Figuring out what other leisure things to do at sea besides the usual swimming, diving, water skiing, or surfing? Fishing is fun but there’s no fun like catching the world’s biggest fish—catching it on video face to face. And they’re all waiting to be caught on candid camera out there in Donsol.
Donsol, Sorsogon, in the southern most tip of Luzon, is where the world famous whale sharks loiter. And there they loiter the whole year round—although their peak seasons have been reported from February to May, when the Donsol Sea is at its clearest and calmest.
This fishing and diving village has clusters of beautiful mountains greeting incoming visitors. Also the wide azure sea, humble, smiling people, and recently, a world popular marine phenomenon that brings the fisher folks with higher economic revenue yearly.
Sorsogon can be reached through a land trip, public bus or private car, via the Philippine Tourism Highway. This is about a 15-hour drive of refreshing rustic sceneries from Manila taking the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX).
Donsol used to be a quiet fishing and cottage industry town, frequented by storms and annual rains. Then God sent forth hundreds of whale sharks. The sightings first became a household byword in diving circles in the community. Then the news was passed on to some visiting tourists. Soon it overflowed to the tourism world. Now thousands flock to Donsol.
Locally the whale sharks are called “Butanding.” These gentle giants loiter in Donsol waters all year round, as observed by guys from the World Wildlife Fund. No other place in the country—or in the world—can one spot whale sharks hanging around that long.
The thought of swimming and diving with the world’s largest fish out there in deep sea is scary, to say the least. Yet these mammoth creatures are harmless and often let humans swim and dive with them side by side. It was both fascinating and magical, said one who had glided with them underwater. It was like the world stopped, he added.
At Donsol, these whale sharks may appear in a group of 10 to 15 at one time. The Donsol harbor has one of the highest densities of whale sharks in the world. Whale sharks can measure from 15 to 40 feet long. They have silvery polka dots all over them and feed only on plankton and krill. Donsol has tons of Plankton in its waters. So that’s why they’re here year round.
Whale shark watching, like diving, is a growing sea hobby worldwide and is available and affordable in Donsol, Sorsogon. It is Donsol’s main attraction today besides its other natural features that also draw the curiosity of visitors.
[Tags]Whale Sharks, Sorsogon, Donsol, Whale Shark Watching[/Tags]
Beef is a versatile ingredient in Philippine gastronomic art and adds a lot of life to native dishes. Take the Philippine cuisine Boiled Spiced Beef, or “Nilagang Baka” for instance.
Tender loin is best for this native recipe but thigh portions of “pige” are also good. For a budget recipe, bony beef portions may also do for this native dish. Any beef part option, however, will need a kilo for this native dish. Also prepare a bundle of Baguio beans or “bitswelas” sliced in half, a small ball of cabbage, 4 medium size potatoes (peeled and sliced into 4 each), 3 small packs of whole black pepper, 3 small balls of onions, a teaspoon of salt, and 5 cups of water. With all these set, we’re ready to cook this Philippine cuisine, Boiled Spiced Beef or “Nilagang Baka.”
Tenderize the beef first. Beef often takes about 2 hours of gentle simmering to soften. Some put in a fork while tenderizing the beef of this native dish for a “quick tenderizing agent.” This experiment may also be good, just make sure the fork is not served in this Philippine cuisine on the dining table later. So put in the beef plus the potatoes, onions, salt, and the 5 cups water in a pot and simmer for 2 hours. Add salt if this native recipe still lacks taste.
Some people add a beef broth or two to enhance the taste of beef of this Philippine cuisine. This may also be done. But if one’s after a natural native recipe (no harmful chemicals) then the broth option may be disregarded. Natural beef is healthy and it would be a shame to spoil this native dish with something synthetic.
Now, when the beef is tender, the potatoes and others would surely follow suit, and the Baguio beans, cabbage, and the rest may now be poured into this native dish. Simmer for 3 minutes. Add salt for a tastier Philippine cuisine, if needed. When everything is soft and tasty enough, put out the fire, and serve hot. This native recipe serves 5 persons.
Bony beef for this Philippine cuisine enhances beef flavor due to the action of prolonged simmering on the bones. The marrow also adds more taste to this native recipe.
Philippine cuisine Boiled Spiced Beef is tasty native recipe. Natural beef is enhanced and made subtle by the simmering action on the bone and marrow to enrich this native dish.
Sorsogon is one of the provinces in the Philippines that people should pass by if they will travel from Luzon to Visayas. To address the health problems experienced by residents in the area, numerous public and private Sorsogon hospitals and health care were established and opened. Some of the governmental institutions that people can visit if they need medical help are the Andres Bonifacio Memorial Hospital as well as the Irosin District Hospital. Individuals who prefer to be admitted in private medical establishments can always go to the Saint Peter and Paul Hospital.
This medical establishment is situated at the City of Trece Martirez in Casiguran. As one of the public health care units in Sorsogon, it provides free medical assistance programs to local people. Aside from free consultations, this institution offers discounted medical supplies and medicines to patients who cannot afford to pay costly medical bills. To ensure patients of good quality services, the institute hires registered and competitive physicians who will help them. For emergency cases, this health care establishment has a spacious emergency room where patients with serious health conditions can be treated immediately.
Irosin District Hospital is another public health care unit that can be found in the province of Sorsogon. Since it is situated along Maharlika Highway at San Pedro in Irosin, patients will not have a hard time finding this medical establishment. To help patients who need immediate medical assistance, it assigns responsible, competitive and reliable health care staff at the emergency room. In addition to this, this institute has laboratory facilities that are useful in identifying the cause of health problems that are commonly experienced by patients. The other facilities that patients can see at this health care establishment are wards, private rooms and an outpatient section.
To serve individuals who like to be admitted and treated in any of the private Sorsogon hospitals and health care facilities, the city government of Sorsogon approved the opening of Saint Peter and Paul Hospital. As a private medical establishment, people can expect efficient and good quality services at this place. The rooms are air-conditioned and the outpatient area is well-ventilated. Consultation fees at this place range from 200 pesos to 400 pesos. Additionally, patients can ask their physicians for discounts to lessen their medical bills. Moreover, this institute is willing to make special arrangements with healthcard holders. Located along T. Dino Highway at Balogo in Sorsogon City, the establishment is accessible to the various modes of land transportation available in the area. For immediate medical help, patients can call the staff of this health care unit at (056) 211-1035.
Legazpi is the center of socio-economics in the province of Albay and it is the one with the biggest population. Legazpi has the advantage of having a geographical core and it is no surprise that Legazpi festivals are held here. Most of the Legazpi festivals are held in honor of their patron saint or as a tribute to its rich cultural heritage.
Strictly speaking the Magayon Festival is celebrated by the entire province but it is held primarily in Legazpi City. The word ‘magayon’ literally means ‘beautiful’ and this Legazpi festival has been rightly described by its very name. The Magayon Festival is not something that has been celebrated for a very long time, in fact it was first celebrated in 1998 as part of the governor’s effort to increase tourism in Albay. The province of Albay is primarily Catholic and during the Magayon Festival, Catholic traditions are primarily what are showcased.
Aside from the religious aspect of the Magayon Festival, this event is also ingested with Bicolano culture. There is a cooking competition held during this Legazpi festival that draws contestants from the entire region and the theme of this contest is local delicacies. For those who are not aware, most Bicolano dishes are prepared with chili and coconut milk. Among the other events held during the Magayon Festival are marathons and an eco-camp that focuses on increasing awareness of the need to protect Bicol’s environment.
Held every October for 6 whole days, the Ibalong Festival celebrates the myths of Legazpi before the Spanish colonizers arrived. Apart from the myths, this Legazpi festival also showcases how resilient the inhabitants of this region are. The main event of the Ibalong Festival is the choreographed dances in the street prepared by high school students. There are other merry making activities during this Legazpi festival including street parties, drag races, concerts and the night always ends with a magnificent fireworks display. For those who like shopping, during the Ibalong Festival, the flea markets here also take center stage and here handicrafts can be bought as well as other items such as clothing and accessories. During the Ibalong Festival, the culture of the Bicolanos come shining through and the liveliness of the event is something that most visitors can’t resist. This Legazpi festival takes place in Albay with the Mayon Volcano and its perfect cone as the background. The Ibalong Festival allows the locals to remember times long gone and the tourists to learn the heritage of this region.
Summary: The Bicolanos have a rich heritage and they are considered as one of the most resilient. Every year, there are Legazpi festivals that are much awaited and these are the Ibalong Festival and the Magayon Festival. During these Legaspi festivals, everyone takes a step back in time to significant historical events and a lot of merry making happens to celebrate what the city has become over the centuries.
A tour of the southern part of the Philippines can hardly be said to be complete without a visit to Zamboanga City and dropping by several highly rated Zamboanga destinations. Zamboanga is known for its many orchid gardens and so many different varieties of flowers and this is probably why some theorize that the name Zamboanga is derived from a Malay word meaning a haven of flowers.
Strictly speaking, Cawa Cawa Boulevard is no longer the name that this market goes by. However despite the fact that it has been several years since it was renamed to Justice R.T. Lim Boulevard, this Zamboanga destination is still called and is more commonly known as Cawa Cawa Boulevard. One might wonder what the hype is about over a market but once one sees what is in Cawa Cawa Boulevard, one will appreciate this place. Dirt cheap shopping can be done here and there are several food stalls to choose from in case one gets hungry. It looks somewhat like Roxas Boulevard in Manila in that one can stroll by the seashore but wait for the sun to set and Cawa Cawa Boulevard comes to life. There are strips of bars here that one can grab a quick drink at, go dancing or karaoke.
Cawa Cawa Boulevard is also a favorite among residents and this was designed for those who love walking by the beach but hate the feel of sand in between their toes. One can think of this Zamboanga destination as a kilometer stretch of everything one might need from food to souvenir items to a leisurely walk.
Another good Zamboanga destination is the Barter Trade Market which, historically speaking was established in an attempt to control the influx of goods from neighboring countries that could not be taxed. The reason for such need to regulate these items is that the government is unable to generate revenue off these and these smuggled goods had a detrimental effect on the market. The Barter Trade Market was built right on the wharf but this Zamboanga destination was totally consumed by fire in 1979. When the Barter Trade Market was rebuilt, it flourished and the local government went into a free trade arrangement with companies who wanted to bring goods in. Among the things to buy at this Zamboanga destination are motorbikes, bicycles, mechanical toys, electronic goods, hand made souvenir items and canned goods.
The Barter Trade Market is another good place for shopping although it is usually crowded during payday weekends. This Zamboanga destination is a favorite among tourists and locals alike.
Choice and tender pork cuts mixed in a delicately spiced stew of native, crunchy vegetables cooked fast and easy as one, two, and three.
Sound good?
Pinakbet is a popular dish in the Philippines. In fact, almost every region in the country has its own version of this native cuisine. But nothing beats an original, especially an original recipe. And there’s no Pinakbet like the original Ilocano Pinakbet. Beware of imitations---they’re well-intentioned concoctions, but they fall short of being fully representative of the real McCoy, the popular dish of Ilocanos.
This native cuisine is a display of small but terrible Ilocano fresh vegetables ranging from small eggplants to small ampalaya or biter melon to small okra and small flat string beans or “patani.” We need a small bunch of all these, plus a fourth of a small squash, ten small peeled unchopped onions, 6 pieces small and ripe tomatoes, a bunch of “kangkong” leaves (an inch of the stems from the leaves included), about a half-fist of peeled ginger (or smaller), 3 pieces long native chili (“sili” for “sinigang”), 5 cups water, and 5 spoonfuls of Ilocano-style preserved small fish. Almost everything small but one can get a big kick out of this popular dish.
A kilo of tender choice cut pork is needed for this native cuisine, cut into small cubes---about 3X3 inches. Tender loin pork may be used. What Filipinos call “liempo” is often the favorite. After chopping the pork, put 5 cups of water in a pot and throw in everything else: pork, vegetables tomatoes, onion, preserved fish, and all. Boil on medium fire. Once in full boil bring immediately to a gentle simmer until pork is tenderly cooked. Do not overcook. Once the pork is cooked enough (about 20 minutes or so), everything’s ready for serving. Serves 5 persons. This popular dish is better eaten when dipped in a sauce of fish sauce (“patis”) with crushed long chili from the cooked dish.
The stew of this special native cuisine, pinakbet, is the result of a delicate mix of succulent flavors oozed from the subtle taste of pork and the sweetness of fresh vegetables plus the qualities of melted tomatoes. The tangy features of ginger and long native chili add a “kick” to the overall pungent taste of this popular dish.
Pinakbet in its original Ilocano form is a native cuisine that can satisfy discriminating taste buds and health aficionados. Among Filipino popular dishes this rates an "A" in overall aspects.
Dolphin watching has never been as exciting and easy as tourists travel to Panglao, one of the 7,107 islands in the Philippines. This destination boasts of pristine beaches, spectacular coral reefs, honest and endearing local guides and most of all, peaceful waters under the hot sun.
Panglao Island has many beach resorts lined on its coasts. The place welcomes both back packers and first class tourists. Travelling to Panglao is an hour plane ride from Manila, the Philippines’ capital, to the province of Bohol. When the traveler reaches the Tagbilaran Airport, they then take a 30-minute taxi ride to the Panglao resorts. It’s that simple!
Tourist packages include sea tours and land tours. While the land tours will bring tourists to amazing destinations such as the Chocolate Hills of Bohol, the emerald green Loboc River, pools under caves, viewing of the smallest primate in the world called the Tarsier, and walk the aisles of century old churches with walls made from egg shell concoctions, the sea tour should not be missed by first time travelers to the island.
The sea tour starts at 5 am when tourists clad in favorite swim outfits are welcomed by the sunrise with breakfast in motorboats. The motorboats’ destination is the breakfast areas of the dolphins a few kilometers away from Panglao shores. Due to the keen skills of the boat drivers, tourists will see the dolphins in no time. It would be hard to get camera shots of these beautiful harmless creatures because they would be swimming here and there and everywhere by the dozens!
After two hours of sheer madness looking at dolphins bobbing up and down, swimming right beside one’s motorboats, the sea tour will bring the travelers to Balicasag Island for snorkeling. Balicasag reef is a protected sanctuary where fishes abound due to the untouched corals. Big motorboats park in deep waters while smaller canoes called “bancas” bring the sea travelers to the snorkeling site. The boatmen let the swimmers bring small pieces of bread because once in the waters just barely half a foot deep, the bread will entice fish to go near it. Literally dozens of fish in varied sizes and colors instantly appear right in front of one’s mask. The famous Captain Jacques Cousteau once said that the Philippine coral reefs diversity is the best in the world and Balicasag Reef Sanctuary is living proof of this remark.
After snorkeling for an hour or two, the travelers grab early lunch at the Balicasag Island where fresh fish can be bought and have a friendly local cook prepare it. By 1pm, the swimming travelers would be back in their resorts in Panglao and laze away the whole afternoon, reminiscing the excitement of Philippine dolphin watching at its finest.
People who enjoy a warm, tropical climate, and friendly and hospitable people will enjoy the Philippines. The Philippines is an archipelago with 7,107 islands situated at the south eastern part of Asia.
Three major island groups, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, comprise the Philippines archipelago. Each of the three islands boat of travel destination spots worth visiting. Tourists are sure to find their perfect vacation spot in the Philippines, whether they fancy water sports or simply lounging on the beach, trekking and hiking or simply enjoying the views. One need not to go far or spend much to enjoy what the Philippines has to offer.
Local flights can take tourists to key cities and destinations in the Philippines. For those who prefer land or sea travel, other transport options are also available. A few hours north of Manila, travelers can visit a number of cities and towns that offer a wide array of interesting places.
A five-hour drive through the plains and mountains of Luzon will welcome tourists to one of the more popular northern tourist destinations, Baguio City. Also known as the summer capital, Baguio boasts of its cool weather ranging anywhere from 8 to 23 Celsius all year round.
Its temperate weather together with a number of interesting to-visit spots makes Baguio City a favorite northern tourist destination. This is true for both local and foreign tourists especially during the hot summer months from March until May.
Some of Baguio's places of interest include the Baguio Cathedral, a majestic church build on top of a hill overlooking the entire city's business district; just below it is Session Road, the city's colorful main avenue with a number of business establishments and restaurants. Burnham Park, another popular tourist attraction, boasts of tree-lined streets, a man-made lake and a children's playground that even adults can enjoy. The former military recreational park, Camp John Hay, is another place that tourists go to. Wright Park, Mines View Park, the Botanical Garden, among others, are also some places that travelers visit while in Baguio.
Further up north, tourists who enjoy the mountains will also find the Banaue Rice Terraces enjoyable. This popular northern destination was carved out of the hillside by the local people more than a thousand years ago using their bare hands and primitive tools. The Banaue Rice Terraces was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. Its natural grandeur and splendor also makes it one of the Wonders of the World.
Those who enjoy a more laid back atmosphere that sand and shore offer will enjoy another popular northern tourist destination not far from Baguio. The pristine shore line of La Union, situated only an hour and a half from Baguio, is definitely a must for travelers. The coast line boasts of clean beaches, fresh catch from the sea, beachfront hotels and cabanas, and very friendly people. This particular northern tourist destination also offers a number of water activities such as surfing, scuba diving, snorkeling and the like.
The Philippines' northern tourist destinations have a number of interesting points that travelers may find interesting. Aside from the sights that the views have to offer, tourists will also bask in the hospitality that the Filipinos are known for the world over. Aside from all these, travelers are also sure to enjoy the rich culture that the Philippines has to offer.
General Santos City is a city in Mindanao which attracts more and more tourists every year. Today General Santos has more businesses than ever before including restaurants offering varied cuisines to the locals and the tourists.
1. Tatay Pepe’s Restobar - This is a restaurant in General City which is a popular hangout among the residents there. This is a restaurant where many young adults hang out. The setting of the restaurant is very simple and casual. The cost of the food in Tatay Pepe’s is very affordable. A complete meal can cost seventy five pesos only. This restaurant is situated in Osmena Avenue which is a major street in the city. You can visit their website at tataypepes.com.
2. La Veranda Café - This cafe and restaurant belongs to the latest and hippest restaurant in General Santos. La Veranda is a coffee shop offering international foods like pastas, salads and American dishes. They are proud of having different systems for brewing their coffee. One of their best sellers is the mocha coffee. The price of the coffee in La Veranda begins at eighty pesos. There is a good area on the top of the restaurant where some tables are arranged so lucky patrons can enjoy the view outside including the General Santos city sunset. La Veranda is established at the top of the Tandem building in the in the city's national highway.
3.Ranchero’s Grill - This is a smaller restaurant in the city compared to others when it first began which today has branches in many towns and other Mindanao cities. This grill became a hit with many residents in the city including tourists because of the grilled foods. They are also known for the affordability of the dishes. You can bring one hundred pesos and enjoy a complete meal. Their best seller is the grilled tuna.
4. Dimsum Diner- This is a diner which offers tasty Asian dishes like Japanese and Chinese foods. The ambience in the whole restaurant is very cozy where customers can choose from a wide selection of platters of dimsum. They also have platters made from bamboo. Their best seller is the dumpling. They are located at the East Asia Hotel.
5. Grab-A-Crab - This is restaurant is a combination of an elegant but modern restaurant. They offer gourmet foods and the restaurant is designed to evoke intimacy and class. Many elite residents in the city dine here. They serve good Filipino and Chinese dishes. They are popular for their seafood meals.
Mabuhay!
It's the most common word that can be heard whenever a foreigner or a group of foreigners make their first steps in the Philippines. People from other countries are so delighted every time they will hear that, even though they do not know exactly the literal meaning of the word. But such a lively welcome will make them so at ease and pleased to stay in the country.
But the fun doesn’t end with the word "Mabuhay". In fact that’s just the beginning!
Foreign guests are always given a class "A" treatment by the Filipinos: starting from the people in the hotels that they have rendered for temporary shelter; and even from the people they will meet in the streets, rich or poor, young or old. Filipinos are never ashamed to give their warmest and best smiles to foreigners, and even their "English Carabaos" (screwed up English grammar) just to be able to communicate with foreigners. From there, a conversation would start, primarily asking each other about their culture and experiences.
Many foreigners are somehow contented seeing and hearing things like that. At least they will see something that they don't see everyday in their own home countries. But hey, there's something more in store for them!
Foreigners can always have a taste of the Filipino culture, they just have to ask and not be too shy to ask or try it. In fact, Filipinos would love to include foreign people and have a taste together of Filipino culture: the food to eat, and the use of hands while eating; fiestas (festivals); joyful conversations. Everything! They will never feel like they don’t belong as a part of the group with Filipinos.
A punch line might best describe it... Hospitality like they never experienced before.
Tourists like to see different kinds of people, that's why they went away and made a visit to a place like the Philippines in the first place, right? Many visitors love to see different kinds of people, or races, or nationalities; and there is a lot of that in these 7000 plus islands. This is a primary reason why Filipinos are extremely hospitable to foreigners. A class "A" treatment, like mentioned earlier, is always given to foreigners, guaranteed.
That's why foreigners would always love to come back to the Philippines; mostly, because of the people. They experienced so much hospitality in their visit, and they would love to experience it again. They would be so glad to travel back to the Philippines and travel, as well, with the Filipinos.
So, have been in the Philippines lately?
If you're planning, let us be the one to say this to you first...
Mabuhay!