Philippines Guide
For Travelers, Expats and Pinoys
The World in a Single Tour
The history of the Philippine Islands has been shaped by many factors since its existence for more or less thousands of years ago. The diverse culture of the native Filipinos, which has lineages from different neighboring countries, has helped pave the way for more rich and vast culture compared to some other countries. Not to mention the colonization of Spain for a span of three centuries, the Philippines already had a vibrant culture which attracted seafarers and voyagers long before.
The archipelago which consists of 7, 100 plus islands is indeed a sanctuary of a variety of scenic spots and pristine panoramas. From the northernmost tip of the country to the southernmost spot, no one should miss a single creation of nature full of splendor and majesty.
The Mountain Province is one of the most famous spots in the country because of its “Rice Terraces” which was claimed as one of the wonders of the modern world. Located several miles from this point is the famous Summer Capital of the Philippines and even out of it, is Baguio City. The “City of Pines” as most people call it, is visited by thousands of tourists every summer to enjoy the cool and relaxing temperature which reaches even negative degrees at some point.
From the rocky mountains of the Mountain Province, let us slide to the world-renowned Subic Bay which is famous for safari adventures and also for the dolphins and other oceanic spots. Located miles from Subic is the Hundred Islands of Pampanga where one can tour the sea scattered with hundreds of small islands.
Another very popular scenic spot in the Philippines is Mayon Volcano in Bicol- which also belongs to the wonders of the world along with the Rice Terraces. What makes this volcano very different from others is that it is shaped in a perfect cone displaying an ethereal beauty especially during a clear day. And just recently, Bicol has launched another tourist destination in Camarines Sur- the Water Sports Complex. This is a three hectare complex where water sports enthusiasts can do all their tricks. This destination has been a very hot spot netting up to three million in a single month.
In the Visayas group of islands, the famous Chocolate Hills are also a must-see. It is a place where hundreds of hills are located like drops of chocolate. In this place, the world’s smallest primate “tarsier” also lives close to extinction.
And who could ever forget the world famous Boracay Islands which is visited by thousands of tourists every summer because of its fine white sand beaches and cool surf.
Or try the Maria Cristina Falls- which is claimed as one of the most beautiful waterfalls. Or how about the famous colorful vintas in Mindanao.
Lots of choices. Hundreds of chances. No other place can give you such a grand and diverse experience. Traveling in the Philippines is indeed an experience comparable to traveling the whole world.
Philippines Restaurant Guide
Ayala Center in Makati, Philippines is the most prominent development center in the city that is home to a myriad of shopping, dining, hotel and recreational establishments. One of the well-known shopping malls in the area is Ayala Center Greenbelt in Legaspi Village. This large-scale mall is divided into five areas, each of which has its unique theme. Greenbelt 5 is a new addition to the development and is home to upscale Filipino dining establishments (among other businesses). So here is a Philippines restaurant guide for Filipino fine-dining in Greenbelt 5, Makati.
Restaurante Pia Y Damaso
The first establishment in this Philippines restaurant guide is Restaurante Pia Y Damaso at the second level of Greenbelt 5. The place has an intimate and cozy ambience of white and grays. This restaurant is famous for its local cuisine that has often been described as colonial. That is menu that high society enjoyed which, in this case, was leaning towards the Spanish colonial history in the country.
Their signature dishes like callos (tripe stew) and lengua (ox tongue) and other entrées range from 250 pesos to 600 pesos. Desserts, however, are more of contemporary sweets like truffle cakes and cheesecakes consecutively named Sisa and Maria Clara (both names originating from a Filipino novel, Noli Me Tangere, by Dr. Jose Rizal).
Fely J’s Kitchen
Fely J’s Kitchen, the second café in this Philippines restaurant guide of Filipino fine-dining at Greenbelt 5, is also on the second floor. First impressions as you enter the establishment would include a homey-feel with its wood panels, furniture and old pictures hanging on the walls. Present-day local favorites are served in Fely J’s like beef mechado, adobo, ginataang gulay and kaldereta with a price range of 250 pesos to 450 pesos per main course.
Travel Café Philippines
Travel Café Philippines is a noteworthy dining place this Philippines restaurant guide because it is conceptualized by Tourism Secretary, Ace Durano. The goal is to promote tourism in the country by sectioning off the café and naming them after regional destinations and by appropriately captioning menu items as well.
Some of the notable items that Travel Café offers is the Alamid coffee or Civet coffee. Though the place concentrates more on coffees like kapeng barako and local house blends, they also serve regional fare like kare-kare, menudo, and chicken tinola for about 250 pesos and above per entrée.
This Philippines restaurant guide for Filipino fine-dining Makati includes: Restaurante Pia Y Damaso, Fely J’s Kitchen and Travel Café Philippines. So if you manage to drop by Ayala Center and are yearning to experience upscale dining with local fare, you only need to go to the second floor of Greenbelt 5 in Legaspi Village where all the establishments in this Philippines restaurant guide are situated.
Sorsogon Sightseeing and Activities
Sorsogon is best known for its beaches that borders almost the whole province. Because the province’s beaches are the most popular Sorsogon tourist destinations, many of the enterprising local investors are geared towards providing more options and services for the local and foreign travelers.
Watching the Whale Sharks of Sorsogon
Anyone who has done Sorsogon sightseeing will surely name watching the whale sharks of Donsol as one of the best sights in the province. If you are lucky, you will be amazed to find up to fifteen whale sharks (locally called as Butandings) swimming near the bancas (boats) miles from the shore. Don’t forget to take a good camera with you because this sight cannot be found anywhere else in the country or in the whole world.
Whale Shark Interaction
Some people can’t get enough of the whale sharks by just watching them that they even try to get up close with these harmless creatures of the Sorsogon waters. The Butandings are friendly animals that they can sometimes be playful with human beings. If you are interested in swimming and interacting with the whale sharks, inform your travel agent or the resort personnel to help you make the arrangements.
Other Water Activities in Sorsogon
When you are on the beach, whether you would like to be active or to relax, you’ll never run out of activities that will suit your preferences. The white sand beach of Gubat is starting to be popular with travellers who preferred to relax and to enjoy the views of the shore. For the more athletic tourists, there are resorts that offer rental equipment to those who would like to snorkel, dive, Jet Ski or surf at the waters of Sorsogon.
Sorsogon Festivals
Travelers who would like to experience some land-based merriment should try their best to schedule their trips to Sorsogon during the festival season. Sorsogon has two huge celebrations – the Kasanggayahan Festival and the Pili Festival. If you are coming during the month of October, the Kasanggayahan Festival will entertain you with the Pantomina sa Tinampo, which is a courtship dance with movements resembling that of doves.
On the other hand, if you are coming to Sorsogon during the last week of June, try not to miss the Pili Festival, which is also the celebration of the feast days of their patrons St. Peter and St. Paul.
Because of the huge eco-tourism potential of Sorsogon, more and more local and foreign investors are looking for ways in establishing business in the province. The local government welcomes this by the continuous building of roads, health and business establishments and other structures that will attract more investors to explore their opportunities in Sorsogon.
How to Better Enjoy a Travel Destination
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.
Tong-its: Poker Filipino Style
Tong-its is the most popular card game in the Philippines. It is being played everywhere, by people from all walks of life and various age and sexes. Its history and origin remains unknown, but the spirit of fun can be felt during the game, no pressures unlike other card games.
This has been the favorite past time amongst Filipinos for generations. During the start of the game, it may seem that players are helping one another, but in the end there is always a winner who gets to take home the pot.
Just like any card game, Tong-its has its rules to follow.
This is played by 3 players, the dealer deals out 12 cards to each player and an extra card for the for them for a total of 13 cards. The dealer will start first, by discarding 3 straight flush or trio (tapon), then the next player (the one to the right) can choose either to take the discarded cards or pick a card from the deck (bunot).
If the player chooses to pick the discarded cards then the player has to discard 3 cards with the card the player picked up. If the player chooses to pick a card from the deck, it will just complete the flush or trio and no need to open their cards. A player also has options to connect (sapaw) to any set of open cards, either by extending the straight flush or adding 1 card to a trio making it a 4 of a kind.
After that move a player has to discard one card to end the turn. One of the best strategies is to drop at least one completed cards to make it difficult for the other player to call a draw. There are also some tong-it things to avoid; out of cards meaning when the deck is gone and one of the players completes their card the game is over.
Each player will count their cards, whoever has the lowest number of cards wins. Tong-it, a player can call this if one is able to drop and connect all the cards at hand. A player can call a draw if one had opened the card and thinks that the opponent has a higher point total. If a player called a draw and nobody opened then the caller wins the game. If a player has burned cards (sunog) meaning the game ended and still has not opened the cards, he has to pay the winner extra (if playing for money).
In this game, there are ways of betting if it is a money game. A peso is dropped into the pot for winning, and an extra peso for tong-it, sunog,and draw. The winner of the game is called hitter, who will be in charge of dealing the next round.
Indeed, this simple card game had gained much popularity. The rules are very easy to understand. Moreover, it is really fun and it can really take away one’s boredom. Not to mention, earning a few bucks.
From its humble beginnings, now the game has evolved with technology. There is now PC software for this game, where one has to play against the computer. There are also some websites where one can play on line (check security first). In the future, tong-its will be played by people from different parts of the globe with as much enjoyment as Filipinos.
Zamboanga Hospitals and Health Care
One of the most visited and fast improving cities in Mindanao, Zamboanga City provides inviting and comfortable health care establishments where people can seek high quality medical services. Patients who do not have enough money to pay for expensive medical costs can seek assistance from public Zamboanga hospitals and health care institutions. Aside from these institutions, residents in the city can always go to private medical establishments that feature advance equipment and devices for the diagnosis and treatments of different diseases. Some of the most accessible and popular health care establishments in the city are featured below.
Zamboanga City Medical Center
Zamboanga City Medical Center is a tertiary hospital in the city that offers efficient services to people who need serious medical help. Some of the physicians serving in this health care facility are expert in the fields of pulmonology, surgery, immunology as well as pediatrics. To assist patients who need immediate medical response, this private institution also specializes in emergency medicine. Situated along Governor Lim Avenue, the medical center is very accessible to the different modes of public transportation in the area.
Ciudad Medical Center
Ciudad Medical Center is another inviting and accessible health care facility in Zamboanga that provides quality medical services to patients. Located along San Jose Road, patients will not have difficulty finding the establishment since it is near to various commercial establishments like retail stores and small dining places. To help individuals who need immediate health care assistance, this medical center assigns competitive and responsible medical staff at the emergency room. Additionally, this hospital has spacious wards and air-conditioned private rooms where people with serious illnesses can be admitted. Above all, patients can ask discounts from physicians to lessen their hospitalization bills.
Camp Navarro General Hospital
To accommodate and serve patients who cannot afford to pay for the high medical bills at private health care facilities in Zamboanga, the city government has established the Camp Navarro General Hospital. There are no consultation fees at this place but patients should allot money to purchase the medicines that they need. The physicians serving at the general hospital are competitive, diligent and responsible. Some of the medical professionals working at the establishment have sufficient understanding on family medicine, surgery, emergency medicine as well as obstetrics. To accommodate people who need serious attention from health care professionals, this medical establishment has well ventilated rooms and clean wards. In addition, Camp Navarro General Hospital has advance laboratory equipment.
Bohol Destination Guides
Overview
Bohol because of its topographical features is usually known for the Chocolate Hills but not everyone knows that the Chocolate Hills is not the only reason visitors flock to this place. In fact there are several Bohol destinations that not many know about because it is not as advertised as Boracay or Palawan.
Chocolate Hills
One’s imagination can go wild at the thought of the Chocolate Hills and these grass-covered mounds look somewhat like flat topped Hershey’s kisses. This Bohol destination can be seen in postcards but nobody can capture all 1000 hills in a single frame. The legend of the Chocolate Hills is known to every resident of Bohol and it is believed that these mounds were formed from the tears of a sad giant. The scientific explanation of the Chocolate Hills though is that these mounds were formed from a very rare geological process. Regardless of how this Bohol destination was formed, these hills which turn completely brown during the summer are a natural wonder.
Baclayon Church
One can hardly expect to visit any place in the Philippines without expecting to come across a church. The Baclayon Church is also a known tourist destination because of how old it is. This Bohol destination was built in the 16th century by the Jesuits and aside from the architecture which is several centuries old, a tour inside the Baclayon Church would lead one to a storeroom upstairs where the rarest antiques and artifacts can be found, most of which are even older than the church itself. The preservation of these artifacts at Baclayon Church is a constant challenge for its caretakers because of the limited funds and quite a few priceless items have been squandered by thieves.
The Hinagdanan Cave
Moving away from the Baclayon Church which is man made, the Hinagdanan Cave is nature’s work of art. The crystal clear water illuminated by two skylights, stalagmites and stalactites all add to the beauty of this Bohol destination. Diving from the boulders is possible here because the water is deep and it’s safe enough.
The Chocolate Hills, Baclayon Church and the Hinagdanan Cave are just three of Bohol destinations that showcase the beauty of this area. The residents of Bohol exude warmth and hospitality and it’s so easy to feel right at home here. Natural wonders are at one’s doorstep when a visit to Bohol is made and the good news is, going on a vacation in Bohol is probably more affordable than anywhere else in the Philippines.
Philippines Hotel Guide
For a more enjoyable and hassle-free stay in a hotel in the Philippines, here are some practical Philippines Hotel guide tips traveling folks should remember.
First, it’s advisable and saves travelers a lot of woes to always reserve in advance with a Philippine hotel before leaving one’s country. Choose a hotel that has a shuttle service to pick up client-guests from the airport to the hotel. Also have itinerary and hotel accommodations pre-arranged in the different places to be visited in the Philippines. This is a very important Philippines hotel guide tip that should make everything work out well as planned and save tourists lots of time and keep them from troubles.
Second, always have pocket money or loose change in Philippine peso denomination, especially before getting to a Manila Airport. It would also be advisable to have some dollar bills available in hand, but keep most of them (especially money in foreign denominations) in banks accessible through ATM or credit cards. The adage to travel light is so true when traveling in the Philippines. So a Philippines hotel guide tip here is the less things we hand-carry, the better, especially when we’re past the airport and in the streets of Philippine cities looking for or proceeding to a hotel. And anyway, many hotels are near ATM booths.
Third, it is safer to travel around Philippines cities, especially when scouting for a hotel, with a resident Filipino companion one knows well, or recommended by someone one knows well. It’s easy to be lost in the streets in this country, and not all local folks can be helpful in such times. Bringing Philippine street maps may be helpful, but this sometimes only makes one’s being lost more obvious to some unscrupulous people. To be sure, there are many friendly and honest locals around, but being extra careful won’t hurt. So, as a vital Philippines hotel guide tip, have a local resident as a traveling companion.
Fourth, choose hotels with travel agency offices or ticketing booths inside them which are relevant to one’s flight options. This way, travelers won’t have to leave their hotels just to secure plane or ship tickets. Not all tourists are booked in packaged tours. Some love independence and adventure and try to find their way around the Philippines by themselves. For this option, make sure to get a hotel with the necessary ticketing and travel needs. That’s a convenient Philippines hotel guide tip.
Travel to and around the Philippines is generally safe. However, as in other countries, there are basic Philippines hotel guide tips for safety and traveling convenience.
Philippine Hot Spots
Want to relieve stress from work?
To some people, seeing new places is a good way of getting back to reality. Planning a vacation usually is time consuming and you also have to consider your budget.
It doesn’t have to be far to consider a vacation worth taking. There are lots of places that can offer satisfaction without the need to go to far off places. There are beaches, swimming pools, bars, and parks, restaurants and tourist spots that are not only cheap to visit but also accessible.
To people who love to go out with the family, there would be the beach which offers a chance to bathe in the sun, go fishing, or just enjoy the view. Some tourists love the climate here in the Philippines, so you would see a majority of Japanese, Americans and Koreans at the beach escaping the winter back in their own country.
At the beach you can buy lots of things that you don’t normally see everyday. There would be souvenir items like weird key-chains, shades, and caps and bracelets. But beware, there are lots of people who take advantage of tourists who are not familiar with the place. There were reports of loosing valuables like money jewelry, cellular phones, credit cards. It is best to keep these things with you all the time.
As soon as you sense something out of the ordinary, it is best to report to the local authorities. If you are going to leave your valuables in the hotel, make sure that you lock them up before leaving in the hotel safe or room safe.
For people who don’t have the time to go out with friends during the day, they can visit the different bars in the metro. But beware of those pickpockets who roam around in the those places. Being drunk and all, you might not even sense that someone is already taking your month’s worth of salary.
Parks are also one of the most visited places in the country. In fact, it is very popular with students and lovers. Not only do they get to relax, they also get the chance to enjoy the moment with their loved ones. In some parks, there are so called “calesas” driven by a horse. Some photographers love the idea of taking panoramic pictures while riding on these calesas.
They say that best things in life are for free. The freedom to choose to travel to wherever you would want to go is definitely one of the best.
Travel Hot Spots
The Philippines is situated at the heart of the Southeast Asia. It is composed of almost 7,100 islands. Those island is divided into 3 main regions; Luzon, where the country’s capital is located (Manila), The Visayas, and Mindanao.
The climate is mainly tropical and as such the weather is divided basically into 3 seasons; summer from March through May, rainy from June through November, and cold (well, cold for the Philippines) December through February.
For most tourists, traveling in the Philippines is not difficult. There are various methods of transportation including but not limited to ferries, taxis, jeeps, buses, or even tricycles. Filipino people are warm and friendly and usually willing to help a lost tourist. Even in the most modern times, most Filipino people remain hospitable to everybody, especially towards tourists who are just taking a vacation on the islands and need some help to find a place.
It is very easy to get accommodations as well. In most parts of the country there are an abundance of hotels, apartelles and houses that one may rent for a short periods of time.
Foreign exchange is also not a problem because almost all monetary units can easily be converted into Philippine Pesos. In addition to that, major credit cards are accepted nationwide.
Communication is never a problem here as most Filipinos can understand and speak English at least to a degree to find help or get information. Also, mobile phones and internet cafes are everywhere so you are never out of touch.
Taking a vacation in the Philippines is not only for summer. All year round there are many places to visit here. In Luzon, for example, you may take a day tour in Manila and see some historical places such as Luneta, Fort Santiago, National Museum, and many more places of interest. If you want to do some nature tripping you may want to check out the Parks and Wild Life or the La Mesa Water Park.
Further south, you can visit places like Tagaytay and take a breath taking view of the Taal Volcano, Batangas for the beach and water sports lovers, or down in Visayas, you can go to the famous island of Boracay, famous for its captivating white sand beaches.
Or perhaps a visit the city of Cebu is more to your liking. Then, in Mindanao, you can go to Palawan and see world class resorts, breath taking dive spots, or be one with nature by visiting some of the island’s secluded beaches.
Indeed, the Philippines Islands are one place anybody would surely want to visit. It is filled with breath taking views, one of kind delicacies, and most of all you will be welcomed by warm hearted Filipinos who will ensure you that you will feel most welcome to these fair lands.
[Tags]Tagaytay, Manila, Wild Life, Philippines, Fort Santiago, Visayas, Lake Taal, Volcano, Boracay, Mindanao, Cebu[/Tags]
