Philippines Guide
For Travelers, Expats and Pinoys
Samar Transportation
Planning to visit Samar? A trip to this province can always be worthwhile because of the various Samar transportation options available to you. It is best for travelers to consider a more convenient and most appropriate means of transportation for them. Bear in mind that when traveling, you need to consider the time of travel as well as the cost of each mode of transportation.
From Manila, there are a wide range of travel options at your disposal. There are no direct flights to Samar so the best alternative to book a flight to either Tacloban or Cebu. Although Masbate is nearer to Samar, the province has no airports.
By air, there are daily scheduled flights from Manila to Tacloban City. Travel time is an hour and thirty minutes. The cost for a one way trip is between PHP2,000 to PHP3,500. Try to find some promotional offers from various carriers to get some discounts. There are carriers that reduce costs below PHP2,000 during promotional offers. Once you reach Tacloban City, there are various land transportation options going to Samar. Buses, jeeps, or airconditioned vans will take you to the picturesque San Juanico Bridge going to Samar.
An alternative Samar transportation option is by taking a bus from Manila. There are bus terminals in Pasay City and Cubao that leave daily night and day. The travel time is a gruelling twelve hours to the island of Matnog in Sorsogon. From there, you will ride a ferry. As soon as the bus disembarks the ferry, it will take you to the terminal in Samar.
The bus trip will have a stop over every 3 to 4 hours at a restaurant or terminal along the route. This gives you a chance to do some stretching and feed your hungry stomach. Some of the bus lines that traverse this route include Victory Liner, CUL Transport, Philtranco, Silverstar, and Eaglestar.
When you arrive in Samar, you will find the usual modes of transportation such as buses, jeepneys, or airconditioned vans. Occasionally, there are motorbikes custom fitted with roofs traveling around the province and even crossing San Juanico Bridge.
If all flights going to Tacloban City are fully booked, your best option is to travel to Cebu and make your way from there. From Manila to Cebu, a one way ticket costs PHP2,500. Of course, this is the best route if you are coming from Cebu. The cost of flights going to Tacloban is around PHP2,000 with daily flights leaving the airport. Another transportation option from Cebu is to ride a passenger ship going to Leyte. From there, you can travel by land.
These are the different Samar transportation options that you can consider when planning a trip to this province. Always go for the option that gives you the best value for your money.
Film History Comes to Life at LVN Museum, part 2
Permanent display
It was during museum curator Bernard Fernandez’ birthday celebration that the idea of a permanent display was conceived. He was talking to the De Leons, and they recognized his effort and ordered the release of some money to begin the construction of a building to house the old costumes and props.
Having worked in the wardrobe department of LVN Studios since 1950, Fernandez has preserved the costumes quite remarkably. The colors are still bright, the lines distinct and the designs accurate. It’s a shame though that only a few are modeled by mannequins, such as costumes worn by Nida, Delia, Charito Solis and Manuel Conde.
Not equipped with modern means of preserving fabrics, Fernandez opts for naphthalene or mothballs, with an occasional sunning to dry out residual moisture and the fungi growth that accumulates. The air-conditioning helps to stabilize the temperature, the fluctuation of which can easily ruin delicate fabrics.
Photographs
Aside from the costumes ranging from flamboyant evening gowns and ornate armored suits, the museum also boasts of photographs of the studio’s stars, like Mila del Sol and Lou Salvador Jr., which line the walls. More photographs of directors and those showcasing scenes from movies fill up the nooks and crannies of the place, along with a few old movie posters and props like cameras.
Fernandez also showed me the old Max Factor makeup kits which include a formula they used for fake blood which was more realistic than what makeup artists use today. There are also worn-out shoes and boots and rusty military insignias. Encased in a glass cabinet is Charito Solis’ elaborate jewelry which she used in her movies. They were personally delivered by Charito’s sister after the actress’ death.
But it’s not only Charito Solis who gave pieces for display at the museum. Nida Blanca and Delia Razon also donated some of their dresses and photographs, though both women prefer to keep their own collections, perhaps for sentimental reasons. In fact, Nida has boxes of costumes and albums of photographs in her library.
Portrait
Museum curator Bernard Fernandez said that there are other potential acquisitions, but so far none has materialized yet. One is the life-size portrait of Leopoldo Salcedo done by an American painter. The painter was looking for an individual or an institution as the recipient, and the LVN Museum was one of those considered. But the plan was foiled by Salcedo’s death. Fernandez last saw the portrait at the star’s wake and didn’t dare ask for it, out of respect for the grieving family.
Another batch was made up of trunks of old stuff belonging to Rogelio de la Rosa, as promised by his wife. Unfortunately, Fernandez lost contact with her. Still another possible acquisition is the suitcase full of scripts currently in the possession of someone who worked as assistant director for actor-turned-director Gregorio Fernandez.
Iloilo Government Sites
Iloilo City and its Culture
The pages of history could attest how colorful the events that trussed the heritage and culture of the city of Iloilo. Long before foreign fleets discovered the land, there were already local settlers living or staying in Iloilo curving their own version of civilization.
The Dinagyang Festival and Iloilo City
To know what the city of Iloilo is all about, tourists and visitors should witness the feast called Dinagyang. The festivity of Dinagyang is a cultural and religious feast in Iloilo City. It is being held annually after the Sinulog Festival in Cebu and Ati-Atihan Festival in Aklan (this is celebrated every fourth (4th) Sunday of the month of January. Dinagyang Festival is celebrated and commemorated in honor of the Santo Niño (Holy Child Jesus) and the arrival of Malay settlers on Panay.
The said feast was just introduced in the late 1960′s by a local Catholic Priest Reverend Father Ambrosio Galindez. It started as a simple parish devotion until the Condradia tried to outline the devotion to the Aklan’s Ati-Atihan Festival. This local annual celebration became famous for the neighboring locals and with some international tourists. For that reason, in the late 1970′s President Marcos initiated several regions to come up with festivities or merriments to bolster development and tourism. Since then Dinagyang Festival had been the trademark of the city of Iloilo. This festival is parted into three (3) main events, the Miss Dinagyang, Kasadyahan Street Dancing and Ati-Atihan Street Dancing.
The richness of its cultural and historical heritage in the Dinagyang Festival’s theme, the said event was chosen and voted several times as the best tourism event by the Association of Tourism Officers in the Philippines. This annual occasion is also recognized by international organization such as the United Nations.
The City of Iloilo in Just a few clicks Away
Tourism, particularly of the Dinagyang Festival, had been the main reason why the influx of tourists, visitors and possible business entrepreneur or investors are steadily growing. The next big task of the local government has something to do with using the power a worldwide network which is the internet or the World Wide Web. The local administration of Iloilo City official website (http://iloilocity.gov.ph/) contains a lot of information about history, culture, tourism and even business related details of the place. As potential visitor or financier, it is definitely a must to check and visit Iloilo City’s website for real-time updates.
Legazpi Travel Guide
The city of Legazpi in the province of Albay is well-known as the site where Mayon Volcano, the most perfect cone in the world, is located. Rizal Street, its lone thoroughfare, connects it to the Albay district which is the commercial center. This Legazpi Travel Guide provides a glimpse of tourism in this part of the Philippines.
There are few tourist attractions in Legazpi but one place that demands a visit is the Cagsawa Ruins, the remains of a church that was buried during Mayon Volcano’s eruption in 1814. It is recommended that tourists visit the place at dawn before vendors and hawkers arrive and clouds block the view of the volcano. To reach the site, one would have to take a jeepney going to Guinobatan.
The Cagsawa National Museum provides exhibits about Mayon Volcano as well as other Philippine volcanoes. The museum operates from 8:00 – 11:30 am & 1:00 – 4:30 pm from Mondays to Saturdays. Kapuntukan Hill likewise provides a god view of Mayon Volcano. Victory Village, located behind the fish market, is an old bamboo village built on stilts.
Legazpi Travel Guide likewise provides an overview of the various modes of transportation available in the city. Legazpi Airport is located Washington Drive, 3 kilometers northwest from the heart of the city. There are various bus terminals found in the city as well. The BLTB bus company has a terminal on Penaranda Street. The station of JB Bicol Express is found in Mabini Street while Philtranco has its station in Imperial Street.
The Tourist Information Office, located at the Third Floor of RCBC Building in Rizal Street, arranges Mayon climbs. They arrange transportation, guides, and equipments for interested individuals. There are several banks on Quezon Avenue where tourists can change their cash.
According to Legazpi Travel Guide, there are affordable accommodations in the city as well. The Legazpi Tourist Inn is the most popular accommodation venue. It is found on Lapu Lapu Street across the post office. The room rates at Legazpi Tourist Inn ranges from $10 – $15.
Another venue where tourists can stay is the Casablanca Hotel in Penaranda Street. At $15 – $20, all rooms in the hotel have double air-conditioning. There are some rooms that has a balcony. The coffee shop is open twenty four hours.
For those who are looking for a good dining venue, this Legazpi Travel Guide recommends the Old Albay Café of Hotel Victoria. It is a popular venue for conducting meetings. The place serves standard breakfast, Filipino dishes, sandwiches and snacks.
Paayahayan Beer Garden serves fresh seafood and a bottle of San Miguel Beer for PHP 15 per bottle. For vegetarians, the Waway Restaurant is the best place to go. It likewise serves local delicacies like Bicol Express.
This Legazpi Travel Guide provides travelers with helpful information in order to have a worthwhile vacation in Legazpi.
The World in a Single Tour
The history of the Philippine Islands has been shaped by many factors since its existence for more or less thousands of years ago. The diverse culture of the native Filipinos, which has lineages from different neighboring countries, has helped pave the way for more rich and vast culture compared to some other countries. Not to mention the colonization of Spain for a span of three centuries, the Philippines already had a vibrant culture which attracted seafarers and voyagers long before.
The archipelago which consists of 7, 100 plus islands is indeed a sanctuary of a variety of scenic spots and pristine panoramas. From the northernmost tip of the country to the southernmost spot, no one should miss a single creation of nature full of splendor and majesty.
The Mountain Province is one of the most famous spots in the country because of its “Rice Terraces” which was claimed as one of the wonders of the modern world. Located several miles from this point is the famous Summer Capital of the Philippines and even out of it, is Baguio City. The “City of Pines” as most people call it, is visited by thousands of tourists every summer to enjoy the cool and relaxing temperature which reaches even negative degrees at some point.
From the rocky mountains of the Mountain Province, let us slide to the world-renowned Subic Bay which is famous for safari adventures and also for the dolphins and other oceanic spots. Located miles from Subic is the Hundred Islands of Pampanga where one can tour the sea scattered with hundreds of small islands.
Another very popular scenic spot in the Philippines is Mayon Volcano in Bicol- which also belongs to the wonders of the world along with the Rice Terraces. What makes this volcano very different from others is that it is shaped in a perfect cone displaying an ethereal beauty especially during a clear day. And just recently, Bicol has launched another tourist destination in Camarines Sur- the Water Sports Complex. This is a three hectare complex where water sports enthusiasts can do all their tricks. This destination has been a very hot spot netting up to three million in a single month.
In the Visayas group of islands, the famous Chocolate Hills are also a must-see. It is a place where hundreds of hills are located like drops of chocolate. In this place, the world’s smallest primate “tarsier” also lives close to extinction.
And who could ever forget the world famous Boracay Islands which is visited by thousands of tourists every summer because of its fine white sand beaches and cool surf.
Or try the Maria Cristina Falls- which is claimed as one of the most beautiful waterfalls. Or how about the famous colorful vintas in Mindanao.
Lots of choices. Hundreds of chances. No other place can give you such a grand and diverse experience. Traveling in the Philippines is indeed an experience comparable to traveling the whole world.
Butuan Education
Butuan City is one of the places in Agusan del Norte that takes pride on its highly efficient and well-organized education sector. To promote the standards and quality of Butuan education, universities and colleges located in the city features impressive academic programs and extensive curriculums. Aside from promoting informative courses and degrees, these institutions also help students in the area by offering financial aids to those who will qualify in the scholarship programs that the schools implement. For the convenience and comfort of students, these institutes feature modern teaching and learning facilities.
Butuan City Colleges
Situated at Montilla Boulevard in the City of Butuan, this private school aims to teach and help students who want to become successful in various fields, which include business administration and health sciences. Aside from four-year academic programs, this educational institution also features two-year courses such as an associate degree in mechanical technology. When it comes to technical courses, this establishment is popular for offering extensive programs in junior secretarial, security office training as well as television technology. To get discounts in tuition and miscellaneous fees, top performing students who like to enroll at this school are encouraged to take up the scholarship examination that the administration of the establishment offers.
Corjesu Computer College
One of the popular Butuan educational institutions that offer excellent courses on information technology, Corjesu Computer College features competitive associate and diploma degree programs. Some of the courses that students can take up if they enroll at this private college are tourism management, applied computer science, accounting technology and practical nursing. Located in one of the busy areas of the city, Pili Drive Extension, this tertiary school is easy to access and it is not hard to situate.
Father Saturnino Urios University
Located along San Francisco Street at J. C. Aquino Avenue in the City of Butuan, Father Saturnino Urios University aims to produce competitive, diligent and responsible graduates. To attain this mission, the school features high standards baccalaureate degrees including Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering, Bachelor of Science in Nursing as well as Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. Aside from these, the university also offers extensive academic programs for graduate students. Some of the degrees offered by the graduate division are Master of Arts in Guidance and Counseling, Doctor of Management in Organizational Development as well as Master of Arts in Educational Management. The tuition fees at this university range from 7,000 pesos to 20,000 pesos per semester.
A glimpse of paradise – Boracay Island
Looking for a perfect destination to ease your hunger for pristine beaches, nature panorama matched with azure blue waters, picture perfect sunsets and a whole lot more? Well you’ve come to the right place where Philippines’ pride is flagged on- Boracay Islands Philippines’ finest beach.
In this age of beach craze, the Philippines have a list of beaches meant to lure tourists all around the world, but Boracay tops the list. Now tagged as an international tourist spot and probably one of the best beaches in the whole wide world, Boracay is surely a great vacation spot.
The illustrious image of Boracay had served as the grounds for a number of establishments and resorts which heighten its luxury. Boracay offers an array of establishments suit to fit your taste. These establishments won’t let you idle around just for a minute or so. The number of night bars doubles as each year passes. Since partying had always been on the to-do-list of the tourists, well Boracay won’t disappoint you in any way.
All in all these is what in store for you, a certified package deal of unforgettable beach getaway. For those in tight budgets if you don’t want to drop a single penny, this is what Boracay’s natural beauty can give you. By day, you can worship the sun, even its hurtful glares that paint a perfect tan on your skin plus the scenery perfect for nature lovers, and sunset you could die for. By night, the fun continues as different bars showcases bands and artists. As a vacation spot, they are readily aware of putting the entertainment a priority in promoting its market.
If you think that’s all, think again, in a modern lifestyle which you might be engaged to physical sports, bringing it with you on your vacation can be possible. Aside from swimming the azure blue waters, other activities you can engage to for a physical stretch, is a diverse choice of water sports, starting of with its new venture are a number of diving schools. These schools will help you enjoy your vacation more by trying a new sport at an easier pace.
Being a first-class tourist destination, it entails an image of being overly commercialized, but as anyone would say, it can still be a place for those who had tight budgets. Choosing between Station 1 and Station 2 & 3 really makes a difference. Station 1 houses most of the luxurious establishments and accommodation costs here are of course double in price compared to that of the other stations. Options are now up to you, but to enjoy the Islands itself is more than what you could actually spend.
Life is a beach here in Boracay, so don’t miss it out. Relax and escape from the city lights from the urban to a refreshing scene in the pride of the Philippines, Boracay Islands. With the hospitality you’ll ever need accommodation as grand as ever and fun that never stops within your reach.
Davao Sightseeing Guide
With it’s rich and natural beauty, Davao City is never less than an interesting place for sightseeing. Found in Region XI, the coastline of the city is definitely spectacular and offers a picturesque of paradise resembling those that you see in postcards. If you are planning to visit Davao anytime soon, here’s a Davao Sightseeing guide to help in your trip.
Among the most scenic sights that the region offers is the Samal Island. A coastal destination that is mostly enjoyed by beach lovers. The white sand of the island adds up to the beauty of the scenery as it is known to be a paradise. Samal Island features a variety of beach resorts including the world renowned Pearl Farm Beach Resort. Going to the island from the city and touring the island will require the use of a boat.
Another beautiful destination is the Eden Nature Park. As the name implies, it’s like new world Garden of Eden. It’s roughly forty minutes away from the heart of the city. Eden Nature Park is a popular nature scenery in Davao. It’s sits about 3’000 ft. above the sea level thus giving that very cool and pleasant climate, not too hot and not too cold. The park has been landscaped perfectly to achieve that very nature scenery perfect for sightseeing. You can ride a public utility jeepney, a bus or a car to reach the park.
Davao City also showcases a rich culture through the Ethnic Villages within the city’s parameter. These villages offers a unique insight about the daily life of the indigens and the culture that brought them to the world. Among these Ethnic Villages are the Samal Villages in Rio Hondo, Bagobo Village of Binaton, and B’laan Village of Matanao.
Davao Sightseeing will never be complete without taking a peek on two of the most popular tourist destinations of the city, the Mount Apo and the Philippine Eagle Center. Mount Apo, or known as the “grandfather of all mountains”, peaks about 3,144 about the sea level. It is known to be the tallest mountain in the Philippines. By means of area covering, the base of the mountain is about 72,796 hectares. Mount Apo is a dormant volcano and history has never recorded an eruption in this volcano. The jungle and forest areas of the mountain includes natural scenery of epic waterfalls, lakes, geysers and flora and fauna, mostly endangered species. An organized trek to the mountain can be inquired at the local tour operators.
The Philippine Eagle Center (PEC), the home of the eagle Pag-asa which was hatched and bred in captivity in the PEC. The center is a facility that houses monkey-eating eagles and other variety of eagles. It is a fifty minute right from the heart of the city. The Philippine eagle center is among the most famous nature based attractions of the city.
Puerto Princesa Hospitals and Health Care
Puerto Princesa is composed of one main health center, 18 barangay health stations, three hospitals, and five satellite clinics. The hospitals in the city are 175-bed capacity: 75 for the government-owned Puerto Princesa Provincial Hospital, and 50 beds for the two privately-owned facilities. The five satellite clinics has a 4 to 5-bed capacity. It serves not only the residents of the city but also patients coming from the nearby municipalities of Palawan.
Before 1991, Puerto Princesa is spending around P6.5 million for health services, representing 7.5% of total expenditures. In 1994, city spending went up to P20.1 million but it only represented 5 percent. Basic spending for health services dropped to 74 percent of overall health expenditures with the development of satellite clinics offering medical services. From 1995 – 1997, the City Health Office and satellite clinics comprised 4.4 percent of the entire city budget.
As part of Puerto Princesa hospitals and health care, the satellite clinic project has the following objectives:
1.Make medicines and medical care accessible to rural residents
2.Reduce the rate of mortality in the rural areas
3.Decrease the rate of unnecessary suffering due to illness
The first satellite clinic was established on January 12, 1993. Currently, there are five situated at strategic areas in the far-flung rural areas with no means of getting health services. They provide medical and dental consultation, health education, and emergency response and rescue. For weak patients or those who require more observation or waiting for transport will be confined in the satellite clinics for a few days.
The satellite clinics are manned by a doctor who stays for a couple of days weekly. There is a dentist that drops by every couple of weeks. Likewise, standing by are two midwives, a radio operator, driver, and utility man.
It used to be that the people in the barangays did not have access to medical services. The minimum time of travel from the nearest barangay to Puerto Princesa, where most health services are accessible, is an hour. Aside from that, there are rough roads and the frequency of transportation is two times daily. As a result, many people do not seek medical care, resort to quack medicine, or visit doctors only when their sickness has already become worse. Sadly, others die without getting treated or while waiting for transport to take them to the hospital.
Thanks to the satellite clinics, the people of the barangays were able to have access to medical treatment. They were able to get emergency care and cure for simple illness. There are ambulances ready to transfer the patients to hospitals in case of serious and complicated sickness. They provided a crucial link to the referral system of Puerto Princesa.
In conclusion, the satellite clinics were able to address the failure of Puerto Princesa hospitals and health care to provide medical attention to its residents.
Palawan Shopping
Perhaps you’ve known Palawan for its pristine, white beaches, untouched forests, marine biodiversity , archeological sites as well as its breathtaking rock formations. But after you’ve got your tan, enjoyed your sumptuous seafood dishes, finished your dive explorations and ended your island hopping adventures, what’s next for your remaining Palawan vacation?
Finishing all these activities does not mean Palawan has nothing else to offer and you have no choice but stay in your hotel room, catch up on what’s happening with the rest of the world and take a rest. No, it’s not yet time for that as shopping in Palawan is another kind of adventure which may prove to be one of a kind depending on which city or town in Palawan you are.
The items that you may you want to buy in Palawan would serve as your souvenir gifts for your yourself or to friends and relatives when you go home. Since Palawan’s natural resources, sceneries, cultures, arts and beliefs are diverse, you may find yourself with tons of souvenir items worth shopping for.
Apparels – Shirts, with or without sleeves, for kids or adults are a dime a dozen. From simple logos and images of beaches in El Nido, the Palawan subterranean river, Coron’s diving spots to Palawan artworks, you can choose which one to best describe your vacation in Palawan.
Pearls – Palawan is a shopping mecca for south sea pearls. From big pearl earrings to complete set of pearl necklace, bracelet and earrings, pearls stores in Palawan sell budget-friendly pearl jewelries. You can also opt for ingeniously crafted jewelries made from seashells that would definitely add a touch of class to your wardrobe.
Rain maker – This bamboo instrument used by natives in Palawan to summon rain clouds have been in the shopping bags of local and foreign tourists. You will never have a hard time looking for this souvenir item especially when you are in Puerto Princesa.
Tourist spots memorabilia – Choose from a wide variety of memorabilis such as native baskets, pens, bags, slippers and display items.
You need not worry if these souvenir items are only available at limited or certain locations in Palawan. Whether you’re staying at one town, just head to these spots and you would definitely find souvenir stalls.
El Nido – At the town proper, small establishments have been set up to cater to multitudes of tourist in El Nido. You can also head to your respective resorts and check out their souvenir shops.
Puerto Princesa – Shopping in Puerto Princesa is as easy as taking a tricycle and asking the driver to bring you these souvenir stores either you can head to the plaza just right across Puerto Princasa’s municipal hall or look for items at your hotel or even at the airport.
Coron – Though Coron may seem to be the less commercialized among the three tourist destinations in Palawan, the town has its share of souvenir stalls worth checking out. You can head to the dry market section at the town proper or walk around the town proper vicinity and you will easily find shops offering Coron memorabilia.
A good vacation or maybe the best vacation is a combination of relaxation, discovery, sharing and shopping. Palawan offers not just a respite from crowded cities and busy schedules, the island also lets you benefit from the therapeutic aspect of shopping.
