Philippines Guide

The Chocolate Hills are not the only reason to visit the province of Bohol in the Philippines. If you’re into caving or cave exploring then Bohol is a great destination. The province has over 1,400 caves. The name Bohol seems to have come from the word “buho” which means a “hole”. Locally, this means a hole where spring water would usually burst out; Bohol has lots of that along its coastal towns.

A lot of the caves of Bohol, Philippines have not yet been explored. It is not quite surprising that one might be following a stream during a cool day’s trek only to find that it leads to a cave somewhere. The caves of Bohol are home to strange invertebrates, like the albino crabs for instance, who have adapted to life in the dark.

At least two caves in the province of Bohol have historic significance in the Philippines. The first one is the Francisco Dagohoy Cave. This cave is located in the town of Danao and is the most visited by local and foreign tourists.

In 1744, Francisco Dagohoy, a patriot, started a rebellion against the Spanish Regime. This movement lasted until 1829. This cave served as their headquarters during the uprising. One of the passages in Dagohoy’s cave has an underwater route that leads to dry land within. It is said that this area was the movement’s hiding place when Spanish forces would raid the cave.

The other historic cave is found in the town of Antequera known as Buhong Tiawan, which is just one and a half kilometers away from town. The entrance to the cave is in a wall of a limestone hill. The entrance is three to five meters wide and leads to a cavern 100 meters long.

The cave was used as a refuge in World War II when the Japanese invaded the Philippines. The Japanese raided the place eventually when the imperial army discovered the hide out. Today, the cave is home to different species of birds and bats.

Another famous tourist attraction is the Hinagdanan Cave in the island of Panglao. The cave features stalactites with matching stalagmites that converge towards each other. The cave brings you to a cavern that has a pond about ten feet in depth. It isn’t advisable to swim in it since the water in the pond isn’t clean.

The caves Bohol, Philippines is a haven for those who love to explore the subterranean world. Some of these caves have been etched into the history of the Philippines through the people who seek refuge and hope for freedom.

Tags: Travel Philippines, Beach, Tagalog, Cebu, philippine-beaches, philippines travel tips, Makati

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Laoag, one of the princess cities in the North, is a microcosm of the country’s rich historical heritage and natural resources—a proud city of Ilocos.

Laoag is about 9 hours from Manila via a land route. The North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) accesses the northern cities, Laoag among them. Bus stations to the North have trips plying a Laoag destination.
 
Here are the top 10 things to see in this fine area of the Philippines:

1. Bojeador Lighthouse. This is no ordinary lighthouse—it’s Asia’s oldest and tallest lighthouse built in 1892. Climb the 73-step spiral staircase to get to the top and enjoy the grandeur of the China Sea coast and the adjacent quiet town of Burgos.

There’s a cute but very interesting and revealing museum at the base of the lighthouse.

2. Then there’s one of Ilocos’ best beach, Pagudpud, two hours away further north from Laoag. Its super fine white sand plus a better grasp of the South China Sea will be quite an experience.

3. The Sand Dunes of Barangay La Paz. This is considered one of nature’s geological monuments and feats. The place also offers a superb view of the South China Sea.

4. Then the centuries-old St. William’s Cathedral—one of the country’s big Catholic churches. It houses the seat of the Laoag Diocese. It was built by Augustinan monks in 1612 following an Italian Renaissance architectural influence. The entire building is supported by unique pairs of grouped columns.

5. Now, St. William’s has an amazing sinking bell tower tourists shouldn’t miss. It stands 45 meters high but probably stood higher before it began sinking. Augustinians built it on sand, blocks away from the church—missing what Christ said about wisely building on rock—and the sinking episodes had begun ever since. Its main door now is buried halfway—it used to accommodate a man sitting erect on horseback. So visit there while the door is passable.

6. A museum built in 1878 as a tabacalera or tobacco warehouse. The Museo Ilocos Norte shows the history and lifestyles of the Ilocanos even before the Spaniards came to the country. See hints of indigenous technology and architecture, like farm and fishing implements, local products, and typical ancestral homes.

7. Laoag’s St. Augustine Church or Paoay Church. Built from 1694 to 1710. It’s earthquake-proof, following the Baroque Architecture. Its bell tower had been a look-out station of both Katipuneros in Spanish times and Filipino Scouts against the Japanese. Former President Marcos declared it a national treasure and is listed in UNESCO’s World Heritage List.

8. Fort Ilocandia Resort. This one’s a 5-star hotel with five buildings rendered in a romantic Spanish colonial architecture. The whole thing sits in a 77-hectare land adjacent to the sea. Its beach stretches across almost a mile.

9. The Juan Luna Shrine. Located in Badoc, Ilocos Norte, it is a reconstruction of the two-story original house where the national painter and patriot was born. It has reproductions of his historical works, “Spoliarium” and El Pacto de Sangre.”

10. The Marcos Museum and Mausoleum in Batac, Ilocos Norte. The late President Ferdinand Marcos lies in state there preserved in a sealed glass-paneled vacuum crypt. His many memorabilia are also on display there.

A visit to Laoag without seeing these ten sceneries is like finding ten priceless pearls on the sand but ignoring them in favor of a handful of sand because it reminds of some picnic at the beach.

Tags: Pinoy, Philippine Islands, expat, Snorkeling, Visayas, Bicol, traveling

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The Philippines has thousands of beautiful tourist destinations that can offer very enjoyable trips. But tourist destinations themselves are not enough to guarantee a really enjoyable trip. It takes careful preparations to consummate a travel destination to success.

First, know as much about a travel destination as possible. Get a book or magazine on the location, or go online to search about it. It’s advisable to know exactly how to get to the travel destination. Study routes to it. Try to know alternative routes. Get a map and examine the main and minor roads to the place. If possible, get some information on usual traffic situations on routes to a tourist destination. Ask if there has been some rerouting or detour along the way. Inquire about the hours it would take to reach a travel destination with and without rerouting or detour, if any.

As much as possible know the weather condition in a travel destination. The weather bureau can easily give this information. Airlines and ship liners also provide the same. When traveling by plane or ship, bring necessary provisions for the kind of weather prevailing in a tourist destination. If bulging luggage is not preferred, bring enough cash for emergency purchases of wears or implements for weather protection. Weather in nearby travel destinations are easy to approximate.

Research about the features or amenities of a travel destination. Avoid missing the fun of a particular amenity or special feature just because of preparation failures. If a tourist destination has picture-perfect sceneries, prepare a camera. If it has swimming pools, prepare swimming suits especially for the kids. If it involves some hike or canoeing to get to a travel destination, bring along light shirts, shorts, shades, or straw hats perhaps. Small towels may prove handy.

Travel agencies may help a lot, especially in distant travel destinations. They take care of plane or ship tickets, lodging and dining arrangements. But if a tourist destination needs no air or sea travel, a self-prepared travel plan is enough. Just know enough of the travel destination. The research often proves to be thrilling and the tourist destination adventure can begin right there on an Internet surf. Just go online and, with enough surfing skill, reservations and other arrangements can be worked out.

Enjoying a travel destination is more than just going to a beautiful tourist destination and having enough cash in the wallet. It takes careful preparation and some foresight to smoothen or ease up every travel detail.

Tags: Cebu, Travel Philippines, asia travel, Wordpress, Bicol, philippine-beaches, Pinoy

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Just waiting for stressed up Manilans aching for a respite is a hilltop enclave for rest, fun, or inspirational talks. Spread out on a seven-hectare clearing is the Rizal Re-Creation Center in Rizal, Laguna, complete with lodging, dining, strolling, sports, fishing, and conference facilities.

Taking the South Luzon Expressway, the hilltop spot takes about two hours from Makati through San Pablo, Laguna. This city is still home to old mansions reminiscent of Spanish times. Sign posts for directions are visible from San Pablo all the way up to Rizal and the place itself.

A series of sharp zigzag turns on the road passing through countryside scenes of mango groves, fruit farms, and breath-taking cliffs tells you Rizal Recreation is just nearby.

For active visitors out for action and out-door adventure, the place affords swimming pools—a shallower one for tots, and a six foot deep for adults, with a challenging long slide—all nestled at the foot of a gently sloping hill surrounded by abundant fruit trees.

A fitness gym lies next to the vast camping and soccer areas, with basketball courts, and an enclosed beach volleyball carpeted with white sand from Boracay. Wide hockey, soccer and camping grounds lie adjacent to the daunting obstacle course.

A cozy snack kiosk (with internet cubicle) and huge dining hall is in the middle of all the action, accessible to the hungry adventurer, and not far are the lodging cottages named after Southeast Asian nations.

Take a sip of cool coconut juice fresh from the tree as one sits back in the kiosk for refection.

A conference hall also stands in the middle of it all with extra session rooms, a two-floor bamboo tree house, mini zoo, and fishing area. Not far away towers the mystical Mount Banahaw, said to be haven for fairies and nymphets, a perfect destination for a planned morning hike.

Guests are always treated to an evening of “Tops Presentation”—a deft demo of spinning tops from the smallest to the biggest in the world. The tops are a collection of the Rev. Joseph Mauk, from Ohio, the manager, from his travels in Asia.

Meals come in buffet-style, classy and tasty, eat-all-you-can, served by polite crews, and accompanied by cheery, gospel music. The swell meals, courtesy of Mrs. Mauk, are often lavished with sweet, puffy European bread.

The stay can pamper the appetite for everything pleasurable and drop one’s harmful vice habits for a while; vices are barred in the premises to make the vacation healthy and clean.

For a needed break full of gratifying escapades, fun sports, meditation, quiet talks, and good food, visit Rizal Recreation Center in Laguna.

Tags: Divers, Tagalog, vacation, philippines travel tips, Manila, traveling, Dive Sites

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Golden Pillow. Munthong. Chanee. Arancillo. Piara. These are among the best varieties of durian in Calinan, Davao City. Savor the delicate taste of these sweet, creamy selections and discover what durian and Davao are all about.

Among other things, like its pristine beaches, this southern province and its city is known for its cattle ranches, fresh sea foods, orchid shows, and huge plantations of fruits of various kinds. Fruits sell at a real bargain—fact is, crates of good, plump bananas are sometimes given for free to bystanders.

But Davao is not Davao without the fabled durian. Idle tales go that Davao’s treasures are guarded by fairies and mystical spirits whose food staple is durian—a kind of food of the gods. Thus, where durian abounds treasures are hid, they say. But watch out for the wrath of the gods.

Durian is a tropical fruit similar to jack fruit—only more velvety and, like wine, alluring. Its hard, spiked crust keeps the edible flesh intact inside. The strange smell could mislead the uninitiated into misjudging it unfairly, throw it off, and miss out on the best thing in Davao.

To others, the aroma is like aged wine—durian’s and Davao’s, that is. It can entice you into having endless one last tries until the intoxication gets you hooked for life.

A five-hectare farm—this is one of the places in Calinan where the heavenly fruit proliferates. It used to be a coconut farm converted by owner, Elmer Solomon, into a durian farm. It’s more productive now—luring more enthralled buyers. It is an attraction to both local and foreign tourists who love durian or are curious about the fruit.

In a sense, Davao is a macro durian farm interspersed with other smaller fruit and flower farms. Davao province, it is said, is the prince city of the whole southern paradise that is Mindanao.

Aside from the imported varieties mentioned, native durian varieties in the Solomon farm are Puyat, Basketball, Mamon, and Brunei. The durian trees are top-pruned to have the the branches spreading wide rather than going up. Aside from being more manageable to maintain and more convenient for reapers during harvest time, this style keeps the farm well shaded—more comfy for strolling tourists, especially in summer.

A visit to the south must include a tour of Davao—which automatically means a deeper excursion to Davao City. There the numinous spirits are sure to charm the unsuspecting visitor with the forbidden (but delectable) fruit, aside from wooing the same with the city’s other attractions.

Calinan is where the enchantment flavors are concocted. With an array of durian assortments that have mesmerized many a wandering tourist, one will forever be spellbound by Davao—tongue, heart, and soul.

Tags: philippines travel tips, Tourist Destinations, Divers, Bicol, filipino food, scuba diving, philippines-beaches

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World-class surfing beach, a blue lagoon, a mysterious 100-year old tree, marsh wildlife sanctuary, unique caves, strange rock formations, a magic whirlpool, breath-taking falls, a scenic Britannia island, and a “Jurassic Park.”

The above are just some of the things to see in an eco-tourist destination in Mindanao, called the Caraga region. The place is being specially spruced up for tourism by some private groups and local governments of several Mindanao provinces.

Local government agencies, like the regional eco-tourism and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, identified the 127 eco-tourist destinations and are prodding local and foreign tourists to take a good long look at these paradises.

Caraga includes the provinces of Agusan north and south, Surigao north and south, Bislig, and Butuan. Most of the tourist spots are in Butuan.

Surfing tournaments are held yearly in General Luna, Dapa town, in Siargao Island in Surigao del Norte. The tilts are for locals and foreigners. Here, visitors and competitors alike get to enjoy the playful winds and waves from the sea conducive to the sport. Of course, not to mention the spectacular, unspoiled beaches and the homey tourist inns.

The marsh wildlife sanctuary in Agusan, a full 19,196.588 hectares stretching on the shores of 6 municipalities, is frequented by tourists. Marsh lands in the country used to be in a dire state due to rampant human spoilage. But stepped up government and private efforts have rendered several marsh wildlife areas fully rejuvenated and defiantly tourist-worthy, like the Agusan sanctuary.

Marsh lands are vital to keep marine life, especially the endangered, thriving and propagating. Marine life survives in natural habitats, such as marsh wildlife areas. The Agusan marsh wildlife is teeming with tropical marine life mostly unseen in other parts of the world.

To name some more southern wonders; the famous Sohoton cave is in Bucas Grande, Socorro town, Surigao del Norte. An interesting natural sculptured rock formation, called the Punta Calabera, is in Catadman. Another natural rock formation is in Zaragoza and the magic whirlpool in Bitaugan are both in Surigao City.

Several other tourist destinations in other parts of Agusan and Surigao, north and south, await discovery, harnessing, and promotion. These, too, are being conserved and protected by businessmen and local government units.

The tourist sites in Mindanao are accessible anytime of the day and night through land trips, except in Siargao Island where travel is more than an hour via sea craft.

Mindanao is a Philippine haven for astonishing, albeit, curious natural picturesque spots many of which are unequalled in the world. Caraga is one region among many that vividly illustrates this tourism fact—combining beauty, challenge, and mystery.

Tags: Pinay, Tourist Destinations, vacation, Makati, Divers, Boracay, scuba diving

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For almost two centuries the Cagsawa Ruins has stood as a symbol of Bicol region’s impressive landscape, rich history and the people’s strength and resiliency to face and to rise from the ravages of Mother Nature.

Cagsawa Ruins Park is a few minutes jeepney ride from Legazpi City. Legazpi City is one of the most important cities of Bicol. By air, it is 55 minutes away from Manila. About 9 hours travel time by air-conditioned buses that ply the route daily.

Cagsawa Ruins Park is one of the most visited places in the area. From this point tourists are afforded with an unhampered view of the majestic Mayon Volcano with its world renowned perfect cone.

Folklore states that originally Kagsawa was derived from the word “KAG” meaning owner and “SAWA” meaning python. Kagsawa could also mean excesses or too much. The February 1, 1814 Mayon eruption was said to be a divine justice for the people’s overindulgence.

The 1814 eruption was recorded to be worst eruption of Mt. Mayon. Some 1,200 people who took refuge and sought the sanctuary of the church during the eruption all died when the church was engulfed by the flowing lava.

Only the Cagsawa church belfry remains today. It is a grim reminder of the events that took place and many people come to see the belfry as a reminder of times past. Through all the developments done by the local government, the Cagsawa church belfry remains standing, with the giant stones spewed by Mt. Mayon around and with the history of the region buried underneath.

The place is now called Cagsawa Park. It is managed today by the municipal government of Daraga, Albay.

At the entrance of the park visitors will find a wide variety of souvenir shops and stalls which showcase native products and handicrafts. A wide selection of T-shirts with native scenes and designs are also available.

Inside the park are restaurants where tourists and local residents feast on native food and delicacies. Inasal na sira (grilled fish) and Bicol express-a spicy shrimp dish with coconut cream is highly recommended. Both these dishes are quite famous all over the Philippines and should not be missed.

Cagsawa Park now boasts a modest sized swimming pool with plenty of loungers where visitors can laze and gaze at the majestic vista of Mt. Mayon.

Plants and flower lovers will be thrilled with the display of exotic flowers and orchids that are on sale. One needs to be a good haggler though to get a good buy.

Tags: Tagalog, Mindanao, Filipino, asia travel, Davao, Pinoy, Visayas

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Cheers! Welcome to Bacolod, the great City of Smiles!

These are the slogans that will greet us as we enter this famous City of Smiles, Bacolod City.

People from all walks of life going in different directions are all eager to greet everyone with a big wide smile as they roam around to this famous City of Smiles.

The festive mood that can be experienced every October 19th as this is the Charter Day of Bacolod City. We can see different island souvenirs all lined up at the sidewalks; the carnivals that are full of varied rides and games not only for the young but for everybody are on display. The whole downtown area is roaring with music which adds to the joyous moods of everybody.

As we go around the city, we can not help but to smile back at people who makes everybody at home by giving an inviting smile.

But what is the meaning of these smiles? What do these smiles signify?

These smiles symbolize the positive outlook of the people to face all the adversities and crises in life. These show how they uplift each others spirit especially during hard times.

To prove these, we can see them dancing in the street, having the merrymaking and smiling as if inviting us to join and follow their dance steps. They do this barefooted under the heat of the sun or even when it rains. We can witness the strength of the character of these people to withstand all the trials as they dance gracefully around the city together with the beat of the drums.

We can also observe the audience dancing with their own steps, nodding their heads, clapping their hands, stamping their feet all in tuned to the sounds of the drums.

And who can afford to be just mere spectators in this festivity? The moods of these gaiety people are so inviting and contaminating.

So with joyful spirit let us join them. Let us not be onlookers only. Instead let us experience this memorable event. Anyway by joining the merrymaking under the sun, dancing to the beat of the drums we show to the rest that we too have the strength and stamina to fight all the trials that may come our way. How wonderful it is to live with these thoughts.

Indeed, this event is worth remembering and we cannot help but to look forward for the next celebration. The uniqueness of celebrating it makes the event meaningful. How nice it is to see the smiles of everybody freely given to everyone even to strangers. 

At the end of the day after joining the fun we can claim that we have shared our big, wide smile to everybody without discrimination. That we have smiled against all odds and we had proved to all that Bacolod City is indeed the City of Smiles.

Tags: Travel Philippines, Filipina, White Beach, Dive Sites, scuba diving, traveling, Cebu

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One of the oldest learning institutions in Manila, and in the Philippines, is the University of Santo Tomas, or UST. Philippine national hero Dr. Jose Rizal studied Medicine in this centennial university. Other heroes and some Philippine presidents also graduated here. A short trip to this historic university captures the grandeur of the past in the present setting. It traces history back in 1611.

UST, or fondly called “uste” by generations of benefactors, was built in 1611 on approval of no less than King Philip II of Spain. Named after St. Thomas Aquinas the Dominican priest, UST was first situated inside the Intramuros Wall (Manila at the time was a walled city) as a convent and seminary. It mostly offered courses in theology, philosophy, grammar, logic, the arts, and other related courses.

In 1871 it began offering Medicine and Pharmacy. Later in 1927 UST was transferred in a 220,000 square meter lot in the Sulucan Hills in Sampaloc, Manila where it now sits right at the corner of Espana (or Quezon Boulevard Extension) and Lacson Avenue (former Forbes avenue). Well, the hills are gone today and UST campus in Manila is on a flat ground clustered with old and new buildings, a hospital, and abundant trees and parks. Other courses were eventually offered. Plans are made for an upcoming UST Laguna, General Santos City, and even Sri Lanka.

The main building was built also in 1927. This historical building in Manila allegedly boasts of being one of the first earthquake-proof buildings in the Philippines and Asia. This historical building in Manila is said to sway with earthquake motion. It is styled in classic Baroque architecture, of perfect symmetry, with an interesting look-out tower in the middle.

In World War II, the conquering Japanese Army converted UST campus into a prison camp. Lots of Filipino and American soldiers were imprisoned and reportedly tormented here. It was one of many buildings damaged when Americans attacked to liberate Manila from the Japanese. After restoring this historical building in Manila, other buildings were added, like the popular UST hospital.

Today, besides having its grand history preserved in the walls of its historical building, UST Manila boasts of some 35,000 students, state-of-the-art learning and medical facilities, a modern gym, managed parks and greeneries, and other modern amenities. Its remarkable historical, scientific, and medical museums are often field trip destinations of other schools. The air of past and present grandeur can still be had in a short visit there.

Tags: Scuba, Dive Sites, Tourist Destinations, philippines travel tips, Filipina, Pinay, scuba diving

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