Puerto Princesa is a place in the Philippines that has also earned the recognition to be one of the world's top eco tourism destinations. This place is filled with marine life as well as awesome beaches. Some of the beaches are protected by the government. There are many perfect diving spots in Palawan’s beaches. Below are some of the beaches you will find beautiful there.
1. Honda Bay - If you like gorgeous beaches you will like this beach. This beach offers guests different choices. There are more than two beaches with the same kind of sand which means plenty of sites for snorkeling or diving. The two islands that are commonly frequented by tourists are Bat Island and Snake Island. The first one is known for the bats that live there and the cave they live in. You can see them before the sun sets.
2. Nagtabon Beach - This is a beach not so far from the city. This is in the town of Bacungan. The beach is eight hundred meters long. Tourists will surely enjoy strolling along the shore. There are several resorts in this beach.
3. Napsan Beach - This is a beach that can be reached within an hour from Tthe city. It is in the tiny town of Napsan. This beach is covered in white sand and the water there is clear and blue. There are several rock formations around the beach giving
a good view of the skies and the island.
4. The Calamian Group - This is a group of island in the northeastern area. This is one of the popular choices among tourists who like going to Palawan. The famous of them are Cullon,Busuanga and Coron. The islands are beautiful because they are actuall small islets that lay above the giant reefs.
5. Apulit Island - This is a beach two hours from the city . In the town of Taytay. Taytay is the former capitol of the whole Palawan. You can also visit the other islands coming from Apulit. The islands surrounding Apulit always have something rare to give to the tourists. There are good diving spots in this island which are popular among the diving fans in the Philippines.
6. Bacuit Bay- This is the part of the beach where you can island hop. One of the nearby islands is the El Nido marine area. Many divers enjoy this beach and consider it their paradise.
Laoag is the vibrant capital of Ilocos Norte.It is a beautiful city that attracts more tourists each year. It also has some of the best beaches in the Philippines.
1. Pannzian Beach - This is a beach considered the seaside jewel. This is a beach in Pagudpod. It is a town near the sea which is very famous for having clear beaches covered with whaite sand. Pannzian is nine kilometers in length. This is top resort with two hundred sixty seven rooms in all. The rooms have a good view of the wide sea because each one has a balcony. They also have a course for golf fans. The golf also has a good view of the Paoay Lake.
2. Nipa Beach - This is beach filled with good sceneries. The sand in this beach seems to be rolling downwards as you get close to the shore. This resort has classy nipa huts with roofs that are pointed. This beach is famous for the clean and blue water. The beach is part of the great China Sea. The whole beach also has tall trees providing good shade while you are enjoying your time in the sand.
3. Pagudpud Beach - This is a beach near the bay of Bangui. This is called Boracay of the north by many people because the sand is just as fine. Pagudpod is even favored by more beach goers because you can do any sports you can do in the water. Pagudpod is a good venue for boating, snorkeling, parasailing and surfing.Many picknickers also go here to spend time with their family.
4. Calayab Beach - This is a beach in the town of Calayab. There are many hotels and resorts in this beach including Fort Ilocandia. Fort Ilocandia is a hotel with its own casino.
5. Terra Rika Beach - This another Laoag beach located in Pagudpod. You can enjoy the sceneries in this beach as the sun rises and when the sun sets. The place is more peaceful than other beaches which provide a good place to meditate and relax. They have a resort with twenty five rooms that are complete with all the amenities. They also have a diving facility where divers can enjoy.
6. Saud Beach - This is a beach in Pagudpod. One of the best things you can do is kayaking.The waves in this beach is good for kayaking and even paragliding. One of the well known resorts in this beach is Vista del Mar. The windmills of Bangui are landmarks in this beach.
The summer capital of the Philippines is 5,000 feet above sea level and thus enjoys cool weather all year round. Previously an Igorot settlement until the Americans arrived, resorts were built here by the colonizers to escape the sultry summer of Manila. However despite the rise of resorts, the leisurely charm of this place has been maintained. There are several Baguio destinations that one must make a point to visit.
The Baguio Sunshine Park is a place where flowers that only grow in cool climate can be found and this Baguio destination is also a place where cultural shows are presented. A whole day can be spent at the Baguio Sunshine Park just admiring the beauty, color and fragrance of the flowers and the cultural shows are very educational. Not a long distance from the Baguio Sunshine Park is Leonard Wood Road where Imelda Park brings a different kind of wonder for tourists.
Imelda Park is very different from the Baguio Sunshine Park in that what is on display here is not the different varieties of flowers but the prototypes of the dwellings that the mountain tribes used to live in and some where they continue to live. At the entrance of Imelda Park tribe people greet the visitors and one can snap pictures with them for a souvenir.
Another Baguio destination that one must go to is Burnham Park. This Baguio destination is named after an American architect who designed the whole city. There’s a lagoon with shallow water where one can rent a boat to row across amidst weeping willows. The children can play at the playground in Burnham Park. There are also several restaurants that are a walking distance from this Baguio destination and they serve both Asian and international cuisine. Very different from the Baguio Sunshine Park, Burnham Park is a place where family gatherings are commonly held.
Aside from Burnham Park, Imelda Park and the Baguio Sunshine Park, there are so many places that one can go to when at the summer capital. These Baguio destinations are more enjoyable because of the cool climate and the warm reception that awaits visitors. For those who like partying at night, Baguio has a very colorful night life with several bars that can go to and listen to a live band with some friends, karaoke, or perhaps go dancing while having a couple of drinks.
If one takes a stroll in most of the big malls here in the Philippines, one would notice that almost all, if not all, have a special area for BINGO enthusiasts. In these halls, people of all ages, and of all walks of life, can be spotted, from a bouncing toddler to a weakly elder, from the masses to the elite all play Bingo. This grand game has been among the favorite past times of Filipino families most especially on weekends.
Bingo is a basically a game of chance wherein random numbers are picked and players match these numbers to their corresponding 5x5 cards which are basically a matrix of numbers and the letters B, I, N, G, O, hence BINGO.
Whenever, a specified pattern is formed, the player shouts “BINGO” to notify the caller of the win and inform other players. The caller will verify the pattern and will declare the winner. A corresponding cash price for the pattern will be given.
Then another pattern is called and another game is played until another player wins. Usually, the game is played in rounds wherein each round has a specified pattern that players aim to form. The pattern becomes more and more difficult round after round and the pot money becomes bigger and bigger, up to the final round, which is famously called as the black-out here in the Philippines. In these rounds all numbers in the matrix must be called and filled out on your card in order to win.
It can be argued that BINGO originated from the similar game Lotto in Italy around 1530. The term BINGO however came from the word Beano in the United States. Beans were used to cover the numbers on the cards back then. It is argued that an excited player shouted Bingo instead of Beano, and the term was adopted then on.
In the Philippines, earlier BINGO games were mostly played in "perias", an interim amusement place established during fiestas in the different barrios / places. This evolved into a highly popular game and is now often used as a form of charity by religious churches and / or groups, and other fund raising activities. Presently, online and real time games are also available over the web.
Off shoots from the original game have been developed as well, such as Christmas Bingo, Bovine Bingo, Roadkill Bingo etc. Basically the same principles and rules apply, with a little modification for more excitement, and only the rewards are changed. In Christmas Bingo for example, instead of monetary jackpots, gifts are given to the winners, also, at the onset, the cards given to the players are blank and it is up to the players to fill the blanks with numbers from 1 to 40. No duplication of numbers on one card is allowed.
I have been here in Manila since I was born. Occasionally though, I had some chances in having sometime in a province or two because we were very attached to our parents homeland or hometown. It is a reality here in Manila that change and progress are two inevitable factors sweeping everybody's psyche. Unfortunately, these tides left unlikely 'dents' in Manila. It is really a sorry sight to see a sense of being not too organized and at the same time a lack of discipline. To say the least, the result has been extreme-either too good or not so good. That is the reason why the question that reoccurs in my mind is: can we do change and progress perfectly?
During my freshman year in high school, part of our summer program was to do some camping out. My classmates and I were so excited because we had to travel through a big ferry ship. Once we were in the shores of Palawan, we saw an unusual sight: people had a luxury to swim by the port area! The water in the port area was so clean that swimming was considered safe.
When we were welcomed by the bishop and gave us a tour of Puerto Princesa, it was a real haven of order and discipline! It was a highly urbanized municipality but it was well taken cared of. I remembered reading one of the sign that spitting was prohibited, so as throwing small trashes all over the place.
We camped out for almost a week at Mount St. Paul in Palawan. It was a baptism of fire for me because it was where I hiked two (2) to three (3) hours just to be at the campsite. It was very tiring and at the same time memorable. In Mount St. Paul as well, I was able to swim with the huge waves and enjoyed the experience a lot.
We have to trek the challenging and dangerous 'Monkey Trail' for hours to experience the beauty of the underground river of Palawan or the world-renowned Subterranean National Park. For the next few days, we were trained and encouraged to take an extra care toward Mother Nature. What thought echoed since our stay in Mount St. Paul was: 'We are all brothers and sisters and we have one Mother- the planet Earth.'
Our experience in Palawan made me realize that taking care or preserving Mother Nature and at the same time riding the waves of progress and change is never a conflict at all. As humans, we have the greatest gift Mother Nature could provide and that is our ability to rationalize or to think. Since we have this faculty, we have the authority to take care of the environment and not just utilize it for selfish motives. My experience in Palawan was indeed priceless. It had left a dent in my being to be in a way an advocate of Mother Nature in my own means.
Curious about the place called The Home of Balangays (ancient sea vessel used by early settlers of the Philippines)? Wondering about the so-called Timber City of the South? These nicknames are attributed to the wonderful city of Butuan. The place is as well known as the 'Ancient Kingdom of Butuan'. Its name was derived from, according to sources, a certain ruler of the land during the ancient times (Datu Buntuan). The place is the Caraga's regional center where offices and various agencies of the government almost situated. History asserted that as early as the tenth (10th) century, the Kingdom of Champa, which is now Vietnam, had established commercial affairs with the locals of Butuan. The Srivijaya Empire of Java as well, had been undergoing trading pacts during those times. Since then, the place developed in terms of financial stability and urban lifestyle.
The City of Butuan honors Santo Niño (the Holy Child Jesus) and in honor of their patron the Festival of Kahimunan is being celebrated. This feast falls annually on the third (3rd) Sunday of January. It is said t be the version or a sort of rendition of Cebu City’s Sinulog Festival. 'Gathering' is the literal meaning of the word 'Kahimuan'-a Lumad terminology. In celebration of the Charter Day of Butuan City, an awareness or consciousness week for cultural festival or tourism is commemorated every year. This week-long celebration starts from the last week of July until the second day of August. It is known as the Adlaw Hong Butuan that starts with a Holy Eucharist as a thanksgiving. It is followed by series of activities such as awarding of outstanding local government employees, street party, 'palagsing' festival and motorcade. The feast patroness of the Agusan River, St. Anne, is celebrated as the Abayan Festival and is being held every last Sunday of July. Every nineteenth of May, the city celebrates the feast of St. Joseph, the patron of the City of Butuan. The celebration of the Thanksgiving Mass is one of the highlights of the festivity followed by more festive events.
To enjoy the wonders of Butuan, always remember every traveler's rule of thumb: travel light. Eco-Tourism is one of the focal point of Butuan’s progress and economic drive. For this reason, travel agencies help visitors and tourists find assistance regarding accommodation and travel itinerary as they stay at Butuan City. MR Travel Services, Inc. offers tourists and visitors alike to enjoy the beauty of Butuan City. Located at Metropolitan Manila in Ermita, the agency has been doing the service since 1985. Their stability has been defined by the thousands of satisfied customers throughout the years in the business. MR Travel website provides updated announcements and advisories to help tourists and visitors on their preferred travel destinations.
Boracay is the home to one of the whitest and finest sand beaches in the Philippines. A number of tourists, both local and foreign, visit the beach every year and this boosts the tourism of the place. There are different modes of transportation that are present in Boracay and can be availed of by the tourists.
First, there are the tricycles which abound the streets of Boracay. One can easily observe that they outnumber the other forms of Boracay transportation because of the convenience and affordability found in riding these tricycles. Unlike the common tricycles found in the Metro Manila area, the tricycles here can carry a maximum of 7 people with 6 persons inside the side car and 1 at the back of the driver. It may be a little bit uncomfortable but it is definitely fun as this form of Boracay transportation breezes through the crowded streets and onto the other areas of the beach. The fact that it is small makes it easy to go through the alleys and small streets.
Second, another type that makes up the family of Boracay transportation is the Multicab. These multicabs are among the first ones to welcome tourists. They are found in the port that would bring tourists from the nearby airports to the heart of Boracay. It can carry more people and more luggage but would cost more than the tricycles. With more space, it is definitely a more comfortable ride and provides a better view if one wish to sightsee before arriving at the destination.
Third, there are also the bancas or boats which is available for travel between the airport and Boracay itself. The boats are shared if an individual is to go from the airport to Boracay as the boats used are far larger than the ones used within Boracay. It is not only the tourists who usually ride the boat from the airport area but also the locals who went to Caticlan. Another popular purpose of this Boracay transportation is for island hopping and snorkeling. There are boat owners who offer their boats at a certain price in exchange for a tour of the island, which is not possible for other modes of Boracay transportation. They could also stop in a certain spot a few meters from the shore and allow tourists to dive into the cool waters and swim with the fishes.
With the boom in the tourist industry of Boracay, the government has really ensured that there is sufficient and enough transportation for the people. These are not only accessible but forms a great part of the tourists’ experience and memories of the island.
Philippines is a rich country in terms of natural resources and historical sites, which made her the “Last frontier of the Pacific” and naturally the most attractive tourist destination in the Far East. From the marvels of her seas, to her majestic flora and fauna, you could see the paradise on its fullness. As an archipelago, from north to south, as what people used to call, “Aparri to Jolo”, you will be amazed by the vastness of its awesome richness.
The white beaches; green mountains; tropical rainforest reserves; marvelous islands; unique extinct animals; and most of all the people – the hospitable and friendly people, the best in the world; are only a few of the natural beauties and characters of the Philippines.
The world’s best, Boracay in Aklan, most famous for its white beaches and crystal-clear water; El Nido in Palawan, the beauty of virgin nature, offering peace and serenity; the most loved Goliath waves of Siargao, most known among surfers worldwide; and of course the famous and gorgeous Manila Bay, the “World’s Captivating Sunset.” And in Bohol, you will see the most sought after “Tarsier”, the smallest monkey in the world. Bohol is also been known for its white beaches and the yummiest “Chocolate Hills.”
Because of her beauty, Philippines had been enslaved by conquerors awed by her, but they failed to destroy her, instead these moments, as a part of her glorious past added beauty and character. For now, you could see her past implied and enshrined from the famous historical shrines and sites all over the country. From the first Spanish landing in Cebu to World War II events, memories are kept alive through these beautiful and momentous places.
These sites are mostly present in the Philippines’ three major groups of islands, namely Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. To mention a few of these historical places are the following: the first landing and baptism of Christianity reminisced in a shrine in Cebu, and also present is the famous Cross of Magellan; the old Spanish churches in Bohol; the Corregidor Island in Bataan which houses the World War II American and Filipino camps and war artilleries; Dapitan old village in Zamboanga, Mindanao, that the National Hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal developed by his wits and ingenuity; Camp John Hay in Baguio City, was an American encampment in WWII.
All the tourist spots mentioned here are only a small part of the vastness and awesome world-class uniqueness of this tropical country. There are more to see in the Philippines. Certainly, the country got the world’s attention for her untainted beauty and qualities and every visitor can attest to that.
With government hands all tied up due to lack of funds, public education is at its worst. So private elementary schools are popping up like mushrooms in the country. And for a good reason: middle class people who make up a vast portion of society are looking for elementary private school alternatives. A famous proverb in Philippine business is: any business that deals with kids’ needs will stay and prosper.
First, an elementary school business will need a principal and teachers who are all licensed teachers. The principal must at least be presently having a master’s degree in education. The school business can start out as a preschool first and gradually expand its grade levels. After being a preschool for 2 to 3 years it can apply for permit to hold the first 3 elementary levels, and so on.
The school must have at least 500 to 1000 square meters of property which is not traffic hazardous. It may be in the safest street corner of a subdivision or interior road. When this is secured, the school business will need the following papers: homeowners’ consent, barangay clearance and permit, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) papers (it must be a corporation), Bureau of Internal Revenue permit (BIR), business or mayor’s permit, and a permit to operate a preschool and elementary school from the Department of Education (DEP ED).
For a secure school business, foremost features a school must have are: strong and safe structures, fire escapes, fire alarm, fire extinguishers on every floor and in every room and corner, good ventilation, well kempt rest rooms, spacious classrooms, playground and sport facilities, clinic, ample library, laboratory, computer room, administration offices, teachers’ lounge, and a clean canteen. The school may plan a future expansion horizontally or vertically. These are necessary things for a DEP ED permit.
The school business must have an organization composed of the school administrator, principal, head teacher, teachers, librarian, office staff, nurse, security, maintenance, and canteen staff. The administrator will head them with the principal. This is for the DEP ED side of the school requirements. In addition to this, the school must have a board of trustees, officers (chairman, vice chairman, secretary, and treasurer), or president and vice president. This is for the SEC side of the school requirements.
A school business needs pertinent documents and organizations to complete certain government requirements. With these paper works secured and the organizations set up, the school business will be running smoothly and effectively.
The Philippines is known for having the highest number of both discovered and unexplored dive sites in Asia. And owing to its rich naval history, the country has become a favorite destination for its many famous wreck sites. The country offers some of the best wreck dive sites in Asia, which include sunken war and trade vessels used by the Spanish, Chinese, Japanese and Americans who at some time navigated through Philippine waters.
There are at least 25 identified shipwreck dive sites in the Philippines, although more have been discovered recently while others remain unexplored. Most of the country’s popular wreck diving sites can be found in Subic Bay Freeport in Olongapo, some 160 kms from the Philippine capital of Manila. Both experienced and novice divers continue to be lured to this former naval facility with its magnificent vistas, easy amenities, and of course, the wreck sites. Subic holds the prestige of being considered having the best wreck dive sites in Asia.
A historical naval base dating as far back as the Spanish Colonial Period and subsequently under the Americans until 1990, sunken battleships and other war vessels can be found lying across Subic’s sea bed. One such vessel frequented by divers is the Ex-USS New York. A perfectly preserved 1899 American dreadnought, this battleship was deliberately scuttled to prevent the Japanese from commandeering her 17-inch guns in the Second World War.
Another famous wreck site is that of the Oryoku Maru, a vessel of the Japanese occupation forces. The vessel has gained the moniker, “Hell Ship,” for causing the deaths of thousands of American prisoners of war and their families when it sunk in 1945.
Meanwhile, the wreckage of the Spanish gunboat San Quentin is considered the oldest among the sunken vessels in Subic, dating back to the Spanish-American War at the turn of the 20th century. A veritable symbol of the Spanish Galleon era, the San Quentin was sunk in 1898 as a last ditch effort to prevent US Naval forces from gaining access to the strategic channel passing through the islands of Grande and Chiquita. Easily one of the most popular wreck dive sites in the Philippines, the San Quentin continues to draw many divers because of its historical significance.
The stretch of over 35,000 kilometers of coastline that open up to the major waters of South East Asia has naturally endowed the Philippines with some of the best diving destinations in the region. The Philippines’ Department of Tourism has even dubbed the country as “Asia’s Dive Capital,” with more than 40,000 sq. kms of coral reefs providing shelter to a vibrant and varied marine ecosystem. Wreck sites in the Philippines are undoubtedly the main attractions, the very centerpiece which draws people to visit and revisit Asia's Diving Capital.