Philippines Guide
For Travelers, Expats and Pinoys
Subic Bay Destination Guides
Overview
Nobody really knows Subic Bay that well because it’s only recently that tourism in this part of the country picked up. Because there isn’t much information on Subic Bay destinations, many tourists hesitate to go here thinking there’s little to see for visitors. Contrary to such thinking though, there are wonderful Subic Bay destinations that once visited will change how one looks at this place.
Zoobic Safari
Gaining popularity among children and adults is the Zoobic Safari, a zoo unlike any other in the Philippines and comparable to the really famous ones in Asia such as the Night Safari in Singapore. There’s just something about animals that touches a soft spot among adults and especially children and Zoobic Safari offers that once in a lifetime opportunity to see and understand these creatures. Among the attractions at this Subic Bay destination are the Aeta’s Trail, where interaction with the indigenous group Aetas can be made as well as a chance to see their way of life, the Croco Loco, which is an encounter with adult and baby crocodiles in their natural environment, the Serpentarium and the Savannnah to name a few. There is even a museum at the Zoobic Safari called the Animal Muzooeum which is educational as it is a chance to learn about the evolution of animals.
If one feels that a day at the Zoobic Safari is not enough, the good news is that there is a hotel at this Subic Bay destination called the Zoobic Lodge at Tiara. This small hotel found about 20 minutes away from the Zoobic Safari has first class amenities and provides excellent customer service and they make it a point that their guest’s stay is truly memorable.
Bat Kingdom
Another interesting Subic Bay destination is the Bat Kingdom which has over a thousand bats that has made it its home. The biggest type of bat known as the Fruit bat can be found at the Bat Kingdom as well as the smallest of them all named Bamboo bats. This Subic Bay destination is very accessible from other tourist spots and public transportation so dropping by shouldn’t be a problem. The Bat Kingdom charges an entrance fee of Php 100 for adults and Php 70 for children. The other known tourist destinations that can be found near Bat Kingdom are the Subic Golf Course, Subic Park Hotel and the Apaliin Trail. The Bat Kingdom also has a small souvenir shop inside.
Legazpi Destination Guides
Overview
Legazpi City is recognized by several prestigious organizations for its potential and the recent boom of its economy and infrastructure has aroused a lot of curiosity especially among tourists. There are several Legazpi destinations that one ought to visit when in this city in Bicol and these are just among the wonders of this highly urbanized city.
The Legazpi City Museum
Many people learn not off the textbooks but through visuals and sensory experience. The Legazpi City Museum found in Albay showcases the rich history of the entire Bicol region with emphasis on Legazpi. This Legazpi destination is not just for those who have a keen interest in Filipino history and culture, anyone even children can enjoy a trip to the Legazpi City Museum. Legazpi City Museum is divided into several parts and one will notice that what stands out the most is the collection of antiques from ancient times when clans ran the city. There have been several archeological digs in Legazpi City alone and most of those found are on display here. Legazpi artists are also becoming known around the world for their passionate works of art and some of the most beautiful and thought provoking artworks are on display at the Legazpi City Museum. What’s good about the artworks on display at this Legazpi destination is it doesn’t focus only on the present era but there are also works that show the dominant styles of the past. The Legazpi City Museum is about 20 minutes away from the town proper of Legazpi City.
Mayon Volcano
Nobody goes to Legazpi without making a visit to the Legazpi destination of Mayon Volcano. What’s so great about a volcano, one might ask. This Legazpi destination is actually on the very top of the list when it comes to tourist attractions in Albay, having been considered as one of the world’s wonders. The Mayon Volcano is a little over eight thousand feet and it is the only volcano in the world that has a perfect cone. Eruptions of the Mayon Volcano are actually awaited because it is a spectacular sight especially at night when the red lava pours down its sides. Although the Mayon Volcano erupts more frequently now, such eruptions have not been considered threatening to the locals living nearby. There are also several souvenir shops at the foot of the Mayon Volcano where one can indulge on the affordable gift items that one can buy at this Legazpi destination.
Ambling at UP Diliman
Where to go for a weekend trip in Quezon City for a peace of mind, leisurely walk, and unwinding the stresses of the previous week? UP Diliman campus can be a very rich experience for a simple amble on wooded and shrub bordered grounds.
UP Diliman is a few minutes away from Quezon Memorial Circle or Philcoa if one takes a leisurely jeepney ride from these points to this perfect place for a weekend trip. A grand welcome awaits the visitor after the University Avenue. At the main entrance of the campus where the bronze Oblation monument stretches its arms in a warm gesture of reception.
From here, the various roads into the campus, like the T.M. Kalaw and Osmena Streets, are lined up with huge trees affording natural sheds for a quiet and refreshing hike around the campus, and which makes it a good one for a weekend trip.
The Oblation statue was transferred there from UP Manila to signal the start of a new UP chapter. Out there in the vast 493-hectare sprawling land in Diliman, this gorgeous site for a weekend trip was conceptualized for a wooded haven very conducive to study and athletics.
The campus ground was used as a new site for UP in 1949. But not a few also saw it as a sanctuary for spiritual retreat and physical unwinding on a weekend after busy engagements the week before. Thus, in the middle of soccer bouts, softball games, Frisbee throws, and other athletic activities, joggers and amblers can be seen in the sidewalks and byways of the campus, or lone figures ruminating life or examining an art subject, or perusing mind-boggling books for a hobby.
This weekend trip target is further made exhilarating by the Sunken Garden immediately past the Oblation and the library behind it. An amphitheater and lagoon makes it very appealing for leisurely walks and group studies, or even light calisthenics to blend in with the sportier atmosphere about a stone’s throw away.
The campus also has an arcade and shopping center to quench nagging thirsts or pacify hunger pangs that often come with a good workout. What makes this place more a destination for a weekend trip is that somewhere near the arcade is an Olympic size swimming pool, with lockers and shower rooms. Then not far is a gym, and there’s even a provision for light amusement activities such as bowling and billiards.
For excursionists or plain strollers seeking a place to unwind and recharge, UP Diliman campus can be a promising sight to see or a hideaway haven.
Tacloban Sightseeing and Activities
Tacloban City, the capital of the province of Leyte, has many destinations for tourists who want to go sightseeing and do other fun activities. Places such as parks, historical landmarks, religious shrines, museums and beach resorts offer tourists to engage not just in sightseeing but also other activities as well.
Right in the heart of the city, a sightseeing tourist has several places to visit. The Tacloban City Children’s Park and Playground, Plaza Libertad, Maria Kannon Garden and Philippine-Japan Peace Commemoration Statue and Park offers tourists to feast on the sights and sounds of Tacloban life. The Leyte Park Resort and Tacloban City Hall and Park give sightseeing tourists a breathtaking view of Samar Island and Kankabatok Bay.
Historical landmarks are plenty around Tacloban City. A tourist on a sightseeing tour will surely know more about the rich culture not just of Tacloban but the whole of Leyte as well. The Santo Nino Shrine and Heritage Museum has artifacts that show the history and culture of Tacloban. Since Leyte was the first province liberated from Japan during World War II, history buffs should visit Redona House (this is where President Sergio Osmeña, Sr. resided during the Liberation of Leyte), CAP Building or Price Mansion (the headquarters of General Douglas MacArthur), Leyte Landing Memorial in Red Beach, Palo and the Monument to the Filipino Soldier.
Shrines and centuries-old churches offer sightseeing tourists learn more about the spirituality of the people of Tacloban. In La Purisima Shrine, one can find a statue of the Virgin Mary that dates back to the Spanish period stands on a hillside. The Palo Metropolitan Cathedral, on the other hand, boasts of its gold-plated seventeenth century altar. Meanwhile, the Santo Nino Church is home to the patron saint of Tacloban City. In Serin District, there is a hill depicting the Stations of the Cross where life like statues of Jesus Christ and other saints are placed along the stations. On top of the hill is an eighteen-foot statue of the Sacred Heart.
For rest and relaxation, which are activities most enjoyed by tourists, can be experienced at several resorts in and around the city. Leyte Park Resort not only gives sightseeing tourists to enjoy panoramic views. Swimming and snorkeling are also popular activities in this resort. Dio Resort or Baluarte San Jose and MacArthur Park Beach Resort give tourists a chance to combine historical sightseeing and rest and relaxation. These resorts have cool waters, fine sand and spectacular views to soothe the body and mind of anybody.
Bring Your Family Together to Enchanted Kingdom
Located in Sta. Rosa, Laguna is a great weekend trip for the family. Enchanted Kingdom is a theme park that is perfect for the whole family. Rides and adventures are available all day long where parents and kids can spend some time together.
Enchanted Kingdom has a lot to offer for you and your family to enjoy. Enchanted Kingdom has several theme parks to explore and learn and rides to enjoy.
The Victoria Park in Enchanted Kingdom features the Victorian era and displays it in elegance. Entertainers leisurely stroll around the park dressed in costumes inspired by Queen Victoria’s era. The Enchanted Kingdom’s mascot named Wizard will be among the ones welcoming you. The Grand Carousel is Victoria Park’s centerpiece attraction. Try the magical ride in Enchanted Kingdom through its Victoria Park.
Portabello is another zone in Enchanted Kingdom, which is a replica of a place in the Caribbean Sea. It features treasures hidden by the Spanish sailors. Portabello hosts the Rio Grande — Enchanted Kingdom’s largest attraction — a wet and wild adventure for the family. Other attractions in Enchanted Kingdom’s Portabello are the Flying Fiesta, giant swing ride, Xtreme Paintball, Portabello Show, and 4D Discovery Theater.
Boulderville is a zone in Enchanted Kingdom that’ll be a sure treat for the kids. This zone has a prehistoric theme with dinosaurs as main characters. Rides like Air Pterodactyl, Bumbling Boulders, Boulderville Express, Dinosaurs, and Stone Eggs are sure to excite the kids. Children of any age will be delighted with Enchanted Kingdom’s play facilities like Petreefied House and Rock Quarry. Puppet shows and dinosaur mascots will entertain you in this zone of Enchanted Kingdom.
Other attractions that you are sure to enjoy in Enchanted Kingdom are the following: Steeple Chase Arcade, Anchor’s Away, Roller Skater, Clown Show, Dodgem, Up, Up and Away, Midway Show, Wheel of Fate, Bump N’ Splash, skill and video games, and performances of mime artists, jugglers, and clowns. All these attractions can be enjoyed in Enchanted Kingdom’s zone called Midway Boardwalk.
Brooklyn Place is another zone in Enchanted Kingdom where slapstick comedies and silent movies are reminisced. Rialto, a motion simulator theater is the main attraction where you’re a part of the movie not just watching it. Ride the Funhouse Express, watch the Broadway and Brooklyn shows and enjoy the parade of entertainers down a cobblestone street.
Want to experience a spine-tingling speed flight? The Spaceport zone of Enchanted Kingdom has it. The 11-story-high Space Shuttle will let you experience an upside down turn six times. This is the first coaster ride of its kind in the Philippines. Other attractions are Sky Wizardry, Wizard’s Tale, Go-Kart ATV, Exodus the Ride, and Kart Trak.
A jungle adventure is offered in Enchanted Kingdom’s Jungle Post. A tranquil Swan Lake, Safari Shootout, the exciting Jungle Log Jam, and Amazon Hoop Shot are among the adventures that you’ll enjoy there.
Enchanted Kingdom is the best place for adventure rides, fun, and excitement for the whole family. An hour’s travel from Manila to Enchanted Kingdom is not bad in exchange of your family’s quality time together.
A Weekend at the Ayala Museum
We want a good preview of what the country and its people are like before we go on a longer trip. Where do we go first? A good initial step is a weekend trip to Ayala Museum. It is one of the country’s finest museums, displaying quality historical relics, models, portraits, and remarkable souvenir items.
Ayala Museum is right at the corner of Makati and Dela Rosa Avenues in Makati. From EDSA going to Ayala Avenue, the short trip takes two corners and a left turn on Makati Avenue to get to this tourist museum. It was a brainchild of Fernando Zobel de Ayala in the 1950s and actualized in 1967 by Filipinas Foundation, Inc., now known as Ayala Foundation, Inc. This museum was first housed along Ayala Avenue at the Insular Life Building, but later transferred to its present location. The present home of Ayala Museum, a nice target for a weekend trip, was designed by the late national artist Leandro V. Locsin and was finished sometime 1974.
A weekend trip to Ayala Museum with the whole family will prove quite rewarding. It offers educational displays that will stimulate both adults and children. Some 60 handcrafted dioramas (Paete made) are the center piece of Ayala Museum, along with other captivating exhibits.
A short trip to this museum reveals scale models of ancient sea vessels that once docked the shores of the islands. These displays are backed by ethnographic, artistic, and archaeological displays that showcase prehistoric, historic, and present events. Art collections are precious paintings of Juan Luna (1857-1899), Amorsolo (1882-1972), and Fernando Zobel himself (1924-1984).
One of the spectacular sights to be seen in a weekend trip to this museum is the boat gallery that highlights the maritime ingenuity of Filipinos and their seafaring technology that enabled them to cross long distances for trade and commerce. This short trip can also satiate a craving for native artistry by real masters of the 19th century. The displays one finds in a weekend trip to this museum is a depiction of European liberal ideas that influenced our artists in those times.
A weekend trip to this place also exposes one to revealing artifacts un-earthed from ethnic sites around the country—ethnic gears and utensils, weapons, ritual implements, fabrics, native accessories of bamboo, wood, native fibers, and others. One particular collection gleaned in this short trip is the “Kulintang,” a line up of gongs in various sizes. These are placed on an elaborate stool shaped like a “Naga.” A naga is a magical snake famous in Maranoa tales.
Ayala Museum, with its unique displays and collections, is a perfect place for a weekend trip.
The Taal Lake Yacht Club, A Great Weekend Trip
Taal Volcano is one of the famous volcanoes in the Philippines. It is located in Tagaytay City, Cavite. The Taal Volcano may be an active volcano, but in spite of it being active, tourism is really progressing. Just minutes away from Tagaytay Ridge, you will find the Taal Lake Yacht Club. Here you will have a totally different Taal adventure.
The Taal Lake Yacht Club has been dubbed as the sailing Mecca of the Philippines. The Taal Lake Yacht Club staff think of themselves as a club by sailors for sailors. The club allows entrance to non-members too. Membership is more focused on sports than money. Bringing your own food for camping and picnic is allowed. Boat charters are available and sailing lessons to non-members are also offered.
Environmental awareness and family togetherness are promoted in Taal Lake Yacht Club. The club is also concerned about preserving Taal Lake’s ecological balance. School groups and scout troops are welcome in the Taal Lake Yacht Club aside from regular day-trippers and foreign tourists.
The Taal Lake Yacht Club offers environment-friendly water sports. For sailing, they have a yacht-racing schedule, which is the basis for most of their sailing activities. Programs like “learn to sail” and “sail training” are also offered.
Hobie Racing uses Hobie 16s as the main racing class. More than two dozen boats (either privately owned or owned by the Taal Lake Yacht Club) are available for rentals.
Twice a year, the Taal Lake Yacht Club windsurfing fleet holds regattas. They have other boats like small keelboats and sunfishes. Rowing and Kayaking are also offered. If you have no previous experience in kayaking, that won’t be a problem. The Club’s kayaks are easy to use and guaranteed to be unsinkable and unbreakable. Sculls training is also available for beginners.
The Taal Lake Yacht Club also offers trips to Taal Volcano where you get to climb up to the crater! Three different treks are offered: the Tourist Trail and two other Secret Trails. Whatever trail you choose the experience will be unforgettable. A beautiful panoramic view of the Taal Volcano and Taal Lake before your eyes is a welcome treat.
The Taal Lake Yacht Club is about one and a half-hour away from Manila and 20 minutes away from Tagaytay.
If you’re into a lot of fun water activities or just curious and want to learn, come visit the Taal Lake Yacht Club in Tagaytay, Philippines. It is a weekend trip that will delight family and friends.
Fine Dining in Paradise at Portofino Resort
If you’re somewhere in Oriental Mindoro, Philippines perhaps spending a wonderful time in Puerto Galera’s heavenly beaches, if ever you feel like taking time out and try some world class international cuisine then we have the perfect place to recommend.
Portofino Resort in Puerto Galera is an escape from the paradisiacal world of the beaches of Sabang in Oriental Mindoro, Philippines. You may call it a quick trip back to the real world for some well deserved fine dining.
You’ll be greeted by exotic birds when you visit Portofino Resort. It is designed with a Spanish-Mediterranean feel. The first-class architecture gives an elegant atmosphere that adds to the pleasures of your visit.
The quiet elegance of Portofino Resort is highlighted by beauty of the reflected sunset of the Philippines, white sand, and the rising moon at night over the lovely Verde Island right across from the bay. You’ll be treated to a host of different tastes in Portofino Resort.
Enjoy the wide variety of food and drinks offered in Portofino Resort, which includes a special rum drink, quesodillas, Huevos Rancheros, English muffins, and other gourmet dishes prepared and served by the best local restaurant staff in the Philippines.
Four course Gourmet Thai Dinners, Mexican, and local Filipino Gourmet (featuring favorite dishes in the Philippines) dinners are also offered during holidays and weekends at Portofino Resort.
The Portofino Resort also offers a host of fun recreational activities such as catered beach picnics, remote beach lunch, or sunset dinners. It also has a gym where you can work out with a complete set of equipment.
Visitors can also go snorkeling just 40 meters from the Portofino Resort’s patio restaurant. You may also go sea kayaking and wind surfing.
Portofino Resort also hosts waterfall exploration and mountain hiking. They also offer scuba diving at 40 different dive sites.
The accommodations in Portofino Resort are world-class. The place is set in a grove of coconut palms. It stands out as a condo-hotel in the middle of paradise. There are 25 fully furnished air conditioned units. The rooms and accommodations at Portofino Resort have full cooking facilities. It also has a bar and a full service restaurant.
How to get there? You can take a taxi or bus, or drive if you prefer it, from Manila to Batangas. At the pier in Batangas, you may get on a boat going to Sabang Beach. From Sabang Beach Portofino Resort is just ten minutes away by foot.
The Protofino Resort’s manager can also schedule an airport pickup and have you driven by van to Batangas (a two and a half hour drive) where a boat is waiting to pick you up and take you directly to Portofino Resort. The boat ride is about one and a half hours.
Angeles City Sightseeing and Activities
Overview
The City of Angels is known as also known as the center of entertainment in the northern part of Luzon. It is no surprise then that there is a multitude of activities that a visitor can engage in when in Angeles and these are on top of the spectacular tourist sights in the area.
Deposito
Angeles City sightseeing is not complete without making a stop at Deposito which is a facility where religious artifacts are kept. Deposito is not just for devoted Christians, it’s also a good place to visit if one is interested in learning about the history of Angeles and how the Catholic was introduced to the locals. This place that one will visit when doing some Angeles City sightseeing may conjure ideas in one’s mind of a bank because the word “Deposito” is derived from the Spanish term meaning “deposit”. Far from looking like a bank however, this building which was first built in 1899 houses valuable religious paraphernalia, some dating centuries back. When doing some Angeles City sightseeing at Deposito, one will notice that part of this building is now being used as a Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Center. The history of the Deposito though is intriguing, with the establishment formerly used by American forces lock up erring soldiers. This Angeles City sightseeing location was converted into a post office in the late 1960s and about a decade later became a repository of religious artifacts.
Bale Matua
Next thing on our list when it comes to Angeles City sightseeing is Bale Matua which is a well known destination in Pampanga. What places Bale Matua on our Angeles City sightseeing list is that this old house is quite interesting and has many different features. The historic value of Bale Matua should not be undermined, this more than a century old house has seen prominent people stay here temporarily and it shows us the architectural designs then prevailing. Bale Matua was formerly owned by Don Lopez and it was erected in the 1800s. The best part of the Bale Matua is the balcony where the breeze freely flows and the spiral staircase leading up to it. For those who are particularly interested in architecture and history, Bale Matua is the perfect Angeles City sightseeing spot to go to. Despite the fact that there are several historic houses that have been built in Angeles City, the accessibility of this location and the fact that it has been well preserved over the years are just some reasons that draw tourists to it.
Bulacan: A Town of Caves
Biak-na-Bato in San Miguel (de Mayumo), Bulacan is a town of caves. The name suggests a huge rock broken into several pieces or cracked into several openings. Spelunkers, cave tourists and other tourists will love this tourist spot that boasts of more than a hundred caves, complete with stalagmites, stalactites, spring waters, flora and fauna, the works.
Cave tourists don’t have to be expert cave explorers or dwellers to look inside Biak-na-Bato. It’s been open to tourists as a national park since November 16, 1937 by Presidential Proclamation No. 223. It’s safe. Just go right in. Back then, the proclamation covered a total of 2,117 hectares spanning three barangays: Sibul and Biak-na-Bato in San Miguel, and Kalawakan in Trinidad. Today the tourist spot is limited to 659 hectares–all for cave tourists.
Going to this tourist spot is some two hours from Manila. Just hit the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) in Balintawak, Quezon City and the road signs and directions along NLEX will take care of everything for the cave tourist.
There’s an easier route from SM City at North EDSA to San Miguel. Take an air-conditioned hired van (P 50 or a dollar) and sit back shoulder to shoulder with other passengers. From San Miguel, it will be an easy tricycle ride to the spot. In all, the travel will take one to one and half hours.
It is 1897. Emilio Aguinaldo, a young leader of the revolution and would-be president, retreats from Talisay, Batangas to the formidable cave fortress of Biak-na-Bato with 500 men. He finds the mountainous place abundant with streams, forests, rocks, and caves. Limestones like marble tea rose—nothing like it anywhere else and which will be very expensive a century hence—flourish.
There he puts up the short-lived Biak-na-Bato Republic. He was pressured by Spain to give up the quixotic struggle and his cavernous office, but Emilio is stubborn. Spain appoints Don Pedro Paterno to dissuade Emilio. Don Pedro frequented him in his cave headquarters. After five harrowing months, Emilio finally succumbs to a voluntary exile to Hongkong, with $800,000 (Mexican dollars) for him and his leaders.
Emilio signs the pact with Primo de Rivera, the walls of Bukal Cave, also called Aguinaldo Cave, as silent witness.
Today, there’s an arched bridge leading to the tourist spot, Biak-na-Bato National Park, for cave tourists to cross on—an enshrined connection to the glorious past of Bulacan. It is also a bridge that transports one to a scene a century ago when a nation was at the pains of birth.
Aside from seeing the diverse rock openings of this tourist spot in Biak-na-Bato, a visit can also be an experience for cave tourists in reminiscing the historic past of a struggling revolution, a republic, and its national leader.