The Subic Bay area is a wonderful escape from the busy city life in Manila. Located northwest of Manila, it is surrounded by the town of Subic and Olongapo City. Olongapo is a wonderful retreat when you are in the Subic Bay area. You can choose from the many outstanding accommodations. Olongapo is also home to a host of wonderful recreational activities and picturesque scenes any nature-lover will enjoy.
Let's have a look at the wonderful places we can visit for a really nice and relaxing weekend. First off is the ever famous protected virgin forest which is home to the Subic's bat kingdom. You'll be mesmerized at over 10,000 bats passing through a narrow strip. The Fruit bats and Bamboo bats of Olongapo roost in the protected forest reserve. You'll marvel at the wonder and beauty of bats in flight at dusk with the setting Olongapo sun as a backdrop.
If you're not much of a bat enthusiast and not really the jungle type you can head off to Olongapo's ocean aquarium where you can view tropical fish in their natural habitat. This is a must see for aquatic life enthusiasts when you're in Olongapo. This may especially be true for those who aren't really into swimming and diving but would love to see the wide variety of marine animals found in the Subic and Olongapo area.
A great place to enjoy a walk with colorful scenes in Olongapo would be in the Butterfly Garden. A perfect stop to all that walking and a great spot for a picnic would be at the Camachile Park where you can enjoy a wonderful time under the shade of Camachile trees. This is one the many idyllic scenes in Olongapo.
Hill 394 is the most popular peak in the Subic area. It gives a spectacular view of the Subic Bay and the legendary Mount Natib. It is a wonderful place for a hike.
Rizal Park is Olongapo's oldest park. It is also the site of various programs, public gatherings, and a great place to enjoy the cool breeze and stretch your legs under the shade of Olongapo's trees.
The Subic Naval Base was once the largest support base maintained by the US Navy in the Pacific. It was established in 1898 and was occuppied by the Japanese during World War II when Olongapo was attacked.
Just in case you are a water enthusiast or would just love to get a suntan there are a lot beaches and pools in the Subic Bay Area at Olongapo to suit your fancy. You can even hire outrigger canoes for a day and explore the islands and other beaches.
Olongapo offers more than just a wide range of accomodations, it is also a place for a great weekend trip full of wonderful recreational activities that will keep you in touch with nature.
Considered as one of the Philippines’ most competitive cities, General Santos City in South Cotabato aims to enhance the health conditions of residents in the area. To attain the objective, the city government allots budget to improve the facilities of public health care units including the General Santos District Hospital and SOCSARGEN County Hospital. In addition, the government also approves the openings of numerous tertiary General Santos hospitals and health care establishments like the Mindanao Medical Center.
General Santos District Hospital is a public health care facility that provides cheap services to the residents in the city. This health care establishment has well-ventilated rooms and capacious rooms where patients can stay comfortably while receiving treatments from their physicians. Aside from general medicine, this medical care unit specializes in other areas like pediatrics, immunology, pathology and surgery. Individuals who want to set appointments with the physicians serving at this place can communicate with any of the administrative staff by calling (083) 302-0759.
Patients who are in search for public General Santos hospitals and health care institutions that use modern facilities and equipment can always go to SOCSARGEN County Hospital, which is situated at the corners of Arradaza Street and Bula Lagao Road. To assist patients who do not have sufficient money to pay for the rising medical costs at private medical establishments in the city, this institution provides discounted medical supplies and free consultations to the residents of South Cotabato. In addition, the place features a clean and comfortable outpatient area. Patients who have serious illnesses can call (083) 553-8906 to get immediate medical help from physicians at this establishment.
One of the outstanding tertiary hospitals in the southern region of the Philippines, Mindanao Medical Center has modern facilities and advance medical devices that physicians use to diagnose the health conditions of patients. This health care unit in General Santos City supports the different projects of the Department of Health like the Healthy Lifestyle Campaign, which was launched to raise awareness about the health problems that are commonly experienced by the residents in the area. To accommodate patients who are in great need for regular check-ups and immediate medical assistance, this health care establishment features numerous rooms and capacious wards. When it comes to specializations, the medical center employs medical professionals who have ample understanding on various fields like oncology, pathology and general medicine. Aside from these, patients can also get free medicines and vaccines by visiting the outpatient department of this establishment. In case of emergencies, individuals can seek help at Mindanao Medical Center by calling (083) 553-3985.
The Tuna Capital of the Philippines had been cited as the 'Most Competitive City' because of its economic competency and stability. Agro-industry has been the strong commercial enterprise that enhanced the city of General Santos' financial system. This feat would never be realized without a clear cut vision and mission declaration guiding them to live with.
The city's mission: 'To provide opportunities to all sectors of society to be productive and responsible stakeholders, through execution of sound and beneficial programs, projects and initiatives anchored on the principles of justice and equity.' The main commerce of the place is agro-industrial and for this reason, the local government provided leverage on the promotion of the local products of the city. This has proved to be very effective and it really encouraged local and small entrepreneurs to improve on their crafts.
The local government as well provides alluring incentive that keeps the enthusiasm to keep improving. The city's vision: 'By 2015, General Santos City, the Tuna Capital of the Philippines and the wellspring of winners will be a globally competitive and livable city whose healthy, friendly, well-educated and responsible citizens actively participate in effective governance.' With a clear objective or goal in mind, being globally competitive would be a reality in the near future. Eco-Tourism is also a boost in the city's economic stability and progress. The Kalaja Eco-Tourism Destination has been a favorite spot for visitors and tourists alike.
The tuna fishing business had never been this thriving and prosperous since its conception from the past years to the present. The new technology, strategic location and the needed facilities for fishing had been the factor why General Santos City's tuna industry is flourishing and for this the city is now is 'Boom Town City of the South'. In order to make this industry progressive they need to attract local and international investors. The city's official website (http://www.gensantos.gov.ph/) gives an overview for tourists, visitors or business financiers of what General Santos City is all about. It is loaded with a lot of information and related facts suitable for possible tourists and commercial entrepreneurs. After browsing through the official website, one can never get enough of just a glimpse of the place. An individual needs to be at General Santos City to enjoy its wonders.
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.
Dubbed the ‘City of Angels’, there are many things to see and do in Angeles City. There are several Angeles City destinations that magnify the liveliness of this charming place where one can do more than just sightseeing. Different Angeles City destinations once visited help us understand the history of this place and help us appreciate how far it has gone.
Because of its proximity to Manila, many locals drive over to Angeles City for the weekend but just as there are many locals visiting, there are also many tourists that go here. A large majority of the tourists that visit Fort Stotsenburg are Americans and maybe this can be attributed to the fact that this was the former site of an American military base. The history of Fort Stotsenburg though is longer than the RP-US agreement since this Angeles City destination was first built in the early 1900s. This Angeles City destination brings back many memories because of the numerous events and parades held here. In fact, Fort Stotsenburg is known today as the “Parade Ground” although this was really built initially to serve as a base for the US exploratory forces. This Angeles City destination derived its name from the leader of the exploratory forces in the early 1900s, Colonel John Stotsenburg. It was only in 1991 that Fort Stotsenburg stopped being the venue for parades and military events and that was when the American forces left the Clark military base. Some Americans who fell in love with Angeles City and opted to stay there still visit this Angeles destination and reenact in their minds the events that they could remember about this place. Fort Stotsenburg has many relics that make this Angeles City destination fall out of the category of just another historical site.
Just outside the town proper lies another Angeles City destination called Bale Matua. Bale Matua is an old house that from the outside looks as if a family still lives there and it has just been preserved. This Angeles City destination is more than just a house though and its architecture will readily show that it has survived many significant events in the past. Bale Matua used to be owned by Don Alejandro Lopez in the 1800s. From the balcony to the staircase, it’s almost as if Bale Matua was built entirely by hand with the detailed designs and the way that the furniture was made. To enter Bale Matua, one has to pay Php 300 and this already includes transportation costs.
Iloilo's unique cultural heritage, historical importance and pristine natural resources are the points of interest of tourist destinations for sightseeing and other activities. Museums, religious shrines, historical landmarks are scattered throughout the province of Iloilo. Natural wonders such as waterfalls, beaches, etc. offer tourists more than sightseeing. Tourists can engage in swimming, scuba diving and other activities in these destinations.
Iloilo has several attractions such as landmarks and museums for tourists who are on a sightseeing tour of history and culture. Museo Iloilo has a collection of artifacts and art pieces from as early as pre-Spanish times to Spanish colonial period. Also featured in Museo Iloilo are geological specimens of fossils, rocks and shells. Modern art by Ilongo artists are also showcased here. Plaza Libertad in downtown Iloilo City is another historic place. This site is the place of the flag raising of the First Philippine Republic after Spain surrendered Iloilo in 1898. Also, the streets of downtown Iloilo especially J.M. Basa Street and Calle Real has many structures that were built during the Spanish and American Colonial periods. Meanwhile, La Villa de Arevalo, which is located southwest of Iloilo City, is where Alcadia de Panay is found. This place was a Spanish settlement that was attached by English explorer Sir Thomas Cavendish back in the 16th century. The town of Jaro is another interesting place to visit. This town has many old colonial houses and antique shops.
Churches can be found around the province. Visiting these churches gives sightseeing tourists a chance to see church architecture and the religious life of the people of Iloilo. Molo Church is an example of Gothic Renaissance architecture of a church made of coral rock. Tigbauan Church, southwest of Iloilo City, boasts of its baroque fa'ade. Miag-ao Church, on the other hand, has a fa'ade designed with botanical motif. Other churches that are noteworthy to visit are the Guimbal Church, Cabatuan Church and Janiuay Church.
Destinations for activities other than sightseeing are also abundant in Iloilo. Blessed with natural wonders, Iloilo has beaches, waterfalls, lakes, mountains that offer tourist to engage in swimming, hiking, trekking, diving, snorkeling and exploring. Sicogon Island boasts of white sand beaches ideal for swimming. While Nasidman and Calabasa Islands are ideal places for fishing. Scuba diving is an ideal activity in Cataan Cove. The marine garden of the cove has many interesting aquatic life. Nadsajan Falls, Darangkulan Waterfall, Nagpana Falls and San Juan Falls are waterfalls around the province that boasts of cool waters cascading down majestic rock formations amidst lush vegetation.
General Santos City is considered one of the most progressive cities in Mindanao. For tourists, it has several destinations like caves, lakes, mountains, beaches and dive sites for activities like sightseeing, trekking, camping, swimming and diving.
The Kalaha Karst Area, fifteen kilometers northeast from Barangay Conel, is catered for activities like camping, trekking and caving. Lush tropical forest, diverse animal life and pristine rivers, waterfalls and caves await the tourist.
Lake Sebu is another tourist attraction of General Santos City. A sightseeing tourist will be amazed at the lake’s calm water. Seeing this mesmerizing body of water is not just a nature-trip but a mystical experience as well. There is a belief among local tribes that the lake has miraculous powers. West of Lake Sebu is a T’boli tribe settlement. Visiting this settlement will give tourists a chance to see the local tribe’s culture. Tourists will see how crafts like weaving and beading. Another lake that is worth visiting is Lake Maughan. This lake as well as the area around it is a nature sanctuary. Tourists can see exotic plants and animals endemic to the area.
Adventurous tourists will appreciate going to Mount Matutum and Nopol Hills. Lush vegetation and a spectacular view of the surrounding area are the reasons climbers flock to Mount Matutum which is the second highest mountain in Mindanao with a height of two thousand meters or seven thousand six hundred feet. Nopol Hills, on the other hand, gives sightseeing tourists a panoramic view of Sarangani Bay. Tourist flock to this area to witness a spectacular sunset.
Beach resorts are also found around General Santos City. Swimming and snorkeling are popular activities in London Beach Resort. This resort has an artificial reef that is home to moral eels and scorpion fishes. The Rajah Beach Resort, meanwhile, has fine sand and corals as its attractions which is suitable for swimming and snorkeling.
Diving enthusiasts will not be disappointed with General Santos City. Rocky Beach is catered for beginners in scuba diving. Submerging just after a few meters, divers can see beautiful corals and exotic fishes. Veterans Beach or Sulifman Diving Site has the Tampuan or Tinoto Wall Complex. This dive site gives an impressive view of underwater marine life such as eagle and manta rays, hammerhead sharks, parrotfish, shoaling fish and tuna. Other notable dive sites are Takot Maasim, Takot Malbang, Sandbar and Kamanga Reef. This dive sites offer picturesque view of underwater life of corals and fishes.
The Philippine archipelago, consisting of more than 7,100 islands, offers some of the world's best beaches.
Having a wide expanse of coastlines, the Philippines is endowed with beaches which have kept the tourism industry vibrant. As a matter of fact, tourists who have had the pleasure of experiencing the fine white-sand beaches of these paradise islands, more often than not, return for more of the ecstatic experience. The influx of tourists rises together with the ascending quality of services which Philippine beach resorts offer.
One cannot help but be enticed by the splendor that these tropical islands bring. For one, the island of Boracay in the middle part of the Philippines definitely boasts of a long beach line illuminated by fine white sand. The flame of beach enhancement in the Philippines is true even more in the southern parts of the country, where the islands of Camiguin and Siargao are situated. The former has the best hot springs one can experience, while the surf in the beaches of the latter is breathtaking. This, of course is to mention only a few.
Amenities in Philippine beach resorts are abreast with what others in the world has to offer. If relaxation be the issue, one's vacation would be most relaxing and rejuvenating if spent just lying on the beach savoring the sunlight, or by being indulged and pampered in resort spas, or by the mere taking of a dip in the coolest and clearest waters of these world class beaches.
With the increase in both local and foreign investments in beach resort developments, the number of resorts as well as the number of patronage has increased, proving the viability of this business industry. But it is not only the beaches and its resorts which one can find in a visit to the islands, for festivities are held throughout the year in the different regions of the country.
These festivities celebrated throughout the islands are done all year round and are just as breathtaking as experiencing the beach itself. For one, the island of Kalibo, Aklan where the colorful ati-atihan festival is held is situated adjacent to Boracay Island and would take a matter of thirty minutes travel by motor boat. Thus, a visit to Boracay white beaches during the festivities would mean hitting two birds with one stone in terms of adventure.
In visiting the Philippine islands, one has to see, feel and experience the escapades that its beaches afford. You've never seen the world unless you have personally experienced the best beaches which none but the Philippines can offer.
The Philippines continuous to have ubiquitous problems on education. A sizeable portion of the populace still lacks it, while those who have it often end up unable to use their college degrees for what jobs are available. But a folklore says, even in modern times, we have to keep in mind the basics of wisdom more than the advances of education.
Two men went from Manila to Cebu. One was a lawyer, the other a simple fisherman. They met in the ship and discussed about various facets of life. The folklore says the lawyer demonstrated what education can do to a person; he was able to talk about anything under the sun. The simple fisherman, according to the folklore, had finished only grade four in elementary.
The folklore says the lawyer talked about the economy, world affairs, war, climate change, and politics, among other things. Periodically, the lawyer would ask him if the fisherman understood. He only smiled and looked back. The folklore says he commented thus: “It’s a pity that you know only the sea and its fish.” He looked at the fisherman and smilingly said, “And probably how to swim.”
The lawyer looked away and continued. “Life is more than the sea, fishing, and swimming. You have to know about what’s going on, here and abroad. Had you continued diligently with your studies, you would have been erudite in all matters like me.” The folklore says he stared at the fisherman. “You’re missing so much in life, friend.”
Without warning a tsunami suddenly struck and the ship was capsizing within minutes. In the commotion, the folklore says, they ran out of life boats and life jackets. The fisherman shouted: “Sir, it’s time to jump off to the sea before the ship submerges!” The lawyer stared hard at him and said, “I don’t know how to swim!” The folklore says, the fisherman was aghast: “You’re so smart but you never bothered about swimming? I mean we all know our archipelago---7,100 islands---lots of waters. Even grade four kids know that.”
The lawyer shouted in anger” “I know that! But what’s your point?”
The fisherman, says this folklore, poised to dive but before jumping, he said: “The point is, sir, jump and swim away from the ship---or you’ll lose your life!”
This Philippine folklore reminds us that education that cannot be practical in one’s real situation is potential wisdom all down the drain.
The land of the exotic fruit, Durian, has much more to offer than just delicious fruits and wonderful looking flowers. Davao festivals are highly anticipated events and many visitors go to this place in the southern Philippines to enjoy a lively and highly entertaining day.
Celebrated in August and the focus being on the indigenous group that have lived in Davao since centuries back, the Kadayawan Festival is an interesting event that captures the culture of this sector. The indigenous group of Mindanao has gone through many experiences in the past, both good and bad, and their journey is depicted in the presentations made during the Kadayawan Festival. There are two parts to this Davao festival and they are the Lumadnong Kasaulogan and the Subay sa Lumadnong Kagikan. The first part of the Kadayawan Festival is the main event and here, the indigenous group’s culture and arts are on display. Part of their culture is the colorful hand woven costumes that they wear everyday and the members spend a lot of time making them. The Kadayawan Festival also showcases the traditional dances of the indigenous group and some of their handmade crafts can be bought during this Davao festival. The second part of this Davao festival, the Subay sa Lumadnong Kagikan will help the visitor learn about the impact that this group has on the Filipino artists from years back to present. The Kadayawan Festival is also about the history of this indigenous group and their importance to today’s society.
Another great Davao festival is the Araw ng Dabao Oryental. The whole of Davao celebrates this event with grandeur. The parades on the streets of Davao will surely get one’s attention with rhythmic beating of the drums and the fast beat dancing of dancers dressed in colorful costumes during the Araw ng Dabao Oryental. Even the malls celebrate this Davao festival by showcasing products of Davao and selling them at discounted rates. There are numerous beauty pageants during the Araw ng Dabao Oryental, and contestants from those below 12 years of age and up to 25 can participate. There is also a music fest during the Araw ng Dabao Oryental and numerous bands play at the SM Mall Event Center. Everybody is welcome to join the festivities or just simply watch the events that transpire during the lively celebration of the Araw ng Dabao Oryental. At the end of the day, an amazing fireworks display illuminates the night sky.