Philippines Guide
For Travelers, Expats and Pinoys
Best Philippine Travel Destinations
Roaming the wonders of the Philippines?
Relax! Leave those stuffy suits behind and get ready for an experience of a lifetime! This tropical country have it all, ready to provide you with the best vacation your hard-earned money could buy. Most hotels and resorts offer value for money accommodations for those on a budget. For the high-rollers and guests who wants nothing but the best? The red carpet to the most exclusive and first class facilities await you.
The pristine beaches of Boracay, Palawan, Cebu and Bohol gives a glimpse of heavenly getaways. Cottages and hotel rooms with spectacular ocean views are up for grabs. Each “hotspots” offers daily buffet breakfast and accompanying tours and activities for takers.
Boracay
The tropical paradise of beach lovers! Its seemingly endless stretch of white sands and great accommodation is what makes this beautiful island popular. You can take a pick from the numerous hotels lining the beach, ranging from those offering complete privacy, with hotel rooms and cottages tucked within the lush greenery or the ones situated amongst the hottest and most happening places. Take a stroll down the beach as the sun bade goodbye and watch one of the most spectacular sunset allotted to mankind. Boracay is definitely the place to enjoy the sun, the sea and to party!
Palawan
Located just north of Malaysia’s Sabbah Island, it has a total of 1769 islands and islets that are mostly unexplored. Aptly known as the last frontier, It has the largest wildlife reservation here and is home to the most beautiful, exotic orchids, the Palawan peacock, the dugong or sea cow, the tabon birds as well as some of the most breath taking caves in the country. The Calamian group of islands, popular for its magnificent white beaches, the clearest water and a wide range of marine resources ideal for diving, houses some of the most beautiful and exclusive resorts in Asia. This is nature at it’s best. Cottages and villas are strategically located to provide optimum privacy to guests. Stay secluded in a villa amongst magnificent trees or wake up in your cottage on stills with the sea as your playground.
Cebu
Cebuano bai! bai means friend in Cebu. It has one of the friendliest atmosphere in the Philippines. It’s rich history offers a wide range of activities for everyone. Visit the Magellan’s Cross, join the Sinulog festival held every 3rd Sunday of January (our own version of Mardi Gras), taste the rich flavors- the tablea, the famous mouthwatering lechon Cebu, the puso (rice wrapped in coconut leaves), crispy danggit(sun- dried fish) and much more for a gastronomical blow-out! Visit the Malapascua Island, Camotes Island among the numerous unspoiled beaches of Cebu. First-class hotels and resorts are also located in the heart of the city.
Bohol
Being the 10th largest island in the Philippines, this Visayan province offers alternative vacationing for everyone. It’s famous chocolate hills in Carmen continues to be the most popular must-see attraction of Bohol. It is also home to the smallest known primate, the Philippine tarsier. It has already carved a reputation for having one of the most spectacular and unspoiled beaches in the country. With more land mass to cover, the island offers more than the usual adventures. Explore the centuries-old churches of Baclayon, Loboc, Dauis, Maribojoc, Loon and other magnificent structures. Take the River safari! From the town of Loboc, feel relaxed as you cruise along Loay River, enveloped in rich flora, with the boat ride ending in Busay falls with ample time for a refreshing swim. With over a hundred identified caves scattered around the island, Bohol is ideal for spelunking adventures. Be sure to visit the Hinagdanan Cave, a laddered cave going towards an underground pond. Do not forget your diving gear, for Bohol has one of the most wonderful corals reefs that are worth the trip alone!
Sargiao/CamSur
Surfing anyone? Sargiao gives an experience close to that of being in Hawaii when it comes to surfing. Water sports such as surfing have never been more in demand than now! With the great waters of Sargiao giving an exhilarating taste for those born to ride the waves, this is definitely the place to be. Ask the ASP anytime and they will tell you you should have been here yesterday! No blow outs here man!
For wake boarding enthusiasts, check-out the CWC cable park. Relatively new, this wake boarding paradise in Camarines Sur has already become popular not only locally but on an international scale. Foreign nationals from different countries flock CamSur round-the-clock all year round! A world class facility housing the best cable park in Asia!
Baguio
A six-hour scenic drive north of Manila (through Kennon Road) will transport you to this favorite summer vacation spot in the Philippines. A welcoming 40-foot high lion head along Kennon Road gives a taste of something unique that is Baguio! Here, relaxation is given a new meaning. Wake up to the sweet scent of the pine trees, take a stroll under the clearest and bluest sky, and spend the most romantic evenings dining under the star-filled sky.
The cold climate of Baguio is ideal for leisurely spending your day visiting its famous landmarks. The beautiful gardens, the numerous parks and sites with splendid views of the mountains, Camp John Hay for the avid golfers and the PMA grounds amongst the endless must-see sights. A trip to the Central market for the freshest vegetables,sweetest fruits, fragrant flowers as well as items that are a trademark of Baguio. Plump, sweet, fresh strawberries sold by the basket, ube and strawberry jams, crunchy peanut brittle and of course, the local handicrafts, woven souvenirs, silver jewelries, delicate woodcarvings and even brooms! Finally, join the party held every month of February for the week long celebration of Penagbenga Festival, a flower parade celebrating “the season for blossoming, a time for flowering”.
For a truly rewarding experience, you can proceed to Banaue and be a witness to the magnificent Banaue Rice Terraces, a man made structure carved on the side of the mountain ranges by the Ifugaos. Sagada, famous for its subterranean caves is a must-see for those whose interest lies in archeology.
Tagaytay
Near Manila, you can always visit Tagaytay with its cool and refreshing atmosphere. Visit the Palace in the Sky, go ride the horses on your way up and have a front seat view of the Taal Volcano.
Dining in Tagaytay? Fabulous restaurants surrounds the place as well as Casino Filipino. An hour or so ride would bring you to Batangas where deep sea & coral diving is a must do! And Anilao is up to that job. The rich heritage of this province showcases activities that will make you stay and explore more!
Manila
Ahhhh, Manila! There is no place like Manila. The busiest and most colorful city in the Philippines! Here, they have something for everybody, even the most discriminating in taste. Bustling streets with the most welcoming atmosphere. Open faces and brilliant smiles from its people. Hotels are scattered all over the city offering first-class accommodations and service coming from the heart. Mabuhay!
Long live it is. A shopping paradise, Manila and its neighboring cities are famous for its bargains. From the biggest shopping malls, the classiest signature clothing lines and the most amazing “tiangges” they have it all. Be pleasantly surprised with the rich assortment of unique clothes, accessories, shoes, bags and trinkets that you can find at a most affordable price. Malls in Makati, Rockwell, Ermita and Alabang carries fabulous designer labels. The largest mall in Asia located in Pasay City even has a view of the bay!
After a satisfying day of shopping, you can sit back, relax and enjoy the rich flavors of the Philippines.From local delicatessen that are uniquely Filipino to Mediterranean to Exotic, the wide array of restaurants will tickle your taste buds. It’s a dining experience that is incomparable to no other.
Remember, we have more than 7100 islands to explore and lots of adventures to experience!
Reluctant Skydivers
Whoever coined the term “extreme sports” must have been giving the most misleading understatement of the century. “Extreme” simply means outrageous or radical, such as outrageous clothes and radical beliefs. Skydiving is not an extreme sport. It is suicidal. And I came to this conclusion a couple of hours too late. The wind rocked the small open plane and I barely heard the instructor shouting, “Ready?”
As I tried to avoid staring down beyond the plane, my mind kept its agitated monologue. Skydiving was invented by people who have nothing to do. Skydiving is done by lunatics who chose not to die by boredom. I, on the other hand, wouldn’t mind being accompanied by boredom for the rest of my life.
Yet, it was probably boredom that drove us, me and two of my friends, towards Tanauan, which is two hours south of Manila. Tanauan is known as the skydiving capital of the Philippines. Its Skydiving Center has 1200 meter airstrip. And it has several aircrafts available to skydiving enthusiasts. I should have backed out from there.
I never claimed to be an enthusiast. But I let them strapped a parachute over me. The instructor assured us that we were wearing state-of-the-art parachutes. For the maximum safety of all their customers, all the parachutes have Cypress automatic activation devices. Cypress? Cypress is supposed to be a sturdy evergreen tree. Not this contraption.
The plane is now flying over the rest of Batangas. We were near the drop zone, an area between Mount Makiling and Taal volcano. I closed my eyes, hoping that I was only dreaming.
“Now!” the instructor shouted again. Somebody shoved me. I knew that because I have every intention of staying inside the plane. I kicked to find anything solid, translated as safe, beneath me. But I only floated. The gusts of air at that altitude were unbelievably powerful.
My survival instincts kicked in and I struggled to remember the instructions given to us. What was it? “Relax”, I think. I realized that I was still holding my breath. My arms are already spread and at least I got that right.
“Enjoy the view” was another important instruction given to us. I slowly opened one eye, and then the other. The Taal lake and volcano are breathtaking. The Taal volcano is the smallest one in the whole world. Thin fumes rose from it. The greenish blue of the lake helped calm my nerves, but not entirely. Yet, I thought that angels must be lucky to be seeing this view.
Then I was alarmed at the speed I’m falling. I held on and the parachute opened, slowing me down. After a few moments, I can see people waiting for me. I finally landed and stayed lying down for awhile until I could feel my legs again. Exhilaration seeped in and an inexplicable happiness swept me. “I did it!” was all I could think of.
So that’s Dumaguete!
I thought Dumaguete was a province in Mindanao. I was wrong. Dumaguete City is the capital of Negros Oriental which is in Region VII in Visayas.
I thought that Dumaguete was a far-fetched and uninhabited island. Wrong again! Dumaguete is just a ferry-ride away from bustling Cebu and it is even tagged as “The City of Gentle People”.
History has it that its name came from the local word “daggit” which means “to snatch”. Dumaguete has this powerful charm to attract visitors and keep them for good. Its beauty had lured pirates to frequently attack the coastal town.
Recently, Dumaguete was dubbed as “the most child-friendly city”. That, for me, is a major asset. It is also known as a university town because of the many colleges and universities in this city which are open even for foreign students. And yes, business is booming in this area.
The tourism department of Dumaguete claims that this beautiful city is for the weary traveler, seeker of knowledge and nature lover, and the residents can speak English well and can understand Spanish.
That’s probably why most tourists are Westerners and Europeans.
Dumaguete is for the people who long for water and land adventures.
There’s a lot of beach resorts and dive sites there where you can also go dolphin and whale watching and scuba diving. If you’re into conquering the heights and the caves, you’ll be happy to learn that you are free to do spelunking and mountain trekking also.
But if your main objective of going there is to just chill and take in the view and relax, you can never run out of hotels to stay in and restaurants to dine in. You can request a tour guide from the tourism department if you want to go around the city.
What are the places that make this city famous? Since the inhabitants are dominantly Catholic, the St. Catherine of Alexandria Cathedral Park is considered a century-old landmark. That gives a religious aura.
The Bell Tower is the oldest city landmark; it has remained the city’s watch tower since the Spanish times. The Siliman Veach is for the youth. It is where they unwind, especially on Sundays.
Rizal Boulevard is a seafront boulevard that has become the most popular promenade and jogging track for the health-conscious people. The rendezvous of most people there is the Quezon Park. It is lined with trees and it has a playground for kids.
With all the good things said about Dumaguete and the nice spots to visit there, it won’t take long before it becomes a favorite among tourists. So let’s go to Dumaguete!
Making It Big With Soap Business
Josephine is a simple homemaker with a husband and children. She once worked for the beauty soap industry and retired to pursue her dream: make and sell her own soap! She enrolled in a soap-making class in Technology and Livelihood Resource Center and in no time, started selling her soaps like hotcakes.
Her core market are her friends, family, and acquaintances. Her pool of customers steadily grew through referrals until customers would just come knocking at her house looking for her popular herbal soaps.
Add to that the fact there are certain companies who buys her soaps with no labels then sell them using their own. “I have customer, I won’t mention the name, but that person is really popular right now because of my papaya soaps. Although she uses her own label. The soaps are being sold in leading supermarkets right now.
Her own label is called Dagta (Extract) Herbal Soap which comes in papaya, tawas-papaya, squalene (which she herself concocted and which provide the same effect as the squalene capsule form), guava (for feminine hygiene), and hair-grower soaps. Ther herbal soaps cost P65 per pack of 5 pieces (P13 each).
Together with her five assistants and her husband, Josephine can make an average of 2,000 herbal soaps everyday.
“I was glad that customers liked my herbal soaps. They said it does well for their skin. It prevents itches and eliminates discoloration and other blemishes on their skin. I could say that my products are pure herbal because I only use pure coconut oil on making them. This is what differentiates my products from the rest of the herbal soaps in the market today.”
At present, Josephine’s soap business is doing well in the market. Her income has helped them a lot especially with her children’s education. She was also able to invest some of her earnings in vehicles and land.
“TLRC helped me a lot. I think the reason why other people weren’t successful in this field was probably because it wasn’t really meant for them. In this business, your product should have the best quality and you should take good care of your customers so that they will patronize your products and hopefully gain more customers in the end.”
Truly, quality is what makes a product lasts. And for Josephine, who’s been making herbal soaps for almost 10 years now, it is no wonder how her small home business stayed this long.
And as long as there are itches, blotches, and other skin problems to deal with, Josephine’s herbal soaps will always be here to save our face.
Meet the Filipinos
Mabuhay!
It’s the most common word that can be heard whenever a foreigner or a group of foreigners make their first steps in the Philippines. People from other countries are so delighted every time they will hear that, even though they do not know exactly the literal meaning of the word. But such a lively welcome will make them so at ease and pleased to stay in the country.
But the fun doesn’t end with the word “Mabuhay”. In fact that’s just the beginning!
Foreign guests are always given a class “A” treatment by the Filipinos: starting from the people in the hotels that they have rendered for temporary shelter; and even from the people they will meet in the streets, rich or poor, young or old. Filipinos are never ashamed to give their warmest and best smiles to foreigners, and even their “English Carabaos” (screwed up English grammar) just to be able to communicate with foreigners. From there, a conversation would start, primarily asking each other about their culture and experiences.
Many foreigners are somehow contented seeing and hearing things like that. At least they will see something that they don’t see everyday in their own home countries. But hey, there’s something more in store for them!
Foreigners can always have a taste of the Filipino culture, they just have to ask and not be too shy to ask or try it. In fact, Filipinos would love to include foreign people and have a taste together of Filipino culture: the food to eat, and the use of hands while eating; fiestas (festivals); joyful conversations. Everything! They will never feel like they don’t belong as a part of the group with Filipinos.
A punch line might best describe it… Hospitality like they never experienced before.
Tourists like to see different kinds of people, that’s why they went away and made a visit to a place like the Philippines in the first place, right? Many visitors love to see different kinds of people, or races, or nationalities; and there is a lot of that in these 7000 plus islands. This is a primary reason why Filipinos are extremely hospitable to foreigners. A class “A” treatment, like mentioned earlier, is always given to foreigners, guaranteed.
That’s why foreigners would always love to come back to the Philippines; mostly, because of the people. They experienced so much hospitality in their visit, and they would love to experience it again. They would be so glad to travel back to the Philippines and travel, as well, with the Filipinos.
So, have been in the Philippines lately?
If you’re planning, let us be the one to say this to you first…
Mabuhay!
Nature Trips in the Philippines
If mountain trekking is your kick, come to the Philippines. If it is pristine white sand beaches you are looking for, come to the Philippines. Mountains or seas, the Philippines have all the wonders of nature in one great vacation spot!
Luzon, the largest island, stretches from the Ilocos province in the north to Sorsogon in the south. It is in Luzon that you will discover the splendor of the Cordillera rice terraces, century-old rice fields fashioned by the Igorots, Ifugao and Kalinga from sides of the mountains. Today it remains one of the most beautiful sceneries in the Philippines.
Still In the northern part of the Philippines is a beach that has big waves and strong winds that is ideal for wind and wave surfing, welcome to Pagudpud.
Framing the coastline of Puerto Princesa City is Honda Bay. The clear waters permits snorkeling and the enclaves afford one to island hop.
Baler and Infanta in Quezon and Daet in Camarines Norte offer more exciting experiences for surfers seeking the extreme with the bigger waves.
In the Visayas, the largest central groups of islands between Luzon and Mindanao, have islands each distinct and interesting.
Bohol for example is famous for its intriguing Chocolate Hills that are plain green and brown depending on the season. On a small island southwest of the bigger island Bohol, is Panglao, a perfect place to dive and swim on a holiday.
Located on the northwestern tip of Panay, Western Visayas, is Boracay. Its fine sand makes it one of the finest beaches in the world.
To the extreme west of Visayas are the islands Samar and Leyte connected by the San Juanico Bridge. Both areas have portions that remain unexplored by tourists. Samar is a good destination for kayaking.
Aside from the underwater caves in Palawan, Mabinay have caves that can be visited. Most wonderfully open to tourists is Crystal Cave. Still in Mabinay are great rapids and rock climbing experiences waiting for you.
In Mindanao, dare swimming into the sunken cemetery in Camiguin islands then have a break tasting the islands’ tangy-sweet lanzones. With its waterfalls and both hot and cold springs, Camiguin keeps tourist coming back again and again.
Dakak Park Beach Resort, located on the beach facing Sulu Sea, is a place wonderfully tacked into a 15- hectare property that offers blissful stay.
Siargao, located in the province of Surigao del Norte, is known for its curling waves as high as twelve feet high which makes it one of the places sought after by surfers. Surfing can be done too in Baler, Quezon in Luzon and Tandag, Surigao del Norte in Mindanao.
The superb rapids of the Philippines lay undiscovered, try the Bubunawan/Cagayan de Oro River, in Misamis Oriental.
Going to Beaches in the Philippines
Traveling to the Philippines is almost always tantamount to going to its beaches. Being an archipelago of seven thousand one hundred and seven islands and islets, it is an inevitable temptation to visit a beach resort somewhere around the country.
Here are some helpful tips to make your beach vacation the very best:
1. SET your budget.
2. Always have a checklist of what you want or expect in the place you would like to stay (price range, cleanliness, amenities, kind of food, etc.).
3. Know the location, culture and/or topography of the vacation spot.
4. Time your visit during the proper season. FYI: There are only two seasons in the Philippines, the wet/rainy and dry/summer season. The rainy season starts from June to February while summer starts before April and ends in May.
5. Beaches are very populated during summer as most tourists prefer to experience the beach while being drenched under the hot sunshine. This is during the months of April and May.
6. Always know the full details of the accommodation. There are resorts that have a cheap entrance fee but will charge you twice as much upon usage of any of its amenities while there are other resorts that charge a very high entrance fee but will allow full and unlimited usage of its amenities.
7. Weigh your options very well. Check #1 & #2.
8. Do not compromise your vacation with the cheap price of accommodation. Always compare prices with other places located in the same vacation spot. In canvassing, you might come across a resort which offers only 150pesos/night while the one adjacent to it offers 2,500++pesos/night. While the former is really affordable, it may not be the type of cottage or room you would like to end up in the night. Check #6 and compare it with #2.
9. There are different types of beaches in the Philippines depending on the color of the sand: black, brown and/or white. The black sand beaches are easy finds while the most sought after are the white sand beaches. There are also man-made white sand beaches in the Philippines, but it really has no significant difference as compared to the natural ones. Check #6.
10. In going out, always bring your sun block and umbrella with you.
11. Always apply sun block lotion each time you plan to expose your skin under the sun. In buying sun blocks, always check the expiration date of the lotion. Choose a sun block which has an SPF of at least 30.
12. If you are going to have a tan, do it before 10 am or after 3pm. Avoid exposing your skin directly under the sun, between 10am and 3pm, to avoid skin cancer or UV-damage on your skin.
13. If you are a foreigner, it is best that you bring with you a trusted friend who knows or can speak the Filipino language or the dialect of the place you plan to visit. You should also be able to familiarize yourself with the Philippine currency, its coins and bills, before deciding to visit your vacation spot.
14. Always bring with you peso coins and small bills especially if you intend to travel via public transportation.
15. Do not go island-hopping without having your dollars/foreign bills changed to Philippine currency.
Popular locations / beach vacation spots in the Philippines are the following: Boracay Island, Puerto Galera, Mindoro Island, Pagudpod, La Union, Palawan, Punta Fuego, Laia, Batangas, Caylabne, Cavite, Cebu, Bohol, Catanduanes Island, Pangasinan and the Batanes Group of Islands.
Things to do in Puerto Galera for a Great Vacation
Are you in search of the perfect vacation getaway? Do you enjoy the sun, sand and surf? Are you looking for a place that’s serene or one that’s full of life? Are you in the mood to be adventurous or just want to hang out on the beach with your friends? Well, Puerto Galera should definitely be a part of your travel plans.
Puerto Galera was a well kept secret among the locals of Oriental Mindoro for years until the late 90s. The secret got out and spread like wildfire as it quickly became the latest beach destination.
Just a boat ride away from Batangas pier, Puerto Galera boasts of white beaches, clear water and a little extra for everyone.
A hike to see Talipanan Falls is one of the many favorite activities of groups in Puerto Galera. The hike is worth it to see the beauty of the waterfalls. Swimming in the cool and clean water will certainly refresh one’s body from the heat. Lunch by the waterfalls is welcome to rejuvenate oneself for the hike back to the beach.
Another favorite group activity is to ride a banana boat. Nowadays, the banana boat is common on every beach. Puerto Galera is not one to be left behind as several locals have banana boats ready for eager adventurers. And of course, there’s always the joy in who to blame when the boat tips over.
If you didn’t come to Puerto Galera in a group, diving is a great way to spend your vacation. There are lessons for beginners although a bit expensive but that’s the price for seeing marine life at its best.
Since Oriental Mindoro is part of an island, it has an abundance of seafood. It is no wonder that grilled seafood happens to be the main course in the restaurants. If you’re not in the mood for seafood, these restaurants offer other grilled specialties such as pork and chicken. You’ll leave feeling full and satisfied after every meal. Just don’t expect a five-star hotel meal when you dine, remember that these are the islands.
You could always take a nice stroll in the white sand to let the food go down and relax after an eventful day. If you still have energy, why not go bar-hopping along the coastline? Puerto Galera, especially White Beach, in the evening is just as happening during the day. The Mindoro Sling packs a lot of punch as the island’s cocktail specialty. Dance to the latest music or watch the various entertainment prepared by the local bars and party the night away.
Swimming, hiking, and dancing all night may take a toll on your body. A simple solution is a good massage. And a massage on the beach is the best way to have it. The relaxing waves provide the perfect soundtrack to clear the mind. Finding a good masseuse isn’t going to be a problem. Just lay on the beach and one of the female locals will offer a relaxing massage. They have all the essentials with them and might just lower the price if asked nicely.
And what’s a vacation in Puerto Galera without buying all those souvenirs? Trinkets, t-shirts, native jewelry and the like to bring home are all available but don’t forget to haggle for the best price! Exercise some haggling prowess and the vendors will definitely give the best deals as this is expected. A lot of stores on the beach may have the perfect souvenir to remember your vacation.
With an itinerary planned for the ultimate vacation, head on to Puerto Galera. Relax during the daytime in one of the tranquil spots along the beach. Then, party all night in any of the countless bars by the beachfront. Go hiking, ride the banana boat to satisfy the adventurer in you. Or have a relaxing massage on the beach to pamper your body and mind.
It’s a great vacation for every person who needs a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s a place to satisfy adventure seekers and relax stressed individuals. Puerto Galera should be your travel destination.
Eat Food the Traditional Way at Kamayan
Traditionally, Filipinos eat food with bare hands. It is a centuries old practice, and it is totally convenient for the traditional Filipino. If you want to have a try at it then you are very welcome to sample this eating method in a restaurant that allows just that — Kamayan.
Kamay is the Filipino word for hand. Kamayan means to either shake hands or since we’re talking about food and this particular restaurant it would mean eating using only your hands. Kamayan has placed this traditional way of eating with hands on a pedestal and turned it into a real art form.
Eating by bare hands is still practiced by Filipinos nowadays. But if you’re not really into it, Kamayan does have spoons and forks and knives to help you out with the eating. If you don’t want to spoil the interesting experience then try it a few times at first.
The Kamayan restaurant opened way back in 1977. Kamayan now has many different branches all over Metro Manila. They showcase the finest in Philippine cuisine. So if you really want to try out real Filipino food and eat the Filipino way, then try Kamayan.
First on the list of house specialties in every Kamayan restaurant is called Lechon de Leche. It is a roasted native pig, usually a suckling pig. This is a clear favorite among the regular Kamayan customers. Lechon de Leche is not only a favorite here, but is a superstar in many Philippine Fiestas. This crispy Filipino cuisine is at the heart of every celebration in the country. Just remember to watch the calories and guard your heart.
You might want to turn down some servings of the roasted pig to give way to more of Kamayan’s other Philippine cuisine. Kamayan also serves a delectable Seafood Platter. It consists of crabs, prawns, mussels, and squid among other great seafood to delight your taste buds.
You may also want to sample some of Kamayan’s vegetable dishes like Pinakbet (stewed vegetables) and Bicol Express (i.e. vegetables cooked in coconut milk with a lot of green peppers that make a really spicy stew).
For dessert Kamayan serves a wonderful array of food that includes caramel custard, Halo Halo (i.e. mixed fruit topped with crushed ice), and fresh fruit juices. Beer, wine, and sodas are served as well.
Every Kamayan restaurant is designed with a family setting in mind, since eating as a family is a timeless Filipino tradition. If you want to glimpse what it’s like to eat like a Filipino then eat at Kamayan.
Philippines: The Travel Destination Like No Other
How would you like to spend a wonderful day in a lovely place where you can just let your hair down and be in one with the calmness of nature? Imagine crystal clear waters, coconut trees casting their shadows, eye-refreshing sights of wide green fields, the smell of fresh air, the scenic view of the mountains, and picturesque views of the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets.
Think there is no place like this? Think this is just a fantasy?
Well, put all those travel fantasies out your mind because fantasies can become a vacation reality. And for those who would want to believe that they could actually experience such splendid travel experience, welcome to the country with the best travel and vacation spots in the world—The Philippines!
Whether you want to go to the North or feel like heading to the South, the Philippines could offer you breathtaking travel destinations that would surely capture your heart and will make you keep coming back for more. It’s in these tropical islands that you can find pristine white sandy beaches, turquoise blue seas, swaying bamboo trees, and rainforests with atypical plants and animals. Definitely, the marvelous travel destinations in the Philippines could relax you and put all your worries away.
If you plan to go to the northern part of the country, you will surely love to visit the Strawberry Farm and Mines View Park in Baguio and feel the cool and breezy touch of the wind. You may also want to do some island hopping in Pangasinan with its famous Hundred Islands, which is also a perfect travel destination if you want some tranquility and feel like contemplating. You can also find the famous Banaue Rice Terraces in the North, which is located in Banaue, the Hanging Coffins in Sagada, Mountain Province, and the Batanes Island.
There’s also the popular Pagudpod Island in Ilocos Norte where vacationers and travelers can plunge and enjoy the cool and refreshing beach water. If you feel like wanting to experience the old times and have a feel of the life during the Spanish Era, Vigan in Ilocos Sur is the best place for you where you can see precious remnants of the old Spanish architecture.
Meanwhile, the southern part of the Philippines boasts of its breathtaking vacation and tourist spots. One of the most famous travel spots in the South is Puerto Galera, which is a string of white sand beaches located on the Northwest side of Mindoro Island.
Another famous tourist spot is the island of Bohol where you can see the world-renowned Chocolate Hills, the Tarsier Trail, and the breathtaking Panglao Island. You may want to dip into the crystal clear waters of Panglao Island in Bohol. It is also in the South that travelers could find the lovely island of Cebu. This is where the historical Battle of Mactan took place.
Davao, on the other hand, could give you the feeling of being one with the tranquility of the nature. If you would want to go to a place where the natural resources seem to be preserved, Palawan is the best place for you. Then again if you don’t feel like going farther in the South, you may try visiting Batangas and check out the popular Taal Volcano there. However, if you feel like wanting to learn more about the occurrences during the Spanish colonization of the Philippines, Corregidor in Cavite is a must see.
Whether you like to plunge into the ocean, trek the mountains, do some camping, or just feel the wonders of nature, The Philippines is definitely the best travel destination for you. Moreover, a vacation in the Philippines is made even more memorable due to the sincere hospitality of the Filipinos.
