Subic Bay is known for being the economic hub of the northen part of Luzon. Subic Bay, despite being very modern has annual Subic Bay festivals that it celebrates with much vigor and excitement.
This Subic Bay festival although not very traditional is just as exciting and definitely very interesting. The Scootourista Festival is commercial in nature and it serves as a promotion for several businesses through races and rallies. The scooter is growing in popularity in the Philippines because it’s an affordable means of transportation that can avoid the everyday congestion. Scooters are on parade at the Scootourista Festival primarily because Subic Bay is where many big scooter companies drop off the goods to sell to the Filipino market. Big names such as Honda and Mitsubishi as well as American motorbike brands participate at the Scootourista Festival and races are held between professional drivers. This Subic Bay festival starts in Olongapo and passes through several provinces such as Zambales and Bataan with Subic as the final destination. Scooter enthusiasts who form their own clubs make sure they are in Subic for the Scootourista Festival and there are at least 3000 enthusiasts during this Subic Bay festival. Add this to the eager onlookers and one has a very excited crowd anticipating the rallies and races. During the Scootourista Festival, there are also trade exhibits for scooters as well as for the accessories and parts of the bike. This Subic Bay festival would not be complete without a live band at the end of the evening and the crowd partying until the early hours of morning.
Subic Bay was where the US military base was set up until 1991 by virtue of an agreement between the governments of the US and the Philippines. During the time that the American base was located in Subic, the Americans and the Filipinos lived in perfect harmony and hence the origin of the Fil-Am Friendship Day. This Subic Bay festival is on the same date as the US Independence Day which is July 4 and there are special activities during the Fil-Am Friendship Day. The Fil-Am Friendship Day remembers the combined efforts of the American and Filipinos during the Second World War to achieve freedom from the Imperial rule. Considered as heroes, the soldiers who fought and helped the Filipinos regain their liberty receive the warmest appreciation and thanks from the residents. During the Fil-Am Friendship Day, there are parades, street dancing, plays and various exhibits that locals and visitors enjoy. The Fil-Am Friendship Day ends with an amazing firework display.
Puerto Princesa is a tropical island paradise ideal for honeymooners and families who want to spend some quality time together. There are several Puerto Princesa destinations that help strengthen family bonds or prepare newlyweds for their exciting life together. Even the busy businessman could go to a Puerto Princesa destination to relax and unwind.
Honda Bay has done a great deal in helping Puerto Princesa become the leader in ecotourism in the Phiippines. Honda Bay is a good Puerto Princesa destination because of its beautiful beaches. This Puerto Princesa destination stands out because of the seemingly endless stretch of fine white sand and clear, turquoise sea. There are actually several islets surrounding Honda Bay that are a considered a part of it but the ones most frequented are Snake Island and Bat Island. What makes Honda Bay a favorite Puerto Princesa destination is the fact that once here, there are a lot of activities that one can do and one is not just confined to admiring the natural wonder that it is. Island hopping is commonly done in Honda Bay to see the limestone caves and the bats inside. Swimming, diving and snorkeling are the other activities that one can do when in Honda Bay and for those who want to stay dry, a banana boat ride to see the surroundings is a good way to pass the time.
Another Puerto Princesa destination is the Calamian Group of Islands. Found in the northeast, there are many islets that make up the Calamian Group of Islands such as Coron and Busuanga. The beaches here amazing and one should wait until sunset when it becomes even more picturesque. This Puerto Princesa destination boasts of a thriving diving community and it does have several dive sites from World War II that one can take a look at. No need to worry though that one will miss out because one doesn't know how to dive, there are diving lessons offered at the Calamian Group of Islands with certified dive instructors. Busuanga which is one of the islands that make up this Puerto Princesa destination is considered the biggest island in Palawan and it is surrounded by the South China Sea and the Sulu Sea. There is also a very diverse marine life at the Calamian Group of Islands and the history of this place is just as vibrant. The inhabitants of Calamian Group of Islands are very friendly, welcoming guests with the warmest smile upon arriving at this Puerto Princesa destination.
The summer capital of the Philippines and named so because of the cool weather the visitors and residents experience even during the peak of summer, is a great place to visit and to spend a vacation. Because of its relative proximity to Manila, Baguio is very accessible and once in the city, the different modes of Baguio transportation that will help one get around the city are in abundance and are very affordable.
Because Baguio is on the top of the list when it comes to tourist destinations, it comes as no surprise that it’s actually very easy to get here using different modes of Baguio transportation. If one is planning a trip to Baguio with Manila as the starting point, the easiest and perhaps the most budget friendly would be take the bus. The bus ride is a mode of Baguio transportation that is used by locals when visiting as well as foreigners and one can choose between a fully air conditioned bus to one that isn’t. There is a significant difference in price, with the non-air conditioned bus at only half the price but if one is worried about getting to Baguio all sticky and sweaty, this shouldn’t be a concern. Once outside Manila, the temperature is slightly cooler and the breeze that constantly blows is refreshing. There are several different bus companies that make several trips to Baguio on a daily basis so if one is geared to leave today, there are different schedules to choose from. Bus companies such as Dagupan Bus, Philippine Rabbit and Victory Liner make trips to Baguio almost every hour.
Traveling to Baguio by air is also an option and this Baguio transportation entails a very short trip with Baguio’s Loakan Airport as the final destination. The plane ride is less than half an hour and it costs about Php5000 per person.
Another mode of Baguio transportation is by renting out a private vehicle or taking one’s own. Prepare to spend about Php1000 for gasoline, maybe more for luxury vehicles. What’s good about this type of Baguio transportation is if one is traveling with friends, this could be a really fun ride and one can make as many frequent stop-overs as necessary.
Finally, in Baguio City, the most common mode of Baguio transportation is the van or jeepney. Vans are actually taxis that will take one to any Baguio destination at a minimal cost but if one is a bit more adventurous or is somewhat familiar with the area, the jeepneys have designated routes that can get one where one wants to go.
How about a metro travel from Manila to Laguna, going through 6 cities in a little over an hour, absolutely free from traffic? Impossible? Not with this new travel option which was inaugurated last February 14, 2007. MRT? MRT is fast all right, but it’s not MRT. It’s the Pasig River Ferry Service.
But Pasig smells awful. They tried ferry travel before and it didn’t work---passengers complained of catching the Pasig River’s smell after a ride. Well, accordingly, this new ferry service, launched into operation by President Gloria Arroyo herself, solves the smell debacle by having the catamaran-type ferries fully air conditioned. This ensures a cool, refreshing, and fast travel option from Manila Bay to Laguna Bay, 27 kilometers in all, within an hour or so.
Pasig Ferry Service is a river travel option with some 9 ferries plying the Pasig River route. To get from Manila to Laguna, instead of a traditional travel route taking EDSA and the South Luzon Expressway or the coastal road, this new river travel option bypasses all major routes and their choke points by circumscribing them. The river route passes 14 river stations, 4 of which have been recently built.
Newly built river ferry stations of this travel option are in Sta. Ana and in Lambingan, Manila; one in Baranagy Hulo, Mandaluyong; and on in Guadalupe, Makati. The rest are Escolta, Mexico Plaza, one near Quezon Bridge, one at Polytechnic University of the Philippines, another in Valenzuela in Makati, one each in Sta. Elena and Marcos Bridge in Marikina, one each in San Joaquin and Caniogan both in Pasig City and finally in Napindan in Taguig.
Okay, so we’re safe from Pasig River stench inside the ferry. How about the stations? Reportedly, the stations are air conditioned also to seal off any odor leak. So there should be no more travel worries, this time around, about any disgusting reek attaching onto clothes. It is a travel option with smooth sailing in cool and fresh-smelling circulating air.
The Pasig River ferry travel passes through different urban scenes of the metropolis and gradually eases out to the slightly rural scenes of Cavite and Laguna. This travel option is an attraction, not only for those who want to skip traffic especially in rush hours, but for curious commuters who have never seen how Metro Manila looks like from the Pasig river beds.
A travel option that arouses curiosity is the Pasig River Ferry Service. It quickly snakes through 6 cities bypassing road traffic and city pollution.
Definitely one of the shopping hubs in the eastern part of Visayas, Samar is home to a number of huge malls, souvenir shops and specialty stores. All the wonderful items and products that these commercial establishments offer always leave customers very much satisfied, which contribute greatly to a one-of-a-kind fun and exciting experience called Samar shopping.
Perfect for people who are looking for interestingly beautiful items that they can bring home with them, Wayang Wayang Souvenir Shop offers an assortment of items. This specialty store sells special t-shirts with various colors and designs. Add to that, there are also other beautiful things to purchase such as key chains, ref magnets and mugs. Of course, it also sells paperweights with special designs and inscriptions on them. Inside this store, different kinds of beautiful products are up for grabs for only 200 pesos.
Probably the largest shopping mall in the area, Wilsam Uptown Mall offers customers a wonderful Samar shopping experience. Right inside this building, shoppers can do numerous things aside from shopping. They can eat at some of the food stalls available, which serve different kinds of tasty treats and refreshing drinks. Furthermore, it also hosts numerous fast food chains including those that specialize in Italian, Filipino and American cuisines. For people who are looking for clothes, they can shop for jeans and shirts at retail stores like Bench, Novo and BNY. Paying your mobile phone bills is never a problem inside this place because it has a Globe Telecom center. Meanwhile, the Cirilo Digital Photo Services is always ready to help customers in their various photo-printing needs.
Found within the municipality of Basey just along San Fernando Street, Delzas Native Products sells different kinds of beautiful handicrafts. These special products serve as special souvenirs including tablemats, doormats and floor carpets. The store also offers native slippers, lampshades and various kinds of in-house decorations. For those who love bags, this place has a lot of beautiful items to offer, all of which are made from durable and well-selected native materials. These items are available for the reasonable price of 350 pesos to 500 pesos only considering their pretty good quality.
Primarily a small commercial center featuring numerous food stalls and retail stores, Catbalogan Centro is found within the city proper of Catbalogan. In here, customers can find numerous interesting items and special products. Many food service providers are available inside, which offer different types of food and beverages including hamburgers, soft drinks and sandwiches. In terms of fashion and style, this mall houses stores that sell footwear, clothes and different kinds of accessories for the body.
Batangas, Philippines is a place of many beaches. The Matabungkay Beach Resort and Hotel is a popular destination for weekend trips and holiday vacations. A beach resort that's great for swimming fanatics and rigorous sports lovers. The beach resort also has day spas available for relaxing opportunities.
The Matabungkay Beach Resort and Hotel is located in Lian, Batangas. It is about a two and a half-hour drive from Manila. To get there, you'll have to go through South Superhighway, then to Tagaytay. From there you head on to Nasugbu and then to Lian.
The Matabungkay Beach Resort and Hotel is a multi-awarded resort. The latest award is being the "Most Outstanding Beach Resort" given by the Parangal ng Bayan Awards Foundation and National Consumer Council.
The Matabungkay Beach Resort and Hotel offers modern amenities and facilities. These include swimming pools, indoor games, outdoor games, 14-hole putting green, indoor kids' corner, spas, steam baths, water sports, Fortune Island Adventure, and other services. The beach resort also has some dining facilities that offer local and international cuisine, grilled local dishes, cocktails, and entertainment.
The Matabungkay Beach Resort and Hotel has Executive and Superior guest rooms in addition to suites and villas. All rooms are fully air-conditioned with their own bathroom and veranda. Suites and executive rooms have hot and cold baths. Suites also have mini bars and cable television.
The Matabungkay Beach Resort and Hotel's Executive Room has cable television and a mini bar. It can accommodate up to four people for a rate of USD $70+. The Junior Suite Room is a one-bedroom suite with a queen-sized bed, cable television, mini bar, and a lounge and dining area. The rate of this room is around USD $82+.
The Matabungkay Beach Resort and Hotel also has Senior Suite Room. This is a two-bedroom suite with a queen-sized bed, cable television, mini bar, and a lounge and dining area. Good accommodation for eight for a rate of USD $101+. The beach resort also has a Villa, which is a room with an attic bedroom. It has a terrace and a lounge and dining area. It can accommodate eight people, rates are at USD $91+.
The Matabungkay Beach Resort and Hotel also offers a promo package good for two persons. The package includes an overnight stay in an Executive Room, breakfast, and full body massage. Price is at USD $87.
The Matabungkay Beach Resort and Hotel is a good getaway destination for both business and leisure. Once visited, it will become a favorite place. The Matabungkay Beach Resort and Hotel guarantees customer delight every time you visit Batangas, Philippines.
Bohol is one of the most interesting places to visit in the Philippines. Natural wonders, dive spots, historic landmarks offer different kinds of activities to a tourist. Whether it is sightseeing, adventure or just beach combing, vacationing in Bohol is certainly a very interesting experience.
Bohol is known for its Chocolate Hills. This natural wonder consists of more than 1,000 hills varying in height from 30 meters to 120 meters. Spread over an area of 50 square kilometers, there are many destinations for a sightseeing visitor. Chocolate Hills Complex in the town of Carmen offers tourists an excellent view of the cone-shaped hills. The Sagbayan Peak Park not only offers spectacular views of the hills but also has a butterfly dome, restaurant, caf' and a souvenir shop.
Exploring natural waterfalls, winding rivers and caves are also popular activities for tourists in Bohol. The Mag-aso Falls and Inambacan Falls in Antequera, Camagao Falls in Balilihan, Can-umantad Falls, Busay Falls in Sevilla and Tontonan Falls in Loboc are some of the popular waterfalls in the area. One can also do a river cruise in Loboc River or swim in Badiang Spring in Valencia. The caves of Francisco Dagohoy Cave in Danao, Hinagdanan Cave in Panglao Island and Kamira Cave in Danao are the popular sightseeing destinations for cave exploration.
For nature lovers who want to see the diverse beauty of the flora and fauna of Bohol, there are destinations for dolphin and whale watching, tarsier conservation site, zoos and man-made forest. The waters off Pamilican Island are teeming with different kinds of whales and dolphins. Local banca operators offer boat rides to tourists for a chance to see these marine mammals. The Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary, on the other hand, showcases Bohol's conservation effort to protect the endemic Tarsier from extinction. Other destinations are the Mahogany Man-Made Forest in Loboc and Bilar, Bohol Butterfly Sanctuary and Albuquerque Zoo.
For the beachcombers, Panglao Island's white sand beaches and clear waters are the attractions. Alona Beach is the most popular destination in Panglao. Resorts and establishments offer several services so that tourist can engage in diving, snorkeling. Scuba diving is a popular activity in Balicasag, Pamilacan Island and Danajon Bank (Double Barrier Reef).
For those who want a sightseeing of the history and culture of Bohol, there are several destinations for this activity. History buffs should visit the Blood Compact Site, Bohol Museum and Carlos P. Garcia Memorial Park in Tagbilaran, Mt. Carmel Hill in Balilihan and Behind the Clouds in Catigbian. The Baclayon Church and Dauis Church are places to visit for religious sightseeing tours.