Philippines Guide
For Travelers, Expats and Pinoys
Maximizing Experience in a Tourist Spot
It’s not everyday that one goes to a Philippine tourist spot. Many times a lot of things to enjoy in a tourist spot are missed. This is simply because we do not know how to maximize our experience in a visit to a Philippine tourist spot.
Philippine tourist spots often have more things to offer than just the beautiful spot itself. Most of the time, these tourist spots are well developed for more tourism attractions. For us not to miss all there is to see and experience in tourist spots we have to know what to prepare and what to look for.
First, never forget the camera and to load the camera. Philippine tourist spots are worth taking pictures of. Then, always travel light. Leave luggage in a secure hotel or inn and take along only necessary things that fit a small belt or shoulder bag. Take enough cash according to the planned trip for the day. And never leave without a specific travel plan for the day.
In a tourist spot, always look for the information counter or desk. Ask for what the tourist spot can show, aside from the obvious. For instance, at Mines View Park in Baguio, there are other open terraces that afford other views of the mountains and deep ravines. With a little help from local vendors or tourist guides a trip to a tourist spot can be maximized. Luneta Park in Manila has lots of spots to offer tourists. And various times of the days there are mini programs in a specific spot of the Park. A short inquiry at the Park office would reveal minute details to maximize a visit to this tourist spot.
Luneta Park, for instance, has the Rizal Monument, Chinese and Japanese gardens, a Philippine archipelago replica, a café run by mute, blind, and deaf people, a huge grandstand, Manila Bay view, and an observatory, to name a few. Most tourists just peek at the Rizal Monument, take pictures there, and go. A foreign tourist might pass by Luneta Park and its various tourist spots just once and missing it’s entirety is a big tourist trip loss.
Get to know other visitors in a tourist spot and try to learn what tourist spots they have already visited. Ask their opinions and experiences about the places they have seen or gone to. This saves time and gets direct and fresh information straight from fellow tourists.
Traveling to Philippine tourist spots may be maximized to add to a total Philippine tourist spot experience.
Island-Hopping in the Philippines – The Perfect Way to Enjoy Your Vacation
The Philippine Archipelago is composed of more than 7,100 islands, so what better place to do your island-hopping than in this tropical paradise located in South-East Asia and surrounded by the Pacific Ocean.
The climate is perfect for local and foreign tourists who love the sun, the beach and the sand. The Philippines boasts of long stretches of white sand beaches
and offers first class resort facilities and five-star accommodations that include excellent food and drinks, spas, clubs, entertainment and various water activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling, parasailing, surfing and other water sports.
For the adventurous, the country is blessed with verdant forests and mountains excellent for climbing. Enjoy the beautiful sunsets and cool breeze on top of these mountain villages that are endowed with beautiful flora and fauna. Shoot the rapids in Pagsanjan or go bunjee jumping in Subic. One can also try white water rafting in Cagayan de Oro, ride a balloon in Clark Field, Pampanga during the Hot air Balloon Festival or explore the underwater caves of Palawan.
For the romantic and religious, visit the different museums and centuries-old churches. Enjoy the festival parades that boast of colorful mardi gras costumes and street dancing. Climb the mysterious Mount Banahaw, apopular destination during the Lenten season. Also try the different native delicacies that are exclusive to the region. Go on a religious retreat in Tagaytay, the Capuchin Retreat House in Lipa, Batangas or visit that “out of the way” place called Caleruega, also in Batangas and get close to nature and to God.
Tourists can learn about the rich culture and history of the Philippines by visiting museums and historic places like Corregidor Island, Cebu, Fort Santiago and Malacanang Palace in the City of Manila, Leyte, Malolos Bulacan, Cavite, Vigan and Bataan.
Shop till you drop and enjoy the best choices in the giant Malls and department stores. Bargain-hunters will surely have a feast haggling and getting big discounts and bargains in the flea markets of Quiapo, Baclaran and Divisoria.
Fall in love with the warm welcoming smiles of the people as they go about their daily activities. The Filipinos are generally polite and are almost always willing to help.
Nature Lovers, City dwellers, Adventure-seeking Individuals, Romantics, and those who are just tired of the pressures of the daily grind, have a different kind of high by island-hopping in the Philippines.
Enjoy and experience the unparalleled hospitality and cheerful fun of the Filipinos and you’ll find yourself coming back over and over again!
PopularTourist Destinations in the Philippines:
Luzon:
Pagudpud
Banawe Rice Terraces
Baguio City
Pagsanjan Falls
Vigan
Hundred Isalands, Pangasinan
Bicol
Batangas
Tagaytay
Subic Bay
Siargao Island
Visayas
Palawan
Cebu
Bohol
Boracay Island
Guimaras Island
Mindanao
Cagayan de Oro
Camiguin Island
Davao
Zamboanga
Healing Spree at Hidden Valley
For energy-drained city people stressed out by work pressures; or those with muscle and back aches looking for the ultimate relief treatment; or just plain daring tourists seeking what more wonders nature can show — The Hidden Valley Springs in Alaminos, Laguna, Philippines promises an end to the search.
Found in the backwoods and secluded forests between magical mountains of Banahaw and Makiling is Hidden Valley Springs nestled at the foot of the gargantuan mountains; a unique tourist spot that has lured crowds of excursionists.
This tourist spot is an enchanting 110 acres of unspoiled tree forest and rare shrubberies, palms, and ferns interspersed with dazzling natural waterfalls and pristine pools. These are nature-dug water forms through cataclysmic upheavals centuries ago, resulting in hundreds of water puddles of different temperature. As a result, the waters bubbling up come from beneath the earth and rises as natural hot springs.
The natural hot spring waters are said to soothe body aches and relieve stress pains in muscles. Ingested, the pure water from hot springs possesses minerals for body rejuvenation and energy recharge. Splashed on the body or used as a soak-in potion, Hidden Valley Spring water is said to be therapeutic. Many claim the hot spring water can fix a quick remedy for body pains.
Hidden Valley Springs in Laguna is a mere 75 kilometer land trek from Makati (or 2 hours travel). Taking the SLEX or South Luzon Expressway towards the exit to Batangas, proceed to Alaminos, Laguna until the Alaminos Church is in sight. From there directions will lead the traveler to the enigmatic tourist spot.
Hidden Valley Springs boasts of more than 150 plant species most of which are found nowhere else. These are rare or endangered types. Most of them are herbal or medicinal that locals claim work wonders with lots of ailments. The inference is that the healing natural hot spring waters of Hidden Valley Springs have somehow influenced the wild undergrowth—or is it the other way around? But the popular conclusion is that the blend of natural hot spring water and natural herbs has created a synergism that manifests in a calming and healing phenomenon.
Hidden Valley Springs is one of nature’s secret veiled by protective mountains that only daring tourists can discover. It is a tourist spot of numerous hot spring water pools burst by Mother Nature herself to ease all ills, even those of stressful wearied lives of city workers.
For a Quiet and Deep Vacation in the South
Sipalay is not a byword in Philippine tourism. Not many Filipinos know about this tourist spot except, maybe, the Sipalayans themselves—and a few but growing number of foreign tourists. That’s why it’s a perfect tourist spot for the poet who seeks a far away shelter to meditate life in the recesses of hills and mountains and the deep blue ocean.
It is just about three hours road travel south of Bacolod. And pay particular attention to the last stretch of road, the last hour of travel, because the elusive deep, quiet break is about to start.
The area is defined by hilly coastlines—marvelous glimpses of the sea when the view is not blocked by green, hilly forests.
Except for the long snorkeling and diving sessions through the day, the stay in this tourist spot will prove very settling. The evenings are peaceful, with no evidence of any nightlife, whatsoever. Cell phone signals come rare, so no sudden urgent calls from the office back in the city disturbing the reflecting vacationers. Though some tourist resorts offer Internet services.
The seclusion will ensure the focused appreciation of nature. The gorgeous sunsets of this tourist spot calm the spirit, and most specially the excellent and accessible diving and snorkeling alcoves, and the white sand beaches interspersing dramatic cliffs and coastal hills.
Banca rides are available to other superb diving spots and tourist resorts around the place—short meditations in motion traversing shifting scenes of sea and landscapes. The minute trips bring one to another sea world yet not far from one’s inn. A special feature in these short trips is a house reef of rich corals shallow enough for easy snorkeling—a snorkeling spot banca drivers will not fail pointing out to new comers.
Resorts in Sipalay offer impressive mouth-watering cuisines, mostly native seafood and vegetable dishes, with sprinklings of pork or beef choices palatable even to foreign taste buds. As one hops from one diving spot to another the choice of restaurants widens. Some are a stone’s throw away from each other.
There is also a range of very comfortable bungalows sheltered in hillsides amid coconut tree patches near the sea.
A special word on the sunsets of this tourist spot: there’s nothing like them anywhere else in the country. They’re awe-inspiring and dream-like. Like a scene from a nostalgic painting—more so with occasional intrusions from a few passing boats.
The coastline north and south is worth traveling by boat, and from here one can see distant luxury mansions on remote cliffs—hideaways of sugar magnates.
Sipalay is for the restless spirit or reflective soul who needs a long quiet time away from city fuss. Only the meditative would bother to venture out here in the country of deep sea, sunsets, tasty dishes, and lots of peace and quiet.
Exploring the Philippines’ Tourists Spots Up North
People who enjoy a warm, tropical climate, and friendly and hospitable people will enjoy the Philippines. The Philippines is an archipelago with 7,107 islands situated at the south eastern part of Asia.
Three major island groups, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, comprise the Philippines archipelago. Each of the three islands boat of travel destination spots worth visiting. Tourists are sure to find their perfect vacation spot in the Philippines, whether they fancy water sports or simply lounging on the beach, trekking and hiking or simply enjoying the views. One need not to go far or spend much to enjoy what the Philippines has to offer.
Local flights can take tourists to key cities and destinations in the Philippines. For those who prefer land or sea travel, other transport options are also available. A few hours north of Manila, travelers can visit a number of cities and towns that offer a wide array of interesting places.
A five-hour drive through the plains and mountains of Luzon will welcome tourists to one of the more popular northern tourist destinations, Baguio City. Also known as the summer capital, Baguio boasts of its cool weather ranging anywhere from 8 to 23 Celsius all year round.
Its temperate weather together with a number of interesting to-visit spots makes Baguio City a favorite northern tourist destination. This is true for both local and foreign tourists especially during the hot summer months from March until May.
Some of Baguio’s places of interest include the Baguio Cathedral, a majestic church build on top of a hill overlooking the entire city’s business district; just below it is Session Road, the city’s colorful main avenue with a number of business establishments and restaurants. Burnham Park, another popular tourist attraction, boasts of tree-lined streets, a man-made lake and a children’s playground that even adults can enjoy. The former military recreational park, Camp John Hay, is another place that tourists go to. Wright Park, Mines View Park, the Botanical Garden, among others, are also some places that travelers visit while in Baguio.
Further up north, tourists who enjoy the mountains will also find the Banaue Rice Terraces enjoyable. This popular northern destination was carved out of the hillside by the local people more than a thousand years ago using their bare hands and primitive tools. The Banaue Rice Terraces was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. Its natural grandeur and splendor also makes it one of the Wonders of the World.
Those who enjoy a more laid back atmosphere that sand and shore offer will enjoy another popular northern tourist destination not far from Baguio. The pristine shore line of La Union, situated only an hour and a half from Baguio, is definitely a must for travelers. The coast line boasts of clean beaches, fresh catch from the sea, beachfront hotels and cabanas, and very friendly people. This particular northern tourist destination also offers a number of water activities such as surfing, scuba diving, snorkeling and the like.
The Philippines’ northern tourist destinations have a number of interesting points that travelers may find interesting. Aside from the sights that the views have to offer, tourists will also bask in the hospitality that the Filipinos are known for the world over. Aside from all these, travelers are also sure to enjoy the rich culture that the Philippines has to offer.
Bird Watching at Rajah Sikatuna National Park
The Philippines is rich in avifauna (i.e. species of birds). There are about 400 resident bird species and almost 200 of them can be found only in the Philippines.
In the Philippines, Bohol is one of the favorite destinations of bird-watchers. The Rajah Sikatuna National Park is a good place to start bird watching. It is the widest remaining forest that can be found in Bohol. The Rajah Sikatuna National Park covers 29 barangays and is the main water source, being a watershed, of Bohol’s rivers. The Rajah Sikatuna National Park is considered as a hot spot for principal biodiversity.
In Rajah Sikatuna National Park’s headquarters, you can find a small hostel where a birders’ logbook and a visitors’ book is found. Reading them can be useful in bird watching. A Rajah Sikatuna National Park guide will be there to help you throughout your bird watching activity.
Rajah Sikatuna National Park has set out a number of trails where visitors can go bird watching. While following the trails, you will encounter various species of birds. Don’t forget to bring birdcall tapes so that some birds that are naturally shy will emerge from their hiding places. With luck you may be able to see the rare bird species present in Rajah Sikatuna National Park.
Some of the bird species that are present in Rajah Sikatuna National Park are the following: Silvery kingfisher, Philippine Eagle Owl, Philippine frogmouth, Brush cuckoo, Black-faced coucal, Philippine nightjar, Philippine coucal, Large-billed crow, Pygmy swiftlet, Spangled drongo, Red-keeled flowerpecker, Metallic-winged sunbird, Pink-bellied imperial pigeon, White-bellied woodpecker, and many more.
Aside from birds, Rajah Sikatuna National Park also has a butterfly sanctuary. Monkeys thrive in the forest and are already used to seeing people everyday. These would often be kind and friendly to anyone who comes near. 26 bat species can be found in Rajah Sikatuna National Park within the caves that abound in limestone formations.
Regarding plants and trees, Rajah Sikatuna National Park has something to offer. You can find 16 verified species of Dipterocarps, 17 species of Apitong, and 90 new fern species. On top of the hills in Rajah Sikatuna National Park, you can have a great view of the well-known Chocolate Hills in Bohol.
To get there from Bilar, take a motorcycle taxi (habal-habal) to the Rajah Sikatuna National Park’s accommodation area at Logarita. You can have an overnight stay at their hostel for P50 for a night. The park’s caretaker will take care of food.
The Rajah Sikatuna National Park is a haven for nature lovers. Bird watching is the main attraction in the park. The nature trek in Rajah Sikatuna National Park will touch your soul.
A Mountain of Discoveries in Sibuyan Island
For mountaineers and explorers or plain nosy tourists who ask what else is awaiting discovery in this modern planet, Mount Guiting-guiting is quite another world out there. This is a strange and extraordinary tourist spot which is ready to satiate the interest of the ravenously curious tourist.
Sibuyan Island, host to this enchanting mountain, is one of the biodiversity tourist spots of the country. It is one of the islands of Romblon in the Visayas. A fifteen-hour boat ride from Manila to Cajidiocan brings the traveler to this mango-shaped tourist spot island.
The whole mountain spot sprawls across the island’s three municipalities. It is Sibuyan’s center of adventure and scenic spots. Declared a national park in 1996, it is almost 936 miles high (or 2,058 meters), and the summit is rich in native flora and fauna found only in the Philippines. And many are yet to be discovered.
Aside from the usual wild gardens, waterfalls, streams, and rock formations that most mountains have, Mt. Guiting-guiting’s special attractions are the wild ferns and orchids that freely proliferate everywhere.
The grand display of unique shrubberies is strictly for “the eyes only”—do anything else with them and that’s enough to warrant penalties. The reforestation efforts of the government paid off and thick forests and vegetation shade the forest floors. Ferns of various kinds—Adiantum, Christella, Lecanopteris, Microlepia, Nephrolepis and Pteris flourish.
Just try to picture the biological prospects here—an army of tiny Hymenophyllums clinging to huge trees while dark green Teratophyllums crouch up, coiling around branches. Bulbiferous Asplenium Macrophyllum and Asplenium Tenerums are not to be left behind. They amass profusely on logs and damp places. See?
Of the ferns that abound on the mountain spot, Cyathea Sibuyanensis is the most well known. This is a midget sized tree fern growing on some 637 miles elevation (1,400 meters)—a special treat for fern lovers. In open areas of this tourist spot lay the Blechnum Orientale, a pinkish fern.
We’re talking of nature-farmed bonsai gardens in this scenic mountain spot for botanist-tourists.
The Sibuyan Island generally grows ordinary-looking “weeds” but don’t be fooled by their looks. These “weeds” in this mountain spot are hot items in other parts of the world. Just look at the Pitcher plant plenteous on this scenic spot—Nepenthes Sibuyanensis. This sells for a small fortune in some parts of the world.
Mt. Guiting-guiting in Sibuyan is like a smaller, eerier world in a small eerie world. If the quest is an in depth scrutiny of the veiled nooks and crannies of Mother Nature, of the quiet and unnoticed prolific kingdoms of miniscule creatures, then just look long and hard enough round this tourist spot, trekking the slopes and peak of this mountain spot, Mt. Guiting-guiting.
A Journey Through the Rapids of Pagsanjan Falls
Situated not more than 3 hours from Manila, Pagsanjan offers tourists a different brand of adventure that is sure to make stories ‘you-would-want-to-tell-your-grandchildren’ about.
For years, tourists have flocked to this cozy little town in Laguna to see the famed Pagsanjan Falls. What most don’t know is that aside from the Falls, it’s actually the journey to get there that makes the destination all the more memorable.
Everything starts in the town plaza where one can get a boat ride for P660. Take-off would normally be from the Lodge where the tourists have their accommodations with each boat having 2-3 passengers plus two boatmen who navigate and steer.
The 2 hour boat ride to the Falls will then take you to a series of upstream rapids – 14 in all – as the two boatmen squeeze you through huge boulders amidst strong current and oncoming boats on their way down from the falls!
The boatmen themselves is sure to strike awe in any tourist as they deftly hop from one side of the boat to the other running over huge rocks or on cliff walls as they agilely guide the boat through the narrow passages of the gorge.
In between each rapid is a pause where you will be paddling across calm waters. It is here where one can really appreciate the scenery as you would be surrounded by tropical vegetation growing from 300 ft high rock cliffs situated on both sides of the river. A humbling experience, as you suddenly realize that you are witnessing the handiwork of a thousand years that Nature sculpted over this grand and live canvas.
After braving the rapids, the Falls itself are a sight to behold and one can’t help but feel refreshed with its cold and clear waters splashing unto your body as a bamboo raft can take you right under it for an additional P20. Inside the Falls is a cave where one can rest while listening to the soothing sound of falling water.
And just when you think that you’re done, here comes the best part! Unlike other destinations where you leave with a sense of fading climax, the journey home from the Falls is even more better as you and your boatmen can expect a wild ride down the rapids.
If you thought that the ride up was fantastic, you better hang on to your seats as the ride down is going to be insane! Going through the narrow gaps that you passed through on your way up to the Falls definitely won’t compare to the rush of going through the same route on your way down as the current accelerates and propels you home with an experience that only Pagsanjan can give!
So what are you waiting for? Let’s go shoot the Rapids!
Selling Business Techniques in the Philippines
There’s definitely a peculiar Filipino buying and selling culture. Knowing them may help get an edge in the selling business.
First, there’s a so called “buena mano” or good hand in the selling business. And what’s a good hand? The first buyer in the morning or afternoon is the good hand that brings in business luck. Not only that, being a good hand also makes the first buyer a recipient of luck through the day. So there’s a lure in telling Filipino buyers they’re the good hand.
Being good at counseling buyers also does the trick. Most Filipino buyers like being helped out in finalizing their buying decision. Lots of times they’re lost as to what and how many to buy. It’s not simply telling them to “just buy” but it’s in helping to convince them that they’re about to do a good, wise buy. Most Filipino buyers want to share the guilt of having bought something they really do not need—or share the burden of a tough buying decision. A sharp and skillful seller will make good selling business if such opportunity is discerned and grabbed.
Good pairing or partnering sense is an asset in the selling business. Most Filipino buyers love being praised. And it’s good to place praise where it is deserved. A discerning seller readily sees how a merchandize will look good on a potential buyer. A hanky being sold can easily be paired with a buyer’s earrings, a pair of sandals with a pair of jeans, a wrist watch with the color on the fingernails, and a shirt with the built or size of a buyer. Filipino buyers love the idea that items are seen making them look better, or younger. That’s excellent business sense in the Philippines.
Here’s a taboo: never, never address Filipino buyers as grandpa (“lolo”), grandma (“lola”), old man (“tatang”), or old lady (“inang”). A good selling business sense is call them “sir” or “ma’m” or bro (for brother) or sis (for sister). Address young adult Filipino buyers as “kuya” or big brother, or “ate” or big sister. To most Filipino buyers addresses that insinuate old age are an insult. They may not react violently but they won’t buy anything from the addresser—and might even make sure they never pass that way again, ever.
The most effective selling business techniques to lure Filipino buyers into really buying a lot and more often are relational in nature. If one can make then feel special, they’re hooked.
Scouting a Business Location
As the Chinese businessmen in the country say, “In business location is everything.” How should a business be located?
Nature of business is directly proportional to its location. Business in the Philippines is informally “zoned” as follows: commercial, community, sidewalk, or stocky. Commercial businesses have malls and shopping complexes as their business location. Community businesses like groceries, marts, hardware and sari-sari stores, have street corners or main roads in communities as their business location.
Sidewalk businesses like selling in small, makeshift stalls, or kiosks, or carts have byways and pathways as business location—or even spread-out mats right on overpasses—which the MMDA abhors, and which we, therefore, don’t want. A new trend in business in the Philippines is being a stocky—a networking business term which means one’s got stocks of marketable items at home and sells them through word-of-mouth. So the home’s the business location.
After knowing the proper zone or area where one’s business location is supposed to be, the next task is to know where “exactly” the business site is to be. In doing a business in the Philippines, we’re going by the adage that location is everything in business.
Here are tips on where exactly a business location should be placed.
Human traffic. Check if the place is a major route of human traffic at least at 3 major times of the day—morning rush hour, noon rush hour, and afternoon rush hour. Some ideal business locations get heavy human traffic 16 hours a day. In this case, sometimes night shift work is needed to take full advantage of the human traffic flow. To be sure of human traffic, schedule 1 to 2 days observing it in the vicinity. Go there at certain times of the day to study human traffic and do surveys around. Ask other businesses how they’re doing and what seems to be the problem, if any.
Next is settlement of the rent issue. Say, for a small 3X3 stall the usual rent is P5,000 monthly. To beat the rent one has to make at least P200 a day. But we also want to make profits—not just pay rent to fatten up the landlord, so it’s got to be at least P300 a day. But we have to pay taxes, annual permits, overhead expenses, etc. Meeting these needs make for a good location.
A good business location when doing a business in the Philippines is one that is strategically located to meet expense needs and make lucrative profits.
