Philippines Guide
For Travelers, Expats and Pinoys
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 Shark Watching, Whale Sharks, Donsol, Sorsogon
Some Choice Tourist Destinations in the Philippines
The Philippines is an archipelago located just above the equator in Southeastern Asia. Nestled between the Philippine and South China Seas, it is lovingly called the Pearl of the Orient by its natives. For indeed, traveling to it is like finding a unique pearl in a vast ocean, discovering not only beautiful spots but also warm and hospitable inhabitants.
It enjoys a warm, humid climate all year round and for this, tourists usually find haven in its countless beaches. Foremost is the world-famous island resort of Boracay, with its powdery white sands, crystalline-blue sea and spectacular sunsets. Tourist accommodations are abundant, ranging from the luxurious and exclusive to the more budget-friendly. One can take his pick on varied amenities available for swimming, diving, sailing, sport fishing, or just sunbathing.
Another popular tourist destination is the island of Palawan, known for its pristine beaches and friendly people. Exotic flowers and animals abound in this quaint locale. It is here where the Tubbataha Reef is found, a marine sanctuary park recognized by the World Heritage List and a source of constant joy for diving enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. For a touch of adventure, one can explore caves in the underground river of Saint Paul’s National Park or take a safari ride in Calauit Island to see unusual wildlife.
Bohol is considered as one of the loveliest islands in the country. There is no lack for white beaches with world-class resorts here and its nearby isles. There are also numerous freshwater springs where one can relax and enjoy some relaxing moments in. Another world-famous attraction are the Chocolate Hills, a group of hilly mounds that turn brown during summer, resembling a popular chocolate treat. Trips are also available to visit several of the old churches of Bohol. Here, one can be acquainted with century-old relics serving as testimonies to the country’s past under the Spanish rule.
For tourists and travelers seeking to enjoy the sea and the beach to the fullest, Siargao Island is an ideal spot. Lying in the southeastern part of the country, it is becoming increasingly popular because of its surfing waves and enthusiasts flock to this island for the Siargao Surfing Cup held every year. Other activities include sunbathing, deep sea fishing, diving and kayaking.
For those seeking the ultimate paradise, Samal Island is the perfect destination. Aside from white sand beaches, this island also boasts of mangroves, coral reefs and interesting rock formations. One can wake up and go to sleep to perfect sunrise and sunsets in this quaint locale situated at the southern part of the country.
Of course, for the more urban-seeking tourists, there is Subic Bay, formerly a military base that now boasts of the sea, commercial developments and virgin forests in one exciting package. It caters to crowds with wide-ranging interests, from bungee-jumping and sport fishing to the more sedate golf courses and arcade center.
Beauty of the Philippines
The Philippines is an archipelago made up of more than 7,100 islands. It is located in South East Asia in the Pacific Ocean. The Philippines has 3 main regions. These regions are Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. The capital of the Philippines is Manila.
Culturally relevant attractions showcase the history and culture of the Philippines. We can find several museums and preserved architecture all over the islands. The Intramuros is one such structure. Built by the Spanish people during their regime, it houses several churches and other relevant political buildings and structures. In the neighboring province of Metro Manila, one can find the Banaue Rice terraces. These are mountain slopes converted into rice paddies. Since the tribes in this area didn’t have a lot of flat land, they develop the mountains to cater to their needs. In Sagada, one can see the hanging coffins, which were placed on the rock face of mountains.
In Cebu City, one can see the Lapu-lapu monument in Mactan, depicting the chieftain who thwarted Ferdinand Magellan. Cebu is also overflowing with five star hotels and resorts which cater to beach lovers and divers. Make sure not to miss the Sinulog Festival which showcases the story of the Sto. Nino de Cebu. A boat or plane ride away from Cebu is Bohol, a large island with beautiful, pristine beaches and a bevy of underwater attractions. The island of Bohol is also home to several churches which date back to the Spanish era. One can also find the legendary Chocolate Hills in Bohol. These hills look like mounds of chocolate during the dry season, thus their name.
Palawan is world renowned for its world class resorts and dive spots. One can also fish for game fish and other large fish there. The resorts in Palawan are exclusive and very private. Several of these, offer water sports adventure and other adventure sports like rock climbing. We can also witness the gathering of the delicious bird’s nests which are then made into bird’s nest soup. There are underwater rivers which can be explored by diving or by boat.
Davao City in Mindanao is home to Mt. Apo, the Philippines’ highest peak. This is the base of the Philippine Eagle Sanctuary which houses the endangered eagles along with other birds of prey. The Pearl Farm, Davao is an exclusive island resort specializing in pearl culture. Bukidnon is famous for its Del Monte Golf course and Del Monte Pineapples. Huge plantations of pineapples make a scenic backdrop for pictures. Ati-atihan festivals are held in Bukidnon. These events are usually about agriculture, horse riding etc. Cagayan de Oro is the neighbor of Bukidnon to the north. One can go white water rafting in the Cagayan de Oro River. It boasts a 3 hour ride down river with 27 rapids. There are several Nature Parks here that allow one to zip line from one tree to another and rappel down a gorge.
These are just a fraction of the beautiful sights and attractions to be found in the Philippines. Many more await visitors and tourists alike.
Business Opportunities for Seafarers
The many years spent by seafarers working on an international cargo or passenger’s ships is an assurance for their family of a regular income—and in dollars at that. But like every OPFW, seafarers also dream of returning home to be with their family and relatives and stay with them for good. They, too, are thinking of someday retiring from work.
Once this happens, seafarers and their families need to think of ways and means on how to maintain their upkeep. They need to plan their financial posture so that they don’t need to worry about sending their children to school or pay the amortization of their home or car loan, since the steady flow or green bucks has stopped.
Joining local shipping firms or other related fields can be an option, but for some seafarers who feel they’ve had enough of seafaring and want to try other fields of endeavor, they can put to the test their hidden skills in entrepreneurship. They may consider venturing into a business. That way, the money they saved will be channeled to a business undertaking that may anchor the family’s future.
- Video Game Arcade/Computer Shop – Who hasn’t heard of video games and the Internet and the hordes of youngsters addicted to them? With a captive and willing market among school kids, setting up a neighborhood video game arcade cum computer shop can be undertaken even without leaving your own home. Once you find a suitable space for your business, be it your own garage or a rented space, all you need are two to four play station units, TV sets, PCs, and a telephone line to get you going. That will cost you at least P100,000. Of course, you can acquire more gaming sets once the clientele starts growing.
- Agro-Business – Offering a much wider and bigger opportunities than franchising, venturing into agri-business is often overlooked if not disregarded by many would-be entrepreneurs. Unlike other ventures though, agri business may require more time before your realize profits. But once you get going, there’s no stopping it. For those with idle lands in the provinces, traditional rice and vegetable farming, as well as tilapia and bangus breeding are possible options. But with the stiff competition brought about by imported grains, you may consider into a specialized farming.
Aquaculture experts recommend venturing into niche markets such as raising eel, lobsters, lapu-lapu, and uland or Giant Malaysian Prawns. On the farming side, one option is organic vegetable farming. There is a growing market for organic produce after consumers heard of reports that most vegetable are sprayed, if not drowned, with chemical pesticides and preservatives to maintain their fresh look on the shelves.
- Bubble Gum Machine – If you are not really that interested to get into business and not ready to handle the financial risks that go with it, then experiment with a P2,000 to P5,000 investment by getting one of those bubble gum machines you see in schools, malls movie houses, supermarkets, play areas, and other places frequented by kids. The minimal investment and the profits you may realize may just inspire you to get into bigger ventures and sail all the way to prosperity.
Starting a Bakery in the Philippines
For Anna, baking was a hobby she enjoyed as a young teenager. Now that she has a family, she never thought that baking goodies for her children will turn out to be a profitable home business. Let’s find out more from her.
Q: What are the products that you sell?
A: My product line is basically different kind of cookies, brownies and sometimes cakes. For the cookies, I have oatmeal and choco chips, then the chocolate crinkles. I also bake brownies with a variety of toppings like marshmallows and nuts. Then for the cakes, I offer chocolate and cheese cakes. I also accommodate orders for cakes for special occasions like weddings and birthdays.
Q: How many people do you employ?
A: I started with one assistant but later hired two more to assist me in the kitchen and one driver since I just entered into agreements with three restaurants to supply them with my products.
Q: How profitable has this business been?
A: For someone who did not really plan to start this business, I can say that I am satisfied with the profit that I have earned from this. It really is profitable since the ingredients are basically the dame, with little variety, so you get to use most of what you buy. And there is no spoilage since you bake according to the orders you get.
In terms of pricing, I have to keep my prices lower than the known bakeshops. Otherwise, customers would rather buy from them. Besides, clients expect lower prices from me. Mark up would probably be from 35% to 50% depending on the product and quantity.
Q: How do you market your products to get orders?
A: It was difficult at the start, It’s funny to think that when I was just baking for my family and friends as a hobby, I did not feel tired baking all those goodies. But when I decided to continue this as a business, I felt the pressure to think of ways to get additional orders. And at the end of the day, I really feel exhausted. I guess it was a normal reaction since you start to think of earning profits.
Initially, I asked the help of family and friends and had them taste my products. Actually, they were my initial clients. Then, their friends also started to order from me. And when I had the opportunity, I joined small bazaars in subdivisions to introduce my products. I got several orders through it. I also got to advertise my business through the mothers of my eldest son’s classmates.
Actually, I must say that this business continues its existence through referrals and being able to maintain loyal clients who order from you for several occasions.
Q: What advice can you give to those who want to start this kind of business?
A: First and foremost, you have to love baking. It’s a must! Otherwise, you cannot start this kind of business. Then you have to be patient. When I started to think of this as a business, I was so eager to earn the profit right away but it took some time. So you really have to be patient. Also, you must be very realistic and set reasonable goals for yourself and your business. Lastly, you have to make sure the quality of your products remains consistent.
Unique Ways to Travel Across the Philippines
The Philippines is an archipelago blessed with 7,100 plus islands. Some of these islands are huge such as Luzon Island while others are quite small that they surface only during low tides. As such, traveling in the Philippines require different modes of transportation. Travel in the Philippines is done through air, sea and by land and each offers different experiences and rewards.
Traveling in the Philippines by air can be done without much hassle. There are several air carriers that offer reasonable fares to many tourist destinations in the archipelago. Traveling the Philippines by air will allow you a bird’s peak and will probably explain why the country is known as the Pearl of the Orient.
Another way to travel in the Philippines is by sea aboard a ship. Most ships offer luxurious amenities for those with discriminating taste. While on board, ship crews offer activities for the whole family or you may simply sit on the balcony and travel across the Philippines and enjoy rock formations or white beaches on isolated islands your ship may passed by.
The last but the most adventurous way to travel in the Philippines is by land. Traveling in the Philippines can be done by train, bus, jeepney, tricycle or even bicycle. Also each city or town can offer you its own unique ride through its streets. Jeepneys are based from jeeps used by Americans during World War 2. They have evolved through the years that some can now accommodate 50 passengers including those on the roof!
The tricycle is another mode of transportation that makes it exciting to travel in the Philippines. Each city or town has its own peculiar design. In Pagadian City in the island of Mindanao, tricycle passengers ride facing the sky. Drivers claim that the town is hilly and thus, passenger cars are designed that way to promote balance. You travel across the Philippines aboard a tricycle that appears ready to launch into space! Tricycles in other towns have seats in the back of the passenger car.
Travel in the Philippines can now be fun, rewarding and inexpensive. You can travel by air and reach your destination by an hour. Or if you have more time to waste, you can ride a ship and cruise across the archipelago and arrive by the following day. If you prefer more adventure albeit more taxing and rewarding, you can travel the Philippines by land. You can try riding a bus, a jeepney or even a tricycle. You will get there and still have fun.
Traveling the Philippine Islands
Everyone wants to travel. Traveling is a form of relaxation from the usual things you do in life. Many do not think of anything rather than the places they want to explore. Traveling can expose you to different places, people and cultures. It also helps you think about solving your problems and going to places you want to look at; beaches, zoos, theme parks and other famous tourist spots. Some like to explore their own country before exploring other countries. But when it comes to pure adventure a trip to foreign lands is always the biggest challenge with the most rewards.
Traveling in the Philippines is very enjoyable because of the hospitality of the people and the tourist attractions; the Chocolate Hills in Bohol, the Pagsanjan Falls in Laguna and the great mountains of Tagaytay, to name just a few. There are many tourist spots in the Philippines that are very exceptional and are like no other country.
There is Boracay which is considered by many as a perfect paradise. For those who love surfing, you can go to Catanduanes, Badoc Island of Ilocos Norte, Samar and Zambales. If you want to go some place cooler, you can try the high mountains of Baguio. The weather is warm, the food is delicious and the souvenirs are cheaper.
Souvenirs in the Philippines are cheaper and more of more abundance and variety than souvenirs from other countries such as Hong Kong. Foreigners can travel at ease because most Filipinos speak the universal language, English. It is difficult to travel where people cannot understand what you are talking about especially when you ask for directions and ordering food.
There has been some propaganda in main stream media stating that traveling in the Philippines is not safe due to frequent terrorist attacks. The Philippines is not the only country being attacked by terrorists. If traveling in the Philippines is not safe, why are foreigners still visiting the country? There are over 7100 islands in the Philippines and most are completely safe.
Countless foreigners come to the country because they can buy what they need without spending a lot of money. They have no difficulty in finding a place to stay for there are many hotels and lodging houses around to choose from.
Traveling in the Philippines is never a bore. There is always a surprise in every place you find yourself visiting, even on just the ordinary sidewalks. Some of the exotic foods can be found on the streets, like balut, suman and taho. The people around are friendly, and the transports are also one of a kind, like the tricycles, jeepneys, kalesas, buses and banka boats; where else can you find that but only in the Philippines.
Tong-its: Poker Filipino Style
Tong-its is the most popular card game in the Philippines. It is being played everywhere, by people from all walks of life and various age and sexes. Its history and origin remains unknown, but the spirit of fun can be felt during the game, no pressures unlike other card games.
This has been the favorite past time amongst Filipinos for generations. During the start of the game, it may seem that players are helping one another, but in the end there is always a winner who gets to take home the pot.
Just like any card game, Tong-its has its rules to follow.
This is played by 3 players, the dealer deals out 12 cards to each player and an extra card for the for them for a total of 13 cards. The dealer will start first, by discarding 3 straight flush or trio (tapon), then the next player (the one to the right) can choose either to take the discarded cards or pick a card from the deck (bunot).
If the player chooses to pick the discarded cards then the player has to discard 3 cards with the card the player picked up. If the player chooses to pick a card from the deck, it will just complete the flush or trio and no need to open their cards. A player also has options to connect (sapaw) to any set of open cards, either by extending the straight flush or adding 1 card to a trio making it a 4 of a kind.
After that move a player has to discard one card to end the turn. One of the best strategies is to drop at least one completed cards to make it difficult for the other player to call a draw. There are also some tong-it things to avoid; out of cards meaning when the deck is gone and one of the players completes their card the game is over.
Each player will count their cards, whoever has the lowest number of cards wins. Tong-it, a player can call this if one is able to drop and connect all the cards at hand. A player can call a draw if one had opened the card and thinks that the opponent has a higher point total. If a player called a draw and nobody opened then the caller wins the game. If a player has burned cards (sunog) meaning the game ended and still has not opened the cards, he has to pay the winner extra (if playing for money).
In this game, there are ways of betting if it is a money game. A peso is dropped into the pot for winning, and an extra peso for tong-it, sunog,and draw. The winner of the game is called hitter, who will be in charge of dealing the next round.
Indeed, this simple card game had gained much popularity. The rules are very easy to understand. Moreover, it is really fun and it can really take away one’s boredom. Not to mention, earning a few bucks.
From its humble beginnings, now the game has evolved with technology. There is now PC software for this game, where one has to play against the computer. There are also some websites where one can play on line (check security first). In the future, tong-its will be played by people from different parts of the globe with as much enjoyment as Filipinos.
Texas Hold’Em Now Popular in the Philippines
Poker is believed to have been introduced to the Philippines during World War I by American soldiers who brought in the Bicycle brand playing cards. All playing cards in the country in the 1950s were imported and many were sold behind the counter or secretly sold by Maranao sidewalk vendors.
For many many years people have been playing a local version of the game of Poker with the use of 52 cards where 13 cards are distributed all face down to four players one at a time.
It is known in the Visayas and Mindanao as piat-piat or pusoy in Luzon. Most, however, call it Chinese Poker. The pot usually runs up to hundreds if not thousands of pesos, particularly those games participated by weekend professional gamblers, including government officials.
This game became so popular that those that could not afford cards themselves created their own deck of cards with some cardboard and pens so that they could play this ever growing popular card game.
Chinese Poker is played just like the 5-card stud poker with a twist. The last five cards should be arranged that it would be the best. The second group of five cards should be better than and that of the third group–the three cards.
For example, if the last three cards form a trio, the middle group should form a straight but not two pairs since the trio is higher.
The Chinese term for this is totyu or inverted or disarranged. With this you become outright the loser for the round.
The 13 cards grouped in 5-5-3 should then be arranged that the last five would be the best, the middle group better and the three cards as good or whatever.
With the popularity of Chinese Poker or Pusoy Filipinos easily found favor with the new game on the block and play the now popular Texas Hold ‘Em High Poker, which is played in casinos in Paranaque, Pasig City in clubhouses; Manila, Tagaytay and other cities in the country legally.
Entry fees are reasonably low at PhP1,000 or so but with the total tournament top prizes of PhP1 million or $20,000, many join the regular tournament sponsored by a club formed by a journalist.
Others are now into the bandwagon sponsoring Texas Hold ‘Em High tournaments with the same format of putting in $200 as entry fee for the elimination round. If you want to immediately join the championship game you have to buy in with P20,000 or $2,000.
Since Texas Hold ‘Em is simple many have been playing the game even clandestinely.
With the Filipinos’ propensity to gamble putting casinos in the country with Poker as the main attraction could be a profitable business. The government casino operator is eyeing an Entertainment City in the heart of Metro Manila– at the reclaimed land near the popular SM Mall of Asia, one of the biggest malls in Southeast Asia.
A Whole Year of Banderitas
Aside from festivities with local flavors, the Philippine Islands have events too of international appeal which attracts foreigners. In Las Piñas City, there’s the Bamboo Organ Festival featuring international classical music performers utilizing the legendary bamboo organ of St. Joseph’s Parish Church. In Masbate of the Bicol Province, the Rodeo Filipino can be likened to rodeo shows in the US Midwest or Latin America with activities like bull riding, steer wrestling, calf roping, lassoing on foot, casting down large cattle, and wood chopping.
A whole year of banderitas
Indeed, an imaginary string of banderitas (colorful trimmings) can be wrapped around the Philippines to represent a year-full of celebrations. And we haven’t even talked about the festivals of the Christmas season yet. You may have already known that they have the longest Christmas season in the world, starting as early as October and lasting until February. The spirit of the season could not be contained that you can hear people greeting “Merry Christmas” even during the grim-funny Halloween Night and the deliriously-funny All Souls’ Day.
For devoted Catholics though, the official Christmas season begins at the first Advent Sunday which marks the start of the Simbang Gabi. Friends, lovers, families flock to churches to hear the late night or early morning mass before enjoying hot chocolate and puto bumbong. And the surrounding is really a sight to behold with the multi-colored blinking lights of lanterns. For this, LGUs have started hosting Christmas lantern, tree and other Christmas symbols festivals. In Tangub City, indigenous materials are used to create Christmas symbols to be later displayed in an event. Of course, there’s also the Giant Lantern Festival in San Fernando, Pampanga which this year will feature the largest lantern to be ever built.
Indeed, the Filipinos love to party and they party like no other people can. While the trend in western countries like America is to party in one big swoop after toiling at work for a significant time, in a society like the Philippines, every occasion becomes a cause for a celebration and so everyday is a holiday. This may appal non-members of the society but festivities like these merely reflect the Filipinos’ zest for life and their unwavering capacity to laugh at life’s hardships.
So what are you waiting for? If you’re a foreigner looking for a truly fantastic place to celebrate a holiday or a local wanting to discover more of the country, Philippines will not disappoint you. Explore and be awed.
