Philippines Guide
For Travelers, Expats and Pinoys
Bacolod Education
Just like all the highly progressive cities and municipalities in the Philippines, Bacolod City offers students good quality education and unforgettable learning experiences. As part of the extensive Bacolod education system, these universities and colleges offer young individuals wonderful opportunities to grow, learn and develop into mature, morally responsible and competitive professionals in the future.
University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos
People can find University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos along Lizarez Avenue, which was established in 1941. This school offers interesting scholarship programs for financially challenged individuals with very good grades. Its academic programs are very good including that of its College of Arts and Sciences. Under this, students can enroll in various courses like Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science, Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication. It also has the College of Engineering, the College of Business and Accountancy and the College of Information Technology. Additionally, it also features the College of Nursing, which is definitely one of the most popular these days.
University of Saint La Salle
Founded in 1952, the University of Saint La Salle is a private educational institution situated along La Salle Avenue. It promises academic excellence through its various programs including the Graduate School of Management, College of Nursing and College of Medicine. Under the College of Engineering and Technology, the university offers Electronics and Communications Engineering, Computer Engineering and Chemical Engineering. Meanwhile, the College of Business and Accountancy offers courses like Bachelor of Science in Marketing, Information Management and Business Economics. For those who want to enter the College of Arts and Sciences, they can enroll in courses such as Mass Communications, Inter-Disciplinary Studies and Computer Science.
Riverside College Inc.
Established in 1961, Riverside College Inc. is a highly regarded medical school for training and educating students in preparation for careers in the field of medicine. It offers non-degree courses like Certificate in Special Education, Certificate in Practical Nursing and Certificate in Live-In Caregiver Program. It also provides baccalaureate degrees such as Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Technology, Bachelor of Science in Psychology Major in Special Education and Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology. It also runs a Graduate School for nursing students.
La Consolacion College-Bacolod
Established by Augustinian sisters in 1919, La Consolacion College-Bacolod is definitely one of the oldest colleges in Negros Occidental. People can find this prestigious private college at the corner of Gatuslao and Galo Streets, which offers new academic programs, all with outstanding quality. These include the English Functional Course, the Call Center Pre-Employment Training Course and the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program. More importantly, it provides students with highly convenient services that are highly beneficial in their learning such as the Speech and Science Laboratory, the Learning and Resource Center as well as the Guidance Service Center.
Whale Shark Watching in Sorsogon
Figuring out what other leisure things to do at sea besides the usual swimming, diving, water skiing, or surfing? Fishing is fun but there’s no fun like catching the world’s biggest fish—catching it on video face to face. And they’re all waiting to be caught on candid camera out there in Donsol.
Donsol, Sorsogon, in the southern most tip of Luzon, is where the world famous whale sharks loiter. And there they loiter the whole year round—although their peak seasons have been reported from February to May, when the Donsol Sea is at its clearest and calmest.
This fishing and diving village has clusters of beautiful mountains greeting incoming visitors. Also the wide azure sea, humble, smiling people, and recently, a world popular marine phenomenon that brings the fisher folks with higher economic revenue yearly.
Sorsogon can be reached through a land trip, public bus or private car, via the Philippine Tourism Highway. This is about a 15-hour drive of refreshing rustic sceneries from Manila taking the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX).
Donsol used to be a quiet fishing and cottage industry town, frequented by storms and annual rains. Then God sent forth hundreds of whale sharks. The sightings first became a household byword in diving circles in the community. Then the news was passed on to some visiting tourists. Soon it overflowed to the tourism world. Now thousands flock to Donsol.
Locally the whale sharks are called “Butanding.” These gentle giants loiter in Donsol waters all year round, as observed by guys from the World Wildlife Fund. No other place in the country—or in the world—can one spot whale sharks hanging around that long.
The thought of swimming and diving with the world’s largest fish out there in deep sea is scary, to say the least. Yet these mammoth creatures are harmless and often let humans swim and dive with them side by side. It was both fascinating and magical, said one who had glided with them underwater. It was like the world stopped, he added.
At Donsol, these whale sharks may appear in a group of 10 to 15 at one time. The Donsol harbor has one of the highest densities of whale sharks in the world. Whale sharks can measure from 15 to 40 feet long. They have silvery polka dots all over them and feed only on plankton and krill. Donsol has tons of Plankton in its waters. So that’s why they’re here year round.
Whale shark watching, like diving, is a growing sea hobby worldwide and is available and affordable in Donsol, Sorsogon. It is Donsol’s main attraction today besides its other natural features that also draw the curiosity of visitors.
[Tags]Whale Sharks, Sorsogon, Donsol, Whale Shark Watching[/Tags]
Bacolod Transportation
Overview
The boom of tourism in Bacolod has led to the addition of hotels and restaurants to better cater to a wider market. What makes Bacolod a favorite tourist destination is not just the fine establishments that have been built, but the ease that Bacolod transportation provides.
Bacolod Transportation from Manila and Angeles City
The quickest and most convenient Bacolod transportation from Manila and Angeles City is via plane. The Luzon region has 2 airports, one in Manila and the other in Angeles City. Getting to Bacolod via plane is as easy as booking online, going to a ticketing office or a quick phone call with one of the major airlines that fly there daily. Bookings can be made through Philippine Airlines or Cebu Pacific to get to Bacolod from Manila and Angeles City and these airlines have at least one flight a day to that destination. The ride is less than an hour, in fact it only takes forty five minutes from Manila and Angeles City. The plane lands at the Bacolod-Silay International Airport and one will be surprised that although this facility is in the province, it can compete with the airport in Manila in terms of world class service. From the airport, Bacolod transportation that will get one around the city is just outside and one can choose to ride either a bus or a taxi. Of course, one also has the option of arranging airport transfer with one’s hotel so that upon arrival from Manila and Angeles City, a car or a van is ready and waiting.
Another Bacolod transportation from Manila and Angeles City is by sea and there are many ferries that travel to this destination daily. WG&A and Negros Navigation are among the biggest shipping lines in the country but of course as compared to a plane ride, the travel time is longer which lasts a day.
Bacolod Transportation within the City
Similar to any highly urbanized city, there are several ways to get around Bacolod and it doesn’t matter whether one arrived via plane or docked at the seaport. Near the Bacolod-Silay International Airport, a bus terminal is within walking distance and this will get one around the capital. If one is headed somewhere nearer, there are also jeepneys there but for those who are not too familiar with the place or have never been there before, there are also taxis in the area.
The Las Palmas Hotel, Manila, Philippines
Are you a tourist looking for a place to stay in Manila, Philippines? Why not you try the Las Palmas Hotel? Las Palmas Hotel is a three-star hotel where you can stay and relax with quality and style.
The Las Palmas Hotel is easy to find in Malate. It’s about 18 Kilometer from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Las Palmas Hotel is in the heart of Malate, Manila. The address is 1616 A. Mabini St., Malate Manila.
Las Palmas Hotel was formally opened on July 22, 1975. Since then the Las Palmas Hotel has been committed to give their guests professional high quality service.
The Las Palmas Hotel is a part of Palm Hotels? This ensures that the Las Palmas Hotel is not just out to give high quality service. It has passed the international standard of the hotel business industry.
The Las Palmas Hotel is the most preferred hotel by business travelers and other countless guests and visitors of Manila. This is due to the dedicated service-oriented team members that make up the Las Palmas Hotel staff.
The dedicated staff of the Las Palmas Hotel would always assure that guests receive international-standard quality service. The Las Palmas Hotel will always create a bond of friendship with their guests through their service-oriented team.
The hotel is strategically located in Malate. A lot of convention centers, shopping malls, bars, restaurants, historic landmarks, and other places of interest are really easy to get to from here. Transportation to these locations and back are readily accessible.
The Las Palmas Hotel in Malate is also near the Domestic and International airports. If you’ve just arrived from the airport and need a quick place to stay, then the Las Palmas Hotel is just within easy reach. The proximity of the hotel to the airports will have you relaxing in no time.
89 rooms and suites equipped with state of the art amenities are offered at the Las Palmas Hotel. Each room in the Las Palmas Hotel is well furnished. There would be a bed, an IDD/NDD phone, WiFi Internet Access, cable television, mini-bar, and shower with a bathtub.
If you decided to stay for just a day, you can choose from the Standard Rooms, Superior, Deluxe, Superior Deluxe, and Junior Suite. Room rates would range from $55.00 to $150.00 dollars.
Other facilities at the Las Palmas Hotel include a Colonial Ballroom suitable for seminars and conventions that can accommodate up to 200 guests.
Whether you are in Manila for business or leisure the Las Palmas Hotel is a great place to stay. The service, location, and amenities are really world class.
Starting Small for the Big-Time
Entrepreneurial seafarers can take their first shot at business and all they need to get going is of course the capital. They can start with a capital of as little as P2,000.
Easily, the hottest and trendiest option for many entrepreneurs is franchising. It is one venture that offers you some small success even before you start. What’s good with franchising is that you’re linking up with established names such as Jollibee, Goto King, Foto Me, 3M Pizza, Shell, Caltex, and many others. Other than the financial resources, an interested franchisee only needs to present a letter of intent detailing his initial business plan. This is because companies understandably screen their prospective franchisees to ensure that the business’ image is not tarnished.
So rather than spend your hard-earned money in shopping or placing them in banks which could only earn a measly two percent interest annually, why not pick from among the following business undertakings you can possibly venture into:
? Gas Station – Investing in a gasoline station business would require a capital of from P3 to P5 million. That is if you apply as dealer of the Big 3 oil companies: Shell, Caltex, or Petron. New oil players such as Total and Flying V offer lower packages, while others can make you a gas station owner for less than P200,000. Of course, the location must be considered to realize profits early.
? Fastfood Chain – You don’t need to despair if you can’t afford the franchising cost of Jollibee, McDonald’s, Max’s, or Goldilocks which cost at least P10 million. A relatively smaller capital can give you a franchise of a smaller, but nonetheless, recognized fastfood chain. Why not try 3M Pizza, Goto King, Mister Donut, Potato Corner, Lapid’s Chicharon and Todits? A Potato Corner franchise costs from P200,000 to P300,000. Sure you can also get a food franchise for P100,000 but these are the less popular ones. Pooling your resources, however, can still bring your dreams of becoming an owner of a big-ticket fastfood franchise.
? Laundry Shop – Today’s fast-paced and highly urbanized lifestyle led to the instant success of laundry shops. The old reliable neighborhood lavandera can still do your laundry, but the trend nowadays is the laundry shop. A Lavandera Ko franchise would not cost at least P800,000, including self-serve washing machines, dryer, and chemicals. For around P500,000, you may consider opening your own laundry shop. Laundry machine suppliers offer friendly financing terms. Go check out the telephone directory.
? Water Station – Some 20 years ago, a group of students in a masters business class proposed a plan to undertake the possibility of a bottled water industry as part of their thesis. Their professor, however, thinking that such idea was too far out did not approve it. The rest, as everyone knows, is history. With pollution all around us, tap water nowadays is no longer considered safe and is largely used only for washing and bathing. To be a water station owner carrying known brands such as Agua Vida, you have to shell out from P25,000 to P500,000. You can check daily newspaper advertisements for details.
Philippine Cuisine Tagalog “Bachoy”
“Bachoy” is originally an Ilonggo native cuisine. But several versions were made of it, among which was the native Tagalog dish “bachoy. Most Philippine cuisines are characterized by flexibility. A native dish originally from a certain province or region will be redone in another. But the availability or lack of original ingredients in a locality will force improvisation of the native dish and later result into a different version of it.
Original Ilonggo La Paz “bachoy” is a soup noodle native cuisine with ample pieces of beef and spices. Native Tagalog dish “bachoy” on the other hand is a stew of swine organs and pork lean meat without noodles. What’s the difference? Cook and eat it to find out.
We need half kilo each of swine heart, liver, and lean meat. Some add a portion of lungs. These swine parts are often cheaper than pork meat itself, so this native cuisine is often economical to cook. Clean swine inner parts with water and soak in a basin of water for 5 minutes. Later, slice into cubes of about half an inch by half an inch. Then, prepare 5 pieces crushed and sliced garlic, three balls sliced onions, three small bundles of “kinchay” leaves, half of a whole ginger (peeled and sliced small), and 5 cups water. Then we’re ready to cook this native Tagalog dish.
Sauté garlic in oil in a medium-size pot until light brown. Put in onions and ginger until light brown. The natural ginger flavoring brings out the pungent spicy taste and aroma of this native cuisine coupled with the strong culinary features of “kinchay” leaves. “Kinchay” is known to normalize high blood pressure by its fibrous action and flashing out cholesterol. So this native Tagalog dish is also healthy,
Then put swine flesh and lean meat in. Cook while turning over continually for a minute. Pour 5 cups of water and bring to a boil. When swine flesh and lean meat are tender, put in “kinchay” leaves. Boil for another minute, put out the fire, and serve this native cuisine hot. Serves 5 persons. This native Tagalog dish is best eaten when supplemented with a dash of fish sauce or “patis.”
This native cuisine is considered a royal treat in Philippine dining and few popular restaurant know this almost secret recipe. This is mostly served in homes for special guests.
Philippine native Tagalog dish “bachoy” is a unique and tasty treat. This native cuisine is also healthy with a anti-cholesterol action.
The Folklore About Tabaco, Albay
At first glance, anybody would think that Tabaco, Albay in Legaspi City probably got its name from some tobacco plants in the area. Well, one thinking that would wrong.
Here’s a folklore on how the place really got its name.
The folklore begins with a time when the Bicol region, during Spanish times, was said to be inhabited by very friendly natives. But then some Spaniards occupying the region became hostile to the inhabitants. Being too cruel to the natives, the news soon spread quickly to other localities in the area. Soon, many local people despised the mere sight of the invaders. One day, the folklore has it that two Spaniards ventured to some remote village and there found a beautiful young lady. She was known in the place for her talent for herbal medicine. One of the two foreigners fell for her native beauty.
The young lady’s father was annoyed by the two foreigners so that one day, as the folklore goes, when the two came over to the girl’s home for a visit and some herbal medicine samples, her father reacted in an unfriendly manner. The folklore adds that the place was also known for the people’s penchant for bladed weapons and its craft. Thus, the father owned a well sharpened native sword known in the vernacular as a “tabak.” The folklore stresses that every man in that village was armed with a “tabak” as a work implement and for self-defense.
So, as the Spaniards approached, they wondered about what the name of the place was. They thought it was a perfect way to establish rapport with the father. Coming closer and asking the name of the place, the folklore says the father was very alarmed at them and shouted to her daughter for his native sword. “Give me my sword! Give me my sword!” In the vernacular, he said, “Tabak ko! Tabak ko!” The foreigners, thinking that the answer to their query was “Tabaco,” soon spread the word that the name of the place was Tabaco in Albay. Soon afterwards, even local folks started calling their place by the name.
What of the “tabak” and the Spaniards? Well, the folklore admits that the natural friendly and hospitable spirit of the natives in the place got the better of the father, and soon the foreigners were tolerated and befriended.
Though fond of deadly bladed weapons, this folklore shows a people naturally gifted with kindness and hospitality can still opt for peaceful settlement in the face of adversity.
A Myth on the Coconut Tree
Considered by some as the second national tree, the coconut tree is as versatile and useful as the Narra tree. From roots to leaves, the coconut is valuable. But how did it come into being? The coconut tree has lots of myths about it, and here is one.
According to this myth, once there was a kingdom in Mindanao known as Bangonansa Pulangui (“kingdom by the river”), which was ruled by a just and kind sultan. The myth says the kingdom was known for Putri Timbang-Namat, the sultan’s only daughter. She was a most beautiful and charming woman. Her name meant “lady grace.”
Putri’s admirers came from the seven seas, but she did not care for any of them. According to the myth, the kind sultan was touched by their persistence. One day, he tried to ask his daughter to choose from among them the man she would marry, the myth adds.
”I need a son to succeed me when I die,” the father said, “and I wish that before I die, I would see you married,” he added. The myth says the king thought of a contest for the princess’ hand. A tournament was held to determine who among the suitors was worthy of the princess’ love, the myth says.
In the palace garden, meanwhile, the myth says the princess met a young and handsome gardener, Wata-Mama. The myth says Wata-Mama decided to reveal his past to her. According to the myth he was of royal descent but had been lost when he was three. His father was killed by his greedy uncle. The myth says that the princess said, “We love each other, that’s all that matters. ”
The myth says a general was very jealous of Wata. So, that night, in the dark corner of the palace, he and his aides waited for the young lovers. The myth says the general suddenly emerged, struck Wata-Mama and beheaded him. The princess, fearless, picked up Wata’s head.
After Wata’s head was buried, the myth says, early one morning, while the princess was watching the spot, she saw a tiny plant growing from the ground. Suddenly, the myth says, it grew into a tree and reached the height of the window where the princess was sitting at. It produced a round fruit the size of a man’s head.
Love’s passion and jealousy’s wretchedness can suddenly change lives disastrously. This myth on the coconut teaches that love is best kept going on its natural course.
Panoly Resort Hotel in Boracay
Do you know what will make your most anticipated Boracay vacation in the Philippines the most perfect getaway trip? Checking in at a most trusted hotel in Boracay would do the trick.
As dozens of Boracay hotels abound in this number one tourist destination spot in the Philippines, there still remains a couple of hotels which are considered to be tried and tested by thousands of Boracay tourists every year. One of those very few elite Boracay hotels is the Panoly Resort Hotel.
Panoly Resort Hotel is the first world-class hotel in Boracay, Philippines. It started operating in November 1989 and has since claimed the most trusted tourist hotel in Boracay. The hotel’s expertise in providing quality hotel services made gained them a triple A rating from the Philippine Government’s Department of Tourism. Panoly Resort Hotel still remains committed to improving their world-class hotel service as it continues to gain recognition from tourists and tourism-related agencies, alike.
As guests check in at Panoly Resort hotel, they are expected to marvel at the warm service that the hotel staff renders. Filipino hospitality and cheerfulness are the distinct signatures of Panoly Resort Hotel. Its hotel staff are specially trained to make all of their guests feel comfortable and at home with the hotel’s facilities and services. The stay at Panoly Resort Hotel is complemented with gorgeous Boracay sceneries including the white sand beach, breathtaking sunsets and distinctly Filipino dishes.
For those looking for more adventurous undertakings, Panoly Resort Hotel offers a wide range of recreational and relaxing activities for them. Guests can experience the windsurfing thrill as Boracay is considered to be one of the Philippines’ top windsurfing locations. They can also explore the marvelous underwater environment through diving and snorkeling. They can sail away with the hotel’s available yachts, banca, kayaks and paddle boats for a more relaxing adventure. Guests are also offered with the supreme relaxation by availing of Panoly Resort Hotel’s spa.
But, those aren’t the only things the hotel offers. Other state-of-the-art facilities are something that every guest should take advantage of. The resort has forty cottages and its four-story building has 47 deluxe rooms and eight VIP suites. These rooms have veranda to be able to provide guests with breathtaking Boracay sceneries by just taking a peek from their own rooms. All the rooms are fully air conditioned with hot and cold shower, cable TV and a mini bar. The rooms also reflect the distinct Filipino culture with the rooms’ artistic local furniture which does not fail to create a world-class Filipino ambiance.
Sorsogon Beach Guide
Sorsogon is one of the provinces in the south of the Philippines. It is not surprising that this region has many great beaches. Sorsogon also has the best beach where you can see great whales swimming together.
1. Donsol Beach – This beach is in Donsol town. It is just an hour away from Legazpi city. This beach is famous for being the best beach in the Philippines where you can see the great Dugong.You can stay in the Woodland beach. You can inquire their accommodation rates by calling +(63)(0921) 9699544 and +(63)(0918) 2315420.Another best resort in Donsol is Amor Farm Beach and if you are interested to stay here you can call them at +(63)(056) 4113180 or +(63)(056) 4111109.
2. Rizal Beach- This beach is situated in the town of Gubat.This is considered by many locals as one of the prettiest beaches in the Philippines. It faces the vast Pacific Ocean. This beach is not as commercialized as the other beaches. There are several resorts however surrounding the beach like Vera Maris where many tourists can sleep. There is still some sense of purity and paradise feel in this beach giving a peaceful getaway feeling. There is still no required fee for anyone to enter. The beach is still free for all.
The cottages however are for rent and they do not accept any reservations. Some people like going after three in the afternoon and stay until late six in the evening just to have a picnic and swimming for a few hours.
3. Tiklin Island has a very clean beach. The sand in this beach is also pure white. The current of the water though can get strong sometimes. You can rent a boat and go fishing or sailing.Some tourists like snorkeling and trekking some forests that are near and some caves where you can see bats.
4. Olango beach – This is a beach in the town of San Rafael. There is a point in the beach where there is a good amount of sand and where swimming is safer. Many tourists like snorkeling in this area as well. The water in this beach has an aquamarine color and the area has high coconut trees.
5. Tolongapo Beach- This is another popular beach in Sorsogon. Many divers from Luzon come here for the good diving spots. Many simple hotels and resorts surround this beach. You can also explore some caves with limestones for some spelunking adventure.