Philippines Guide
For Travelers, Expats and Pinoys
Iloilo Shopping
One of the highly progressive economies in the western part of Visayas, Iloilo City features a number of large shopping malls and other commercial centers. Just like its enchanting tourist spots, these establishments help the city attract more people from various parts of the world including local tourists. Check out the souvenirs, special products and other merchandises that these places have to offer and experience the excitement that only Iloilo shopping can offer.
SM City Iloilo
As part of one of the biggest shopping mall chains in the country, SM City Iloilo offers almost everything that people need in their lives. It has a department store, where people can shop various kinds of clothing for men, women and kids. Likewise, it also has a separate section for teenage clothing and dress. For sure, children will have a great time visiting the toy section, where they can find the latest and most wonderful toys available today. The shoe section is also very impressive as it offers different types of footwear including, leather, casual and rubber shoes. Your Iloilo shopping experience is not complete without checking this place out.
Robinsons
Just like SM City, Robinsons is also part of one of the highly successful shopping mall chains in the country today. This place has state-of-the-art cinemas featuring the latest and hippest films in the world of entertainment. People find this place very attractive because it is less crowded compared to other commercial centers within the area. It has a department store where shoppers can purchase highly affordable clothes, shoes and other exciting items. It holds regular sales and other enticing promos in order to draw more people to shop. It also has a food court, where tired customers can reenergize their bodies with different kinds of great tasting food and thirst quenching drinks.
Ilonggo Producers Association Trade Center
For people who are looking for handicrafts and other native products, Ilonggo Producers Association Trade Center is definitely the right place to go to, as it offers a wonderful collection of merchandises that reflect the ingenuity of Ilonggos. Here, customers can buy colorful paintings, beautiful woodcraft as well as native baskets of various shapes and sizes. There are also different kinds of fabrics, furniture and bags available inside this place. Furthermore, it also houses different types of local food and pastries.
Atrium Shopping Center
Atrium Shopping Center is one of the favorite hangouts for many people living within the area. It features a large supermarket where people can purchase their everyday needs including frozen goods, detergents and other important personal items. Many expats love to shop at this place because it offers fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as different kinds of imported goods from various parts of the world. In addition, it also has a home store, which offers kitchen equipment and other household appliances.
Zamboanga Festivals and Events
Overview
Many know Zamboanga because of the beautiful flowers that grow here and the thriving businesses but not all are aware of the brilliant Zamboanga festivals that keep visitors coming back to this region in the southern part of the Philippines. One might be wondering what makes these Zamboanga festivals different from the events celebrated in other parts of the country but once one has attended a single celebration, it is a hundred percent guaranty that there are no other festivals that can compare to it.
Regatta de Zamboanga
Let’s take the Regatta de Zamboanga as an example. Done annually during October this Zamboanga festival is one of the most entertaining and colorful. Boat racing has never been this fun or amusing to watch. The locals make their own vintas or sailboats just for the Regatta de Zamboanga and regardless of whether they win the race or not, they go home proud and happy that they are able to showcase something that they have worked on for several months. Every history book about Zamboanga would have something in it about vintas but very few would be able to describe the Regatta de Zamboanga with such conciseness. The atmosphere at this Zamboanga festival is almost party-like with all the colorful sails and the contestants dressed to kill in equally colorful costumes. The Regatta de Zamboanga is an event sponsored by the local government and hence one can expect prestigious awards at this event.
Flores de Mayo
Derived from the Spanish term that means “Flowers of May”, Flores de Mayo is a Zamboanga festival that has been celebrated for over a century, dating back to the Spanish occupation of the country. Flores de Mayo lasts for a whole month and no other Zamboanga festival will exhibit the devotion of the Filipinos to the Catholic faith. Flores de Mayo is in honor of the Virgin Mary and this is an event that is participated in by children as they are the ones designated to bring flowers to the statue of Zamboanga’s patron. Although Flores de Mayo is not really unique to Zamboanga, but the way that this province celebrates it is different. One of the highlights of this Zamboanga festival is the Santacruzan which is a series of parades held in the streets where Christian items such as bibles and statues of saints are showcased. The children in particular look forward to the game at the end of the Flores de Mayo called “pabitin”, where children are blindfolded one by one and would have to crack a clay pot filled with goodies.
Puerto Princesa Shopping
Overview
Aside from water sports and other outdoor activities, Puerto Princesa offers another enjoyable activity that everyone will appreciate. Puerto Princesa shopping is something that we all need to do just before our vacation ends so that we have souvenirs to bring home to friends and family and as memorabilia of a great vacation.
Iwahig Souvenir Shop
The Iwahig Prison Colony is not a place where one should be afraid to go to. Though this is a penal institution, it is also one of the tourist attractions in Puerto Princesa. The prisoners that are able to mingle with the tourists are low security prisoners who are not threatening and during one’s tour, a guard is always around to accompany the visitors. The Iwahig Prison Colony is a community where prisoners are taught productive and legal ways to earn a living so as to rehabilitate them. Puerto Princesa shopping is incomplete without making a stop at the Iwahig Souvenir Shop where the items made by prisoners are sold.
There are actually two Iwahig Souvenir Shops within the premises of the Iwahig Prison Colony. One is found in the main receiving area and the other Iwahig Souvenir Shop is located by the natural pools. What’s good about this type of Puerto Princesa shopping is that even if one only has a very small budget for souvenirs, one will surely have enough to buy more than just two items. The items that are on display at the Iwahig Souvenir Shop are key chains, wooden ashtrays and figurines, hand made accessories such as necklaces and bracelets, pens and many other small items. Puerto Princesa shopping does not mean that one has to spend thousands because at the Iwahig Souvenir Shop, one can buy a souvenir item for as little as Php 15.
Kamantian Handicraft
Since we’re talking about Puerto Princesa shopping and if one has a keen liking for handicrafts, another good stop is the Kamantian Handicraft. Similar to the Iwahig Souvenir Shop, there are many handicrafts for sale at this store and pretty much everything it sells is finely crafted. The Kamantian Handicraft’s focus is on Filipino culture and the ethnic tribes who have lived for centuries in the area. The members of the indigenous groups themselves sell their hand-woven items to the Kamantian Handicraft. Among the good finds here for one’s Puerto Princesa shopping are figurines, rainmakers, sticks made from mahogany and bamboo canes. Kamantian Handicraft is found on Rizal Avenue in the town proper of Puerto Princesa. The Kamantian Handicraft also sells many useful household items.
Mountaineering in the Philippines
They say: “If you can’t beat it, join it.”
As with many life-changing decisions that people make, many people became full-fledged outdoor enthusiasts for many reasons. It only used to be a dream, so far-fetched they never imagined that someday they would be among the privileged few who, despite a chaotic schedule, would still find time to commune with nature, meet new friends, discover hidden wonders, and have the pleasure of writing about it.
Mountaineering has been in existence for years. In the Philippines, it met its glorious height in the early 1990s. Ascents to the country’s highest peak have become more frequent that throughout the years thousands have conquered and survived. The sport itself has lured thousands in its web of danger, challenges and risks.
Many were lured into the sport itself. How could they not with mountaineer friends from all over the Philippines? These people would often tell stories about their climbs, their treks that many have become envious of them. They weren’t comfortable about it at first. They fought so hard but they couldn’t beat the desire to experience it myself so they joined.
And it was one of the greatest decisions they’ve made and they’re extremely glad they joined. It brought me so much pleasure that they would gladly go exploring some more despite the dangers and risks it poses and a chaotic schedule – especially now when most people do both day and night shifts at work. Not only that they would also help promote tourism in their own little way.
The islands in Panay abound in places worth laying eyes on. One only has to have the passion and daring to visit them. One can witness the majesty of nature in its ethereal seclusion for just a day. To bask in the allure of nature doesn’t have to be spending a night or two sleeping on the earth. Take our journeys for example, we explored three caves in Guimaras Island for a day. We climbed five waterfalls in Barotac Viejo for a day too. We bouldered the rocks of Dingle that have been withered by time for a day also. But if you really want to feel the extremes in the wilds, then go camping for a night or more.
Believe me. You will find it refreshing and soul-gratifying.
Got Scabs? Climbing salves are now available so you don’t have to worry.
Live with courage. Have a passion for the outdoors. Be a nature lover for a change.
Forget about scabs.
They’ll heal.
Mine did.
His did.
Ours did.
Yours will too.
[Tags]Philippines, Outdoor Activities, Mountaineering, Caves, Rocks, Guimaras, Mountain Climbing, Spelunking, Panay, Highest Peak[/Tags]
Makati Festivals and Events
Overview
Makati City is known as the most progressive city in the Philippines. Towering skyscrapers and the most successful businesses have their office in Makati but this is not to say that the city has forgotten its residents and the spirit of being a community. The community celebrates festivals annually and among those are Bailes Delos Arcos and the Xong Di Festival.
Bailes Delos Arcos
Bailes Delos Arcos has been dubbed as one the most exciting festivals that the city celebrates every 29th of June. Its literal translation is “Dancers of the Arch” and this festival both the older and the younger generations participate. Bailes Delos Arcos is no small time festival since the dancers that perform have to practice for a whole year for this one day event. Being a devout Christian country and in honor of Makati’s patron saints Virgen Dela Rosa, St. Peter and St. Paul, the female dances put on a spectacular performance dedicated to them. Only certain families in Makati perform this and the tradition as well as the method of dancing Bailes Delos Arcos have been passed on from generation to generation. Bailes Delos Arcos is performed annually in Barangay Poblacion.
Xong Di Festival
Xong Di Festival on the other hand is considered the most educational of all the festivals celebrated by this high class city. Xong Di Festival, is highlighted by colorful costumes and accessories similar to those worn by the ethnic tribes in China. This festival is more for the Chinese community and its aim is to show that there is so much similarity between the Filipinos and the Chinese. Xong Di Festival, shows the brotherhood between the Chinese and Filipinos and how the two Asian cultures have embraced each other through the centuries and continue to do so today. A street parade is held during the Xong Di Festival, and this is celebrated right after the Chinese New Year so there is no ficed date for this.
Ganito Kami Noon
If the Xong Di Festival is festival that celebrates the brotherhood between the Chinese and Filipino communities and the Bailes Delos Arcos commemorates the patron saints, Ganito Kami Noon is a tribute to the past. Ganito Kami Noon is held every June 1 at the city hall and all participants can wear either native clothing or what they used to wear and what was considered stylish during their time. Ganito Kami Noon is a festival celebrated only by Makati and its purpose is to make sure that no one particularly the youth forget about the past, the Filipino culture and the lessons that can be derived from years back. Ganito Kami Noon is a ball open to all residents of Makati at the end of which, the Mayor gives out awards to outstanding government officials. Ganito Kami Noon closes with a spectacular fireworks display.
Philippines Festivals and Events
Fiestas are eagerly awaited events in the Philippines. The festivals celebrate the happy nature of the Filipinos. Whether it be for honoring the patron saint, or a harvest rite or commemorating a historical event, Filipinos celebrate every event.
Some of these Philippine Festivals even attract local and foreign tourist. Street dances, fluvial processions, floral parades, reenactments are some of the attractions of Fiestas. Below are some of the Festivals that are celebrated in the Philippines.
Feast of the Black Nazarene
Every Ninth of January, Filipinos from all walks of life congregate in Manila’s Quiapo Church to honor and give thanks to the Black Nazarene. Many Filipinos claim that the church’s Black Nazarene statue is miraculous. Devotees claim that the Black Nazarene has answered their prayers.
The religious devotion of the Filipinos is showcased in this day. The statue of the Black Nazarene is place on a carriage and pulled by thousands of male devotees along the streets near Quiapo Church.
Ati-Atihan
The Ati-Atihan Festival is celebrated every third week of January in Kalibo, Aklan. This Philippine Festival is a combination of historical commemoration and religious homage. It commemorates how Bornean chieftains and the local Ati King Marikudo reached a deal to settle the land during the thirteenth century. Locals also give thanks to its patron saint Sto. Niño during this celebration. The main feature of this Philippine Festival is the street dance where soot-blacked people dressed in Ati-Atihan costume dance in the street along the accompaniment of drums.
Panagbenga
Every last week of February, residents of Baguio take to the streets and celebrate Panagbenga. A parade of floats decorated with locally grown flowers is the highlight of this Philippine festival. Another attraction of this festival, is the street dance. Local schools compete in a street dance competition. Students of each school are dressed as Baguio flowers and perform in a choreographed dance. Thousands residents and tourist line up the sidewalks to watch the schoolchildren dance in the streets.
Pahiyas
In Lucban, Laguna, residents give thanks to its patron saint San Isidro every 15th of May. Houses are colorfully decorated with fruits, vegetables and kiping (leaves colored with dyed ground rice) as materials.
Parada Ng Lechon(Parade of Roasted Pigs)
Lechon or Roasted Pigs has made Balayan, Batangas famous. This locally delicacy is in demand around the Philippines. To showcase this famed Balayan product, residents dress-up their roasted pigs as politicians, celebrities, even saints. These dressed-up lechons are paraded around town. On-lookers can partake of the lechon as they are paraded around town.
Penafrancia
Celebrated every September 16 in Naga City in the Bicol Region. This Fiesta honors its Patron the Virgin Mother Mary. The highlight of this event is the fluvial parade.
Feast of San Clemente/Higantes
Very last week of November, residents of Angono, Rizal honor their patron saint San Clemente by paraded giant paper mache puppets. Another feature of this festival is that residents are dowsed with water as the procession marches on.
Giant Lantern Festival
San Fernando, Pampanga is famous for its beautifully made Christmas lanterns. To showchase this artistry, the Giant Lantern Festival is held every December. Enormous Christmas lanterns with intricate designs and elaborate twinkling light bulbs compete with each other for the festival’s top prize.
Cebu Shopping
The island of Cebu has plenty to offer when it comes to malls, boutiques and stores. Shopping in Cebu is not only for the masses who would like to buy affordable items but it is also for the elite searching for designer fashion and upscale boutiques. You can find absolutely anything in this city in just a day. Let us introduce you to the hotspots of the city.
For those who are looking for affordable accessories, clothes and toiletries should be seeking out Metro Gaisano which is located right in the metro of Cebu City. This mall is not too big but it can often become a little overcrowded so take good care of your purses or bags. You can find a food court in the top floor so that you can relax and take a lunch break while shopping. You can even fill your refrigerator at home with the groceries bought at Metro Gaisano.
The next mall that makes shopping in Cebu a delight is SM which stands for Shoe Mart. The mall however has nothing to do with shoes but it offers a variety of different stores, restaurants and salons. Shopping in Cebu and especially in SM is great because this mall is huge and you can be sure not to have to bump into strangers. Get the latest affordable fashion items from various boutiques such as Guess, Maldita or Penshoppe. You will also find The Body Shop and Watsons as well as several popular fast food chains such as KFC, McDonalds or Pizza Hut.
The ultimate destination if you are going to go shopping in Cebu is the Ayala Mall. Ayala is synonymous for class, elegance and designer fashion. If you are going shopping in Cebu to hunt down the most exclusive stores then you are in the right mall. The Ayala mall has several international brands on display such as Linea Italia, Guess, Marithe Francois Girbaud, Nine West, Hush Puppies and so many more. You will also find the designer shop called Rustan’s within the Ayala mall. Rustan’s in the Philippines is known for the most expensive and most stylish designer items and shopping in Cebu has never been this classy before.
Just like every Filipino city, you will be able to find so-called Sari Sari stores when you go shopping in Cebu as well. These stores that sell native Filipino products can be found in the Ayala mall and in the SM mall. The stores sell local pottery, clothes and house wares. If all these places are not reason enough to go shopping in Cebu, then we don’t know what else could possibly convince you. Enjoy your stay and shop until you drop in Cebu City.
Legazpi Shopping
One of the second-class and most populous cities in Albay, Legazpi offers different shopping options to local people as well as to tourists who want to see the relaxing and beautiful sites in the area. To have a wonderful experience at the place, visitors are encouraged to spend some time at the major Legazpi shopping malls, souvenir shops and entertainment centers. The malls in the city plays home to numerous retail stores that sell cheap items like shoes, dress accessories and clothes. For the relaxation and recreation of tourists, the city has several movie houses that feature interesting local and foreign films.
Pacific Mall
Situated at Landco Business Park, Pacific Mall is a very inviting and popular shopping center in Legazpi City. This establishment has a supermarket where customers can buy food and other things that they need in their homes. To purchase clothes, footwear and accessories that have reasonable prices, shoppers can always check out the items available at the mall’s department store. To have quality time with their friends or loved ones, people can view informative movies at the cinemas. For the comfort of shoppers, Pacific Mall features different restaurants and fast food chains that offer delicious and affordable meals.
The LCC Mall
Another popular Legazpi shopping center to visit that features several retail stores is the LCC Mall. Many local people shop at this place since the items that are available inside the mall were made from high quality materials. In addition to this, the mall is easy to access because it is located along Quezon Avenue, which is one of the busy areas of the city. This is the best place to visit if shoppers are in search for attractive and cheaper formal outfit. In addition, there are small food shops that sell tasty and affordable snacks inside the mall.
Albay District
One of the fine shopping places to visit in Legazpi City is the Albay District. This area features different inviting shops that sell native products and local treats. Many tourists also go to this place at night because it plays home to several bars and bistros. Visitors who also want to relax and shop at the middle of the night can check out the 24-hour stores at this area. Most of the items available at the shops have affordable prices. Moreover, tourists will not have problems locating the place because most of the public transportation vehicles in Legazpi City have routes that pass along Albay District.
Dumaguete Sightseeing and Activities
Dumaguete City, being the capital of Negros Oriental, has many interesting places to visit for a tourist. Different kinds of activities like sightseeing, nature-tripping, swimming, diving can be engaged in by travelers. Parks, animal sanctuaries, historical landmarks, museums, religious shrines, natural landmarks and beaches are destinations that will make tourists enjoy their visit to Dumaguete City.
Right inside the city are destinations for different kinds of activities. Aquino Freedom Park is an ideal place for promenading. Another good place for promenading is Rizal Boulevard. One can stroll along the street and enjoy the waterfront scenery. Perdices Avenue, on the other hand, has many shops for dining and shopping. Meanwhile, the Center For Tropical Studies in Siliman University is an ideal place for nature-loving tourists. Animals endemic to the area like the spotted deer (Cervus alfredi) are showcased in this zoo. For tourists who love arts and culture, the Mariya Gallery and Silliman University Ethno-Anthro Museum are the places to visit. The Dumaguete Belfry in the Cathedral of Saint Catherine of Alexandria, Dumaguete City Hall, and Provincial Capitol are places to visit for history buffs.
Beaches near Dumaguete City are not just for sightseeing and swimming. Snorkeling and scuba diving are popular activities in some of the beaches. Antulang Beach in Siaton boasts of white pebble beach, clear blue water, magnificent rock formations and lush marine life. Apo Island in Dauin is a popular spot for diving. The beaches of Camangyawon Beach, Lag-it Beach, San Moritz Beach,White Sandbar Reef and
Talisay Beach Park are ideal for swimming or just strolling around. Mina’s Undersea World and White Sandbar Reef are ideal places for snorkeling. Diving enthusiasts will enjoy going to Balatong Point.
The more adventurous tourist will not be disappointed with Dumaguete City. Cave formations and mountain trails are available for tourists who want to go trekking. Mabinay Caves has many places to offer for a spelunking tourists. Cayaso Cave boasts of an underground river while Odloman Cave was just cited as the second longest cave in the Philippines. Other caves worth visiting in Mabinay are Baliw Cave, Crystal Cave, Mambajo Cave, Panligawan Cave and Pandalihan Cave.
Mountaineering and trekking are popular activities in destinations like Camp Mapot and Mountain Park, Makawiliwili Ridge, Mount Canlaon and Mount Talinis. For picnics and camping, Forest Camp, Whuthering Heights and Veranda of the World are the places to visit.
Nature and animal lovers have several destinations to choose from. One can visit Bais City for dolphin and whale watching. Talabong Mangrove Park offers tourist to see the diverse flora and fauna within the mangrove forest.
Butuan Sightseeing and Activities
Overview
The ancient place of Butuan has long since played an important role in Philippine history, having been the venue of many significant events. When one is planning on some Butuan sightseeing, one should know which places to go to, to learn about the roots of the inhabitants of Butuan and understand its culture that seems to have been preserved by time.
Mount Mayapay
Mount Mayapay has always been a Butuan sightseeing destination and though one might not initially understand what’s so great about a mountain, one will get a deeper understanding of why this place is so famous. Mount Mayapay stands at over two thousand feet and this mountain has been completely carved by nature in stone. The entire Caraga region stands in awe of Mount Mayapay and this is a product of centuries of work by Mother Nature.
This Butuan sightseeing destination is very close to the Agusan Valley and many climbers have been known to attempt climbing it. Climbers are after a certain natural high and they say that upon reaching the top of Mount Mayapay, the feeling is extraordinary and the adventure one of a kind. For those who are not in the mood to climb this very tall mountain, one can simply trek until the middle, take pictures of the scenic view and breathe in the fresh mountain air. Mount Mayapay is a Butuan sightseeing destination that every member of the family will enjoy.
Agusan River
If one is planning on doing some Butuan sightseeing, one should definitely take a boat ride along the Agusan River. A big part of the culture and a significant portion of Philippine history are preserved along the banks of the Agusan River where many locals live up to this very day. The Agusan River is said to be the largest navigable river in the entire Visayas region and the boat ride itself is close to two hours.
Once in the boat, one will notice that this is a different kind of Butuan sightseeing experience especially since one is not just confined to the waters. In fact, the boat will dock at several of these communities where tourists can mingle with the friendly locals and buy a couple of souvenirs. The importance of the Agusan River should not be undermined and a local festival is held in honor of it annually named the Abayan Festival. If one is wondering why these communities have decided to settle along the banks of the Agusan River, it’s because from centuries ago, commerce was facilitated mostly on waters and not on land.