’m glad the rain held off for a while for me to go and see it.

It starts raining again, but the afternoon brings periods of dryness but no sun. There are three other sites where coffins have been deposited. It is an almost macabre feeling.

Two sites are just in the rocks, while the third one (with the most coffins) is at the entrance of a cave.

I have a very animated and fun discussion with a couple of the locals in the evening. We talk about everything from local economics to religion to travel and we have a great time. It seems there is a local language, which pre-empts the Philippine one and they are quite proud.

I also learn the reason why the coffins are hung on the walls: it brings the deceased closer to heaven. They believe in the Christian god but also have seemingly stronger pagan beliefs. While the Spaniards introduced and maintained Catholicism under penalty of death, they were never able to eradicate he old pagan beliefs.

By the way, virtually everybody — except for my “guide" — speaks some English in the Philippines. If you ever come here, get your guide from the tourist office, they do speak English.

Not-so-romantic ride
I also have my first ride in a jeepney and it sounds much more romantic than it is. I sit — or should I say I am squeezed — in the back on my way to Bontoc and it is a hard bench.

Upon arrival I learn that my connection to Banaue has already left and I have to wait three hours for the next jeepney. I secure the front seat and the trip is on the worst roads so far: 25 miles take us three hours. Abominable is a compliment.

And, it starts pouring again, so now this pressed dirt road is once again a mud path with puddles the size of swimming pools. However we do pass some incredible rice terraces, especially at Barlig, and I can’t wait for my destination.

I arrive there at the tail-end of the annual festival and am lucky to be present at the women’s tug-of-war and the men’s final in volleyball. Quite exhilarating with half the population present for this fiesta.

My hotel is OK and I’m setting out my plans for the next couple of days, mainly viewing the two millennia-old rice terraces. Link from
http://www.vaildaily.com/article/20090509/AE/905089936/1027/NONE&parentprofile=1066

Ferries, MacArthur and a tiny hotel room

2009-09-20T21:54:00.000-07:00

Even though my ferry is delayed by two hours and therefore doesn’t get me to my fifth island Bohol until one in the morning, it is a surprisingly good ride because I am treated to a magnificent light(ning) show for virtually the whole trip. It lights up the sky left, right and center, and it is spectacular.

Since there were no mishaps with my motorbike rental on Siquijor, I decide to be brave once more and rent one here in Tagbilaran. It turns out to be the worst one I have ever rented and when I point this out upon returning it a day and a half early, it almost turns into a nasty and violent confrontation ... restraint ... his or mine?

Did manage to make it to the Chocolate Hills, so named because the somewhat intriguing collection of over one thousand virtually identical low hills are supposed to be brown. It is reverse repeat, however, from when I visited the Green Canyon on Java, which was brown — these hills have had an injection of green. These mountains are one of the main reasons to visit Bohol, besides diving of course, and at least in my opinion not really worth the effort. What is interesting on the other hand is my subsequent visit to the Tarsier Nature Preserve where I observe these small creatures, the smallest primates in the world, in their natural habitat. Very fascinating. They are not monkeys, but have the ability to jump 15 feet from tree to tree, while at he same time fitting in your hand. This species is native to just a couple of islands around here, and if you ever visit Bohol, put them on your list.

The next day, I spend at Aloona Beach, quite beautiful with reputedly great diving, and I once again observe a phenomenon typical of Asia. When people, men and women go swimming in the ocean or even the pool, they put clothes on, as opposed to what we do in the West. As a matter of fact, it is about as common to see a Philippina in a bikini as it is to see a catholic nun water skiing! Modesty, I guess?
http://www.bohol.ph/article7.html

Spend the afternoon mapping out my remaining time here (I know, a schedule?!?) since the “travel agents” are uniformly unhelpful. Whether by choice or out of ignorance, I can’t really tell, but it is frustrating. More about that in the last article.

Time to move on and I cross the whole of Bohol to catch the two-hour ferry ride to Leyte. This turns out to be quite pleasant on an outrigger boat. Arrive at Hilongos, a horse and a half town, and have to resort to a two and a half hour taxi ride ($30) to Tagloban. There isn’t a lot to see here except maybe for the Santa Nino Shrine, built by Imelda Marcos (she must have sold some shoes for that!) and the main reason I stop here, the General MacArthur Memorial. When he and his troops were kicked out of the Philippines by the Japanese in 1942 at Corregidor, he vowed, “I will return,” and that he did. In 1944, he landed here in Palo, five clicks from Tagloban, and began the liberation. It is a very impressive monument, but like all here not very well maintained, and gives the impression of him walking out of the water, as he did.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tacloban_City

Today over the beautiful 2-kilometer San Juanico Bridge, which links the islands of Leyte and Samar and all the way through the latter and I stop in Sorsogon, Luzon. Interesting fact. At the ferry harbor in Maasin, kids swim in the harbor in between the ferry boats before departure (these are big ferries, each holding 10 to 14 buses!) and try to entice passengers to throw coins in the water for which they then dive. Innovative way to make money. The hotel in Sorsogon,the Fernando’s, presents itself as one of the top 100 resorts in the country, is a sad excuse, except for the coffee shop/garden. My room barely, and I mean barely, lets me open up my suitcase, and the hot water is nonexistent ... and they advertise spacious luxurious rooms!

Since there are no motorbikes to rent here, I opt for the even more dangerous alternative, the Jeepney, to venture to the Bulusan volcano and lake. Better not describe the rides here and the lake is ... well, a lake. Decide to leave a day early for Donsol to try my luck at seeing the famous Butanding, the whale sharks. Stay in a way overpriced “resort,” but I do see some of these magnificent largest sea creatures besides whales in the world. Phenomenal with only one downside. I compete with 80 other snorkelers for a view of these animals. No comparison to when I swam with the enormous sea turtle alone for about five minutes! In any case, I experienced it.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donsol,_Sorsogon

From

http://www.vaildaily.com/article/20090530/AE/905299924/1027/NONE&parentprofile=1066

The best of boracay Philippines

2009-09-20T19:39:00.000-07:00

BEST SUNSET CRUISE

Sail Boracay’s waters on a paraw (outrigger sailboat). Joey Gelito of Red Pirates can take you to see coves, snorkel sites and waterfalls. Tel: +63 (36) 288 5767/+63 (927)..., redpiratesboracay@hotmail.com, www.facebook.com/groups.php (Red Pirates and Red Pirates Pub)

BEST BREAKFAST

Between 7.30am and 7.30pm, head to Real Coffee & Tea Café for Jack’s omelet — a sandwich of three eggs, tuna, cheese, onions and tomatoes, with or without pesto — or the grilled tuna melt.

Also try the homemade yoghurt with oats and fruit, mango French toast, and calamansi muffins with their excellent coffee or tea. White Beach, Boat Station 1, tel: +63 (36) 288 5340, realcoffee@hotmail.com

BEST COCKTAILS

Aside from concocting the poison of your choice, the bartender at Juice Bar specializes in flaming cocktails — an established Boracay tradition and attraction you won’t want to miss. Make sure to try the Waterfall, Tower or Lamp on your next visit. Plazoleta, Station 3, juicebarboracay@gmail.com

BEST 24-HOUR FASTFOOD

Try Jammers’ juicy, 100% Australian beef burgers, the New York spaghetti and meatballs, tacos and hero sandwiches. But if these are too heavy, order the white marlin fish burger and buko milkshake instead. Beachfront, D’Mall, Station 2, tel: +63 (36) 288 5564

BEST BOUTIQUE HOTEL

The Gran Prix Boracay Hideaway’s 11 rooms are so bright and spacious, they make you feel as if you’re staying in your own cozy, well-kept home. The deluxe rooms and suites also come with an added perk: a balcony. Station 1, tel: +63 (36) 288 3548, www.granprixhotels.com

BEST BUDGET MEAL

For PHP60 at Smoke, enjoy a hefty serving of beef bulalo, sizzling bulalo with rice, beef salpicao, spicy tuyo or tapa with red egg. For PHP150, you can order a meal that’s good for two. D’Mall wet market, tel: +63 (36) 288 6014/288 4565 from http://www.cebusmile.com/2009/09/01/the-best-of-boracay/

Farm and away Philippines

2009-09-20T19:11:00.000-07:00

LEAVE THE CITY BEHIND AND DISCOVER THE RUSTIC PLEASURES OF CAUAYAN IN ISABELA.

Even termites can’t tear this house down — they’d go running to the dentist!” Jose Juan Plaza cracks a joke, poking fun at the hardwood posts of his century-old property. Seventeen years ago, the Plaza family acquired the Tabacalera warehouse in Cauayan City, Isabela. A historic remnant of Hacienda de San Luis, it was built in 1902 during the waning years of the tobacco company.

In fact, Jose Juan Plaza’s white beard and commanding presence make it easy for us to picture the Manila-born Spanish entrepreneur back in the 19th century, sporting a coat and top hat.

Tabacalera, the popular name of Compania General de Tabacos de Filipinas, was founded in 1881 as a private enterprise that took on the Tobacco Monopoly of the Spanish government. The tobacco farmlands of Cauayan lured workers from as far as Ilocos and Pangasinan. Although it is still called tabacal, the riverside plantations now grow corn, rice, cassava and vegetables. Today, the only reminders of Cauayan’s lucrative trade are the quaint warehouse — now a furniture workshop — and the cigarette that Plaza smokes as we chat on his porch overlooking the Cagayan River.

Established in 1740 as a town of Cagayan province in northeastern Luzon, Cauayan was named after the kawayan (bamboo) groves that once grew in abundance along the meandering river. Nestled in the heart of Isabela — the second largest province in the Philippines — it became an official city in 2001. Through the centuries, it has reaped success from its vast agricultural lands and the resourcefulness of its multi-ethnic people. What the city lacks in commercial tourism attractions, it makes up for in activities that appeal to the country mouse in all of us.

“Out of our 65 barangays, 59 are agricultural,” says city agriculturist Rufino Arcega as we pass through an ocean of flowering corn in East Tabacal. The green and yellow plains stretch towards the indigo mountains of the Sierra Madre in the horizon. Farmers diligently attend to their fields as cattle-pulled carts used to deliver their produce roll by the roadside.

At West Tabacal, in Barangays Duminit and Gagabutan, residents load tricycles with the morning’s pickings at the Gulayan ng Bayan, a government livelihood project encouraging backyard farming. Here, visitors may join the harvest and get the best deals on a variety of vegetables like bitter melon, eggplant, okra, sponge gourd and white pumpkin. As much as they toil with the soil, Cauayenos relish the hard-earned fruits of their labor, which they graciously share with travelers.

Amid southern rice fields, Isabela Green Valley Farm in Barangay Sillawit is an oasis of rural leisure with a kaleidoscope of ornamental plants — orchids, bromeliads and tillandsias — that transition into the lush foliage of exotic fruit trees like longan and breadfruit. “This is our life here, so simple, so peaceful…” says award-winning farm owner Floresma Dacuycuy, whose dedication to craft provides employment to her neighbors. “Oh, those are my dwarf coconuts!” she exclaims, breaking her reverie with enthusiasm as she leads me beyond the butterfly farm to bamboo huts for a health buff’s cornucopia of fish, vegetables and fruits, all fresh from her farm. We had sinigang na pangasius — a tamarind soup with locally raised imported riverine fish, eggplant and string beans stew, fried tilapia and bitter melon salad on the side, and then fresh coconut juice to wash down the meal.

Jackfruit-stuffed sweet buchi (sesame seed balls) made with squash and horseradish tree leaves served as dessert. “That’s really good for kids. You can fool them into eating vegetables,” she says as her grandchildren rush to our table.

Along the National Highway, stands the Mushroom Center, began just two years ago for One Town, One Product (OTOP). “Cauayan didn’t have an identity, so we ventured into something new and different,” says chairwoman Yolanda Alvendia. Today, the center grows a variety of fresh oyster, straw and ganoderma mushrooms for city residents to harvest.

In the kitchen, Von Lyndell Rivera, the center’s acting manager is cooking mushroom tempura. The center creates interesting mushroom versions of favorite meat dishes like sisig (a sizzling dish made with pork jowl), lumpia (spring rolls) and empanada (stuffed pastry). Branded Green Ladies’ Harvest, their products are bestsellers. “Even the President loved our mushroom salad,” Alvendia says with pride. Adds Rivera, “We even have mushroom ice cream.”

It seems Cauayan is taking its new epithet of “Mushroom City of the North” rather seriously. From its old-world tabacales to its farms and its mushrooming economy, the city is a blossoming work in progress where simple labor indeed yields a rich harvest.

ESSENTIAL INFO

EAT Mushrooms cooked ala sisig, lumpia and tempura at the Mushroom Center. National Highway, Brgy Tagaran, tel: +63 (908) 408 6998

STAY Amity Hotel’s cottages are built over a pond. National Highway, Brgy San Fermin, tel: +63 (78) 652 2010

FARM For info on Gulayan ng Bayan and other local plantations, contact Rufino Arcega, tel: +63 (921) 384 3492.

VISIT Tabacalera warehouse in Brgy Turayong. Contact Jose Juan Plaza, tel: +63 (78) 303 8142

from

http://www.cebusmile.com/2009/09/01/farm-and-away/

Unique Philippine Travel

Philippine Adventure Destination 2010

Escapin' to the Philippines Travel in Photos

Escapin' to Anawangin

Breathless in Batanes

Biliran the Beautiful

Bohol! Bohol!

Borongan the Beautiful

Captivating Catanduanes

Come Again to Camiguin

Celebrating in Coron

Lake Sebu Serenity

Rhapsody in Roxas

Bewitching Siquijor

Tranquil Tawi Tawi

Breath-taking places in the Philippines video

Best of Philippines

Airports in the Philippines, Manila, Cebu, Iloilo, Bacolod, Davao,

How Many Terminals Are there in Manila airport?

Philippine Festival Websites

Philippines Adventure Travel offering

Living on a Sailboat or houseboat in the Philippines

Surfing in the Philippines

GREAT HIDEAWAY BEACHES PHILIPPINES

Google searches reveal top tourist spots in the Philippines

Kayak 'n' roll Tourism

CHEAP BOHOL TOUR PACKAGE 3 DAYS & 2 NIGHTS

Islands Banca Cruises and Cebu Pacific Airlines Cebu Unusual adventure

A piece of Philippine paradise

Philippine Metro Manila’s best hotel buffets

Top 10 Best Day Trip Out-of-Town Experience in Manila

Philippines - RP in National Geographic's 25 Best New Travel Destinations in the World for 2010; Ancient Cultures, Structures and Biodiversity Cited

Boracay Philippines Travel Tips

About Boracay

Bike tours - Outdoor tours - Team Events PHILIPPINES

Zip-lining: New craze for adrenaline junkies

BAGUIO on P500 a day? Summer Capital Cheap deals

Top 10 Reasons to Go to Manila Ocean Park

Enchanting Camiguin, Philippines

MassKara: Philippines

Organizers stage event to promote kayaking Cebu Bohol

Adventure tourism Philippines

gets top billing in Lonely Planet Philippines

Philippine Calicoan Island, Smar Hidden Paradise Revealed

A Long Week’s Journey Into Paradise In The Philippines

Natural disaster preparedness for the overseas adventure traveler

The Top Five Island Tourist Destinations in the Philippines

Boracay

Palawan

Dakak

Siargao

Batanes

Philippine Wonders of Nature

Banaue Rice Terraces

Tubbataha Reef Marine Park

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park

Chocolate Hills

Mayon Volcano

Boracay Beach

Siargao Island

Hundred Islands of Pangasinan

Pagsanjan Falls

Taal Volcano

The Best Beach In The Philippines

Why Travel To The Philippines

Motorcycle Adventure Tours

Volunteer Vacation in the Philippines.

3 Week Volunteer and Escape Adventure Philippines

Info

Philippine Adventure Sites

The Exotic Adventure of Philippine Travel

Pinoy Christmas Treats

Pinoy Christmas Treats

Cemetery Tours of Metro Manila

Cebu Tips and Tricks

Paco Park

Paco Park

Paco Park and Cemetery

Giant Lantern Festival 2007

Giant Lantern Festival 2007