Philippines Guide
For Travelers, Expats and Pinoys
Zamboanga Sightseeing and Activities
Overview
The bustling province of Zamboanga is the southern jewel of the Philippines and those who have been here before will all agree that this place holds many natural wonders. Zamboanga sightseeing is a must because the City of Flowers has many attractions that are simply endearing. In addition to the many different places to see in Zamboanga, the residents are also very hospitable end exhibit Filipino warmth.
Metropolitan Cathedral of Immaculate Conception
Topping the list of our Zamboanga sightseeing list is the Metropolitan Cathedral of Immaculate Conception. This Zamboanga sightseeing destination is not just for the devout Christian, many visitors from different religions have found that this place has a certain solemnity. The Metropolitan Cathedral of Immaculate Conception is the home of the Archdiocese of Zamboanga and this location carries very significant Roman Catholic artifacts.
The Metropolitan Cathedral of Immaculate Conception was first built 11 years ago but the ground where the cathedral stands has always been a parish dating back to 1810. An aerial view of the grounds will show that it looks like a giant cross and a candle, symbolic of the Virgin Mary and Jesus. The Metropolitan Cathedral of Immaculate Conception has two floors with the ground floor dedicated to chapels and the top one exhibiting several saints.
There are also religious edifices on display here, collected and preserved from the 19th century. The Metropolitan Cathedral of Immaculate Conception is often visited by devout Catholics who feel that this is a good place to find peace and have a conversation with a Higher Being.
Pasonanca Park
The next Zamboanga sightseeing destination that one should definitely not miss is the infamous Pasonanca Park. The Pasonanca Park was constructed in 1912 during the time of then Governor Pershing and this Zamboanga sightseeing destination was only finished during the term of Governor Carpenter.
A lot of planning and attention to detail went into the construction of this Zamboanga sightseeing destination and from the very first time it was opened to the public until today, there is no other park like it. The Pasonanca Park is where one will find a diverse fauna and there is close to a thousand different kinds of orchids and trees.
The Pasonanca Park epitomizes the ‘City of Flowers’ and presents it in such a beautiful light and one will definitely not regret having visited this place. Whether one goes to Pasonanca Park to take pictures of just admire the scenery, this Zamboanga sightseeing destination provides an experience like no other.
Dipolog Sightseeing Guide
Dipolog has a lot of scenic tourist spots to offer and visitors often wonder what places they should start with. This Dipolog sightseeing guide ought to help. Here are the first 5 recommendations.
Linabo Peak
Where else can tourists get a panoramic view of Dipolog, Dapitan, and the Sulu sea all at the same time except from the Linabo Peak? This breath-taking climb hits 3 birds with a stone, so a foremost Dipolog sightseeing guide recommendation should be a visit to this mountain peak. To reach this peak, visitors need to traverse the 3003 concrete steps up Linabo Peak which is nothing short of what the penitent faithful suffers each Lenten season. The awesome experience close to being on top of the world is a fascinating tour delight that augurs well of what more to expect from a Dipolog sightseeing adventure.
Cogon Park
It’s a rare opportunity to see hardwood trees in lush clusters in an actual forest. Trees like Nato, Rattan, Tianong, Lumbayao, duguan, Narig, Mayapis, Lauan, Acacia, Narra, Yemane, Molave, Teak, and Mahogany. Cogon Park has all these and more. Wild animals in their natural habitat, enthralling camping sites, mountaineering spots, picnic cottages, plus the awesome Sungkilaw Falls are only examples of things that will surely lure tourists to this place. Thus, this Dipolog sightseeing guide urges visitors not to miss Cogon Park.
Punta Corro or Sta. Cruz
Here is where tourists can visit an altar built in 1895 which was personally designed by the national hero Dr. Jose Rizal. And people can see why this is among spots in the province strongly recommended by this Dipolog sightseeing guide. Not even in Manila or Laguna, where Rizal spent his childhood, will people see an architectural composition by the great hero himself. The altar is inside a Roman Catholic cathedral along Rizal Avenue and near the town plaza. It was built in 1895.
Dipolog Fountain Monument
Situated at the Estaka Turno junction, this monument with a fountain amid a garden reflects the strong faith of the people of Dipolog. They erected this monument, with three statues lifting a bowl to heaven, as a gesture of their thanksgiving to God for bountiful harvests. The three statues also symbolize the three main types of early settlers in Dipolog and in Mindanao. This is among the top four recommendations of this Dipolog sightseeing guide.
After seeing these four tourist spots suggested by this Dipolog sightseeing guide, visitors may proceed to other scenic places in Dipolog.
Davao Beach Guide
Davao is one of the most modern cities in the Philippines. Tourists go there to visit the city and have a vacation on some of the best beaches in Davao. The beaches of Davao are just as clear as the beaches in other top vacation destinations in the Philippines. You can do many activities there as well like water sports. The word “Davao” come from the terms daba daba which literally means fire. This word came from the early tribes who lived in Davao which are the Manobos, Samals, Bilaans and some Aetas.
Beaches in general are like jewelries. When it becomes a fad many people buys it and wear it then the value of it gets reduced. The more people go to a beach the more it becomes cheaper and somehow loses the private or exclusive appeal. Some beaches in the Philippines do not give you much privacy and peace anymore because it has become as busy as a small city. Davao beaches are somehow spared from this fact. You can still enjoy some beaches in Davao that are not packed with people and establishments for an affordable price.
1. Malipano Island – This is a beach that is nearer to Samal Island than the other islands. You can stay in one of the seven villas. The villas are secluded so guests can be assured of utmost privacy. stands a view hundred meters off Samal Island and is the site of the seven executive villas. Malipano Island has a golf course with 3 holes and a beach with white sands. The villas are made of ethnic materials from the Samal tribes and Maranao tribes. Four of the villas are put up directly in the sea like a traditional house of a family in Samal. The other three villas are situated on the rocky formations just right above the main beach. Inside the villas are three main structure of octagon shape. There is a living room area, receiving area, guest room and dining area. The roof is also shaped like the salakot which is a popular Filipino worker’s hat.
2. Samal Island – This is another popular beach in Davao. It is known for the pristine waters and the white sand of the beach. The whole island has different hotels and resorts where you can stay and enjoy swimming and some water sports. The beaches here are just like the other beaches in the Philippines you will always find a tall coconut tree and some mangrove trees. Most of the resorts have put up dikes to mark their territories over the waters. In Samal there is an Island Garden City. You can get there by riding a ferry from Davao. The place has hills, caves, waterfalls and coves. The beach is covered in white sands. The primary mode of transport is the local motorcycle. The typical rate is twenty pesos for one person. Some people are hesitant to ride in motorcycles and so they wait for the jeepneys that pass by at time. Some people just stay in the resort and on the beach where there are plent of water activities to do.
On weekdays you will find that are just two tourists visiting the resort which makes the place full of serenity. You will be able to enjoy the fresh breeze from the beach and you can just relax and read the book and enjoy the view. The current in Samal are generally calm so after sunbathing you may want to snorkel and see the school of fishes under the waters and view the corals underneath.
General Santos Shopping
Rising from the ashes of the old mall that was destroyed by fire about 4 years ago, you can now experience General Santos shopping at the newly-constructed and airconditoned KCC Mall. The old building used to be located at Osmena Street at the now Koronadal City as a fabric store. Eventually it developed into a shopping mall located at General Santos Drive.
Afterwards, the KCC Warehouse Club was established in General Santos City. The new building was destroyed by fire paving the way for the establishment of KCC Mall of General Santos, the biggest mall in Cotabato.
KCC provides a wide array of the best products General Santos shopping has to offer. You can get local and imported clothing at wholesale price. Its supermarket located at Level 1 has 82 checkout counters. There is a Food Court as well as popular American restaurants such as KFC, Dunkin Donuts, Pizza Hut, to name just a few.
Planning to book tickets for your trip to Manila or other places? KCC is home to a couple of travel agencies. Level 3 is the haven of gamers as well as six mini-cinemas complete with Digital Sound. Aside from that, there is a Skin Center, Dental Clinic, Spa, Beauty Salon, Barber Shop as well as regional offices of the two leading telecommunication companies Globe & Smart.
KCC also has an Internet cafe with over 30 computers providing the lowest rates at PHP20 an hour. Likewise, there are cellphone shops, a hardware, and a computer shop. Operations starts at 9 am and ends at midnight after the last full show in the cinemas. There is free parking space at Level 3 and supermarket level.
The store also sells clothes made by local manufacturers at affordable prices. Looking for souvenir shirts? They are available at US$3 per piece. There are discounted models of cellphones, Filipino crafts, religious items, among others. KCC Mall is located at J. Catolico Sr, Avenue, General Santos City.
General Santos shopping will become even more worthwhile as the SM Group of Companies is expected to open SM City General Santos come 2011, simultaneous with that of SM City North Davao. It will be first SM mall in General Santos City and the third in the whole Mindanao peninsula after SM City Davao and Cagayan de Oro. It will house common fixtures in any SM establishment such as SM Appliance Center, Movietime, Department Store as well as stores like National Bookstore and Toy Kingdom.
Exploring the Prestigious Hotels of Davao
Davao’s hotels include many types from the lavish to the mundane and they are considered as one of the city’s important economic sources. People from all parts of the Philippines visit Davao’s hotels in order to see its famous exclusive and ordinary hotels and dine in its fine restaurants.
The hotels of Davao are among the fastest growing economic sectors in the city. In fact, Davao hotels by themselves are recognized as multi-million peso and still a progressing business in Davao. The hotels of Davao are among the major economic forces in the city as its enables growth and creation of job opportunities.
The hotel business in Davao has employed over a thousand workers who are distributed within various Davao hotels, totaling a revenue generation of billions of pesos. From recent records, the hotels of Davao have indeed become one of the most competitive businesses in the Philippines.
In spite of the increasing popularity of these hotels as an urban tourist destination, certain hotel business issues affect the influx of tourists and the revenue acquired from this business. The problem in competition for example, is one of the growing concerns of the hotel business in Davao. Fierce competition happens among the best and well-known hotels, such as Davao City Hotel, Apo View Hotel Davao, Marco Polo Hotel Davao and Insular Century Hotel Davao.
In addition, customer satisfaction is one of the highly significant priorities in the business. Being the major source of tourism revenue, the hotel business owners of, for example, the Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao, Davao Galleria Hotel and Davao Grand Regal Hotel are applying various strategies that will enhance the experience of visitors coming to the city.
One of the main issues relevant to the need of assessing service quality is the significant transitions that Davao’s hotels must undergo. One of the recognized changes was the transformation of its first class and ordinary hotels. The once conventional hotels were converted into modernized ones. This transition implies the apparent increase of small firms providing tourism services at present, while the first class and ordinary hotel business in Davao used to be dominated by a few producers.
In other words, the hotel owners in Davao now have a number of accesses to strategies and factors that amplify business competition. While this tendency has in many ways improved the overall state of the hotel business of Davao City, hotel owners also encounter difficulties to operate their businesses successfully, making the evaluation of service quality all the more essential.
Hotel owners have also stated that the competition in the hotel business is augmented by new strategies introduced and implemented by various hotels. With the introduction of information and communication technology (ICT) in some of Davao’s hotels such as Davao City Hotel, Apo View Hotel Davao, Marco Poo Hotel Davao and Insular Century Hotel Davao, and the inclusion of other technological facilities, tourists have more options and control over they type of hotels they want to stay in.
Hence, with the present advancements, first class and ordinary hotels in Davao are giving more importance to specialized and enhanced forms of services for tourists, especially the service quality in these hotels.
[Tags]Davao, Philippines, Tourism, Mindanao, Davao Hotels, Service, Restaurants[/Tags]
General Santos Hospitals and Health Care
Considered as one of the Philippines’ most competitive cities, General Santos City in South Cotabato aims to enhance the health conditions of residents in the area. To attain the objective, the city government allots budget to improve the facilities of public health care units including the General Santos District Hospital and SOCSARGEN County Hospital. In addition, the government also approves the openings of numerous tertiary General Santos hospitals and health care establishments like the Mindanao Medical Center.
General Santos District Hospital
General Santos District Hospital is a public health care facility that provides cheap services to the residents in the city. This health care establishment has well-ventilated rooms and capacious rooms where patients can stay comfortably while receiving treatments from their physicians. Aside from general medicine, this medical care unit specializes in other areas like pediatrics, immunology, pathology and surgery. Individuals who want to set appointments with the physicians serving at this place can communicate with any of the administrative staff by calling (083) 302-0759.
SOCSARGEN County Hospital
Patients who are in search for public General Santos hospitals and health care institutions that use modern facilities and equipment can always go to SOCSARGEN County Hospital, which is situated at the corners of Arradaza Street and Bula Lagao Road. To assist patients who do not have sufficient money to pay for the rising medical costs at private medical establishments in the city, this institution provides discounted medical supplies and free consultations to the residents of South Cotabato. In addition, the place features a clean and comfortable outpatient area. Patients who have serious illnesses can call (083) 553-8906 to get immediate medical help from physicians at this establishment.
Mindanao Medical Center
One of the outstanding tertiary hospitals in the southern region of the Philippines, Mindanao Medical Center has modern facilities and advance medical devices that physicians use to diagnose the health conditions of patients. This health care unit in General Santos City supports the different projects of the Department of Health like the Healthy Lifestyle Campaign, which was launched to raise awareness about the health problems that are commonly experienced by the residents in the area. To accommodate patients who are in great need for regular check-ups and immediate medical assistance, this health care establishment features numerous rooms and capacious wards. When it comes to specializations, the medical center employs medical professionals who have ample understanding on various fields like oncology, pathology and general medicine. Aside from these, patients can also get free medicines and vaccines by visiting the outpatient department of this establishment. In case of emergencies, individuals can seek help at Mindanao Medical Center by calling (083) 553-3985.
Zamboanga Sightseeing Guide
This Zamboanga sightseeing guide will give you a tour of the place known as the Little Spain in the Philippines. You’ll immediately notice the heavy mix of Spanish with the vernacular the minute you talk to any of the locals. Nowhere has there been heavier Spanish influence here in the Philippines than in Zamboanga City.
Let’s begin our Zamboanga sightseeing guide with the natural attractions you’ll find here. Zamboanga has a lot of beautiful beaches that bring in local and foreign tourists. Three of the most popular beaches here are Bolong Beach, the pink sandy coral beaches Santa Cruz Island, and ever-famous La Vista del Mar. Another interesting place to see here is Pasonanca Park, which is also known as Little Baguio. Pasonanca Park is famous for camping and a cool retreat from summer due its elevation of 500 feet above sea level.
We now move on to the man-made attractions in our Zamboanga sightseeing guide. You’ll find traces of Spanish architecture all over Zamboanga City. Some of the surviving structures you’ll find would even date back to the Spanish era. For instance Fort Pilar was built in 1635 to ward off marauders. Today it stands as a shrine that marks a historical site in the Philippines.
Zamboanga’s City Hall was built in 1905. The construction was initiated by the Spanish but was taken over by the Americans when they took over. Five minutes from the city hall is the Pettit Barracks, named after James S. Pettit, a colonel in the United States Army when they captured the city.
Another reason to visit Pasonanca Park, aside from the cool soothing temperature, is its aviary. Located seven and a half kilometers from the city proper, you’ll find various local and foreign species of birds on display. It won’t be uncommon to find families spending an afternoon here.
We’ll now look into some of the delectable highlights in our Zamboanga sightseeing guide. A tour of Zamboanga won’t be complete without sampling the delicacies that make it famous. You can visit any of the alfresco and outdoor restaurants to sample the best of Zamboanga cuisine. Much of the food served are Spanish with a local twist, which is a bit unique in this part of the Philippines. Some of the must sample dishes are pochero, callos de andalucia, and arroz valenciana.
To cap off our Zamboanga sightseeing guide we have the cultural celebrations that occur year round. Zamboanga City is famous for its cultural activities that include enchanting song and dance festivals. The city streets become one of the most colorful ones in the Philippines. The most popular festival here is the Regatta de Zamboanga. It is a festival of many colorful sailboats that highlights a race across the nearby waters.
This Zamboanga sightseeing guide highlights many of the unique features of the city. It is truly one of the peculiar places in the Philippines that deserves the title of Little Spain.
Dipolog Travel Guide
One of the fast-developing cities in the southern part of the Philippines, Dipolog City plays home to numerous natural and manmade tourist attractions. Aside from these spots, many people visit the city for its interesting and attractive festivals. Hence, for travelers who have interest in visiting the place, there are Dipolog travel guides that can help them be informed and knowledgeable about the city. Additionally, these guides also offer information on places to stay, dine, and visit in Dipolog City, Philippines.
Accommodations
When it comes to accommodations, most Dipolog travel guides offer sections on hotels, lodges, and inns that people can find when they visit Dipolog City, Philippines. For those who are in search for places where they can have a luxurious stay, they can always take a look at the facilities of some famous hospitality service providers in the area such as Top Plaza Hotel, Hotel Camila, and Elizabeth Hotel. Meanwhile, for those who are in tight budget, they can make advance reservations at any of the lodges and inns that provide affordable accommodations, including West End Court Inn, CL Inn, and Rodriguez Inn. Above all, Dipolog travel guides also feature pension houses where travelers can experience the comfort of being in their own homes.
Dining
In terms of dining,
Anot Dipolog travel guides feature restaurants that offer delectable and sumptuous meals to everyone. For those who crave for Filipino dishes, they can always check the menu of some dining places in Dipolog City, Philippines, which include CL Fastfood, Chip’n Lechon Manok, and Morgia’s BBQ and Lechon Manok. Hence, those who prefer to have a wonderful dining experience, they can always visit Roadside Café and Restaurant, Seafoods Park and Restaurant, as well as Seven Treasures. For the convenience of all travelers, Dipolog travel guides include the location of restaurants that they feature in Dipolog City, Philippines.
Tourist Destinationsher significant feature of Dipolog travel guides is the section that features tourist destinations in Dipolog City, Philippines. Some of the natural attractions in the place are Villaester Hot Spring, New Castle Mountain Range, and Ads Hot Spring. Meanwhile, for those who like to visit manmade attractions in the city, they can look at Patriot Monument, Linabo 3002 Steps, and Cogon Eco Park.
Travel guides will surely help tourists have a great and memorable vacation and trip to Dipolog City, Philippines. With the special features on accommodations, dining and tourist destinations, people will not experience hassles and problems during their stay in the place.
Butuan Festivals and Events
Overview
Aside from the many tourist attractions in Butuan and the warm hospitality of the locals, there is another reason why visitors often go here. There are many Butuan festivals all year round that are only celebrated here and every year these events become more colorful and livelier thereby drawing more and more visitors to this place.
Kahimunan Festival
Like the rest of the Philippines, Butuan has its patron saint and it is the Santo Nino. The Santo Nino is the Spanish word for baby Jesus. The Kahimunan Festival is in honor of Santo Nino and this Butuan festival has been celebrated since time immemorial. The word ‘kahimunan’ from the Kahimunan Festival means get together or gathering. During this Butuan festival the streets are lined with locals who have prepared dances for the occasion, theatrical performances and other religious ceremonies. The street dancers during the Kahimunan Festival practice months before the event and on the actual day they are dressed in traditional colorful costumes complete with accessories. One should think of the Kahimunan Festival as the one day of the year where all performances are offered to the Santo Nino so that He may continue to bless this province and its harvest. This Butuan festival is held in January on the third week thereof, and the Kahimunan Festival can be said to be a combination of something cultural and something religious.
Adlaw Hong Butuan
Since Butuan became a city, the Adlaw Hong Butuan has been celebrated year after year. During this Butuan festival, government and non-government organizations honor its present government as well as its former leaders who have contributed a great deal to Butuan becoming a chartered city. One must bear in mind that before a place can be declared a city, there are certain legal requirements that must first be met relating to economic status and population among others. The Adlaw Hong Butuan is held every August 2nd and the activities that are done on this day are held at the City Hall. Among the activities during the Adlaw Hong Butuan are beauty pageants where the Ms. Butuan City is crowned, it is a time when there are beautiful decorated floats that roam the streets, motorcades and of course, street parties complete with local bands. The main event though of the Adlaw Hong Butuan is the Palagsing Festival which is a contest of who can make the longest sticky rice cake. The best part is yet to come though because at the end of the contest, everyone gets to try the sticky rice cake. The Adlaw Hong Butuan is truly very different as compared to other Butuan festivals.
Davao Festivals and Events
Overview
The land of the exotic fruit, Durian, has much more to offer than just delicious fruits and wonderful looking flowers. Davao festivals are highly anticipated events and many visitors go to this place in the southern Philippines to enjoy a lively and highly entertaining day.
Kadayawan Festival
Celebrated in August and the focus being on the indigenous group that have lived in Davao since centuries back, the Kadayawan Festival is an interesting event that captures the culture of this sector. The indigenous group of Mindanao has gone through many experiences in the past, both good and bad, and their journey is depicted in the presentations made during the Kadayawan Festival. There are two parts to this Davao festival and they are the Lumadnong Kasaulogan and the Subay sa Lumadnong Kagikan. The first part of the Kadayawan Festival is the main event and here, the indigenous group’s culture and arts are on display. Part of their culture is the colorful hand woven costumes that they wear everyday and the members spend a lot of time making them. The Kadayawan Festival also showcases the traditional dances of the indigenous group and some of their handmade crafts can be bought during this Davao festival. The second part of this Davao festival, the Subay sa Lumadnong Kagikan will help the visitor learn about the impact that this group has on the Filipino artists from years back to present. The Kadayawan Festival is also about the history of this indigenous group and their importance to today’s society.
Araw ng Dabao Oryental
Another great Davao festival is the Araw ng Dabao Oryental. The whole of Davao celebrates this event with grandeur. The parades on the streets of Davao will surely get one’s attention with rhythmic beating of the drums and the fast beat dancing of dancers dressed in colorful costumes during the Araw ng Dabao Oryental. Even the malls celebrate this Davao festival by showcasing products of Davao and selling them at discounted rates. There are numerous beauty pageants during the Araw ng Dabao Oryental, and contestants from those below 12 years of age and up to 25 can participate. There is also a music fest during the Araw ng Dabao Oryental and numerous bands play at the SM Mall Event Center. Everybody is welcome to join the festivities or just simply watch the events that transpire during the lively celebration of the Araw ng Dabao Oryental. At the end of the day, an amazing fireworks display illuminates the night sky.