Iloilo has always been considered as a gateway to Visayas and it is the economic hub of the western part of the region. Iloilo restaurants are among the outstanding and impressive places to dine at in the Philippines.
Shopping and dining does not have to be two separate activities in Iloilo since Robinson’s Place found on Ledesma Street is not only a mall of great finds, but it also has on the 3rd floor an authentic Mongolian Iloilo restaurant called Kublai Khan’s Mongolian Restaurant. Aside from the unique and mouth watering selections there are exciting dishes that one can try aside from this Iloilo restaurant’s specialties. The environment of Kublai Khan’s Mongolian Restaurant is very lively and cozy at the same time and the delicious smell that emanates will surely have one’s mouth watering. For those who are really hungry, the Kublai Khan’s Mongolian Restaurant has a Fill-All-You-Can Bowl which is similar to a buffet and allows one to try the different dishes offered by this Iloilo restaurant. For an Eat-All-You-Can, Kublai Khan’s Mongolian Restaurant is very affordable with prices ranging from Php 200 to Php 300 per head. If one isn’t too hungry though, there are smaller ala carte dishes that one can choose from. Aside from the usual lunch and dinner crowd that this Iloilo restaurant caters to, tea time or what the Filipinos call as “merienda” is also something to look forward to especially with the Emperor’s Merienda which is a filling meal.
If one isn’t too keen on Mongolian and the Kublai Khan’s Mongolian Restaurant and one is craving for European dishes, Numtah Bar and Restaurant is a good choice. This Iloilo restaurant isn’t in the mall but it is easy to find and it’s just in La Paz, Iloilo City. Italian delicacies are the specialty of Numtah Bar and Restaurant and dining here is an interesting mix of a laid back atmosphere but with topnotch facility. This Iloilo restaurant also serves a couple of Filipino dishes which are just as good as their European ones. Aside from the good food at Numtah Bar and Restaurant this is also a good venue for family gatherings and celebrations with several private dining areas to accommodate more than one event in a day. Prices at the Numtah Bar and Restaurant range from Php 200 to Php 500 but considering that what this Iloilo restaurant serves are delicacies, this is very affordable. The Numtah Bar and Restaurant is also a good place to grab a couple of drinks with friends at night.
The Island of Bohol has truly been blessed by Mother Nature. Wonderful beaches and unique flora and fauna (courtesy of the Philippine Tarsiers) are some prominent marks of the Bohol Island. Nonetheless, the most famous, extraordinary and remarkable feature this blessed island has is the geological or terrain formation known as the 'Chocolate Hills'. This wonders of nature would surely make tourists and visitors be charmed and most likely asked the question: what is the origin of the 'Chocolate Hills'.
Ancient people, before the establishment of educational system, relied on myth, legends and folklores to explain the phenomena happening during those times. The 'Chocolate Hills' certainly have had their own share of these 'bed time stories'. One of the legends said that there was once a certain Dano, a giant with a huge appetite and devoured everything in his way. One instance he approached to a plain and saw the alluring and beautiful girl named Eng. Dano fell in love with Eng, but before Eng said her precious 'yes' to Dano, he had to loose weight. For that reason, Dano expelled everything he consumed and his mounds of wastes scattered and covered the place until he gained the heart of his precious Eng. Here is another story, just to redeem the 'not so-good theme' of the last legend, right now it is a 'real' love story. There was again a giant and his name was Arogo. He was described to be very youthful and powerful. His heart was captured by a lovely Aloya, a beautiful and attractive mortal. One day, Aloya died and this had caused the strong giant much misery and pain. He started crying and he could not be stopped. His tears created the mounds and as soon they dried up they became the Chocolate Hills. These stories convey the rich literature of the ancient Boholonos.
Reading scientific and empirical explanation may give reasoning how and what Chocolate Hills is all about. Nonetheless, experiencing Bohol, is 'knowing' the Chocolate Hills. Enjoying Bohol Island without the time-consuming and hassle-free dealings with the technicalities of traveling and touring could be taken cared of few preparations. Travel agencies in Bohol provide traveling and touring assistance to ensure a hassle-free trip. One of Bohol Island's premiere travel and tours agency is the Isla Grande Island Travel and Tours. They offer travel packages for reasonable prices. They are in charge from dealing with travel details up to accommodations and travel itineraries. The Isla Grande Travel and Tours is located at The Courtyard Building, Airport Road, Tagbilaran City, Bohol Island. As a final note, always check the internet for latest updates and information.
Bohol has been gaining more popularity these past few years. People in Bohol are warm and hospitable. The place is considered a paradise by people who have visited it. The capital is Tagbilaran city. This is the point of entry. Tagbilaran is where you can find the only airport in Bohol. People go to Bohol to enjoy the beaches and the sights to see.
Panglao Island is Bohol’s popular island where you can find the top resorts and hotels in Bohol. Alona beach is the loveliest beach in Panglao. It is where most establishments can be found. This part of the island is in the southwest end. Alona beach is one and half kilometers in length and it has several resorts offering accommodations and package tours for varying prices. Alona beach also has great diving sites offering different coral formations and filled with marine life. There are great places in Alona beach where you can eat with your family and friends. There are schools where you can learn how to dive and rent some diving equipments as well. The only setback in Alona beach are probably some big urchins which can reach the beach from time to time so it is best take precautions when you are swimming. Never forget to take your equipment for snorkeling when you are hundred meters away from the shore where you will go near the hour reef’s edge which is five meters in depth and you can observe the life underneath the waters. Most boatmen know the perfect spots to scuba dive. There are different reefs where you can see the amazing life underneath the water.
Dumaluan Beach is the beach on the southern part of Panglao. It is two and a half kilometers away from the Alona beach. There are more resorts here that can offer more privacy because most of them are exclusives like the Bohol Beach Club.
Bikini Beach is another beach eight kilometers away from the capital of Bohol. This is a popular place for families and friends who like to enjoy a picnic.
Momo Beach is another beach on the northern part of Panglao island. This is a beach with shallow waters.
Doljo Beach is situated on the northwestern side of Panglao. It is closer to Momo beach and it is a good beach as well. It is free from the common sea grass present in other beaches. There are several shells you can find when you walk along the beach.
Want to relieve stress from work?
To some people, seeing new places is a good way of getting back to reality. Planning a vacation usually is time consuming and you also have to consider your budget.
It doesn't have to be far to consider a vacation worth taking. There are lots of places that can offer satisfaction without the need to go to far off places. There are beaches, swimming pools, bars, and parks, restaurants and tourist spots that are not only cheap to visit but also accessible.
To people who love to go out with the family, there would be the beach which offers a chance to bathe in the sun, go fishing, or just enjoy the view. Some tourists love the climate here in the Philippines, so you would see a majority of Japanese, Americans and Koreans at the beach escaping the winter back in their own country.
At the beach you can buy lots of things that you don’t normally see everyday. There would be souvenir items like weird key-chains, shades, and caps and bracelets. But beware, there are lots of people who take advantage of tourists who are not familiar with the place. There were reports of loosing valuables like money jewelry, cellular phones, credit cards. It is best to keep these things with you all the time.
As soon as you sense something out of the ordinary, it is best to report to the local authorities. If you are going to leave your valuables in the hotel, make sure that you lock them up before leaving in the hotel safe or room safe.
For people who don’t have the time to go out with friends during the day, they can visit the different bars in the metro. But beware of those pickpockets who roam around in the those places. Being drunk and all, you might not even sense that someone is already taking your month’s worth of salary.
Parks are also one of the most visited places in the country. In fact, it is very popular with students and lovers. Not only do they get to relax, they also get the chance to enjoy the moment with their loved ones. In some parks, there are so called “calesas” driven by a horse. Some photographers love the idea of taking panoramic pictures while riding on these calesas.
They say that best things in life are for free. The freedom to choose to travel to wherever you would want to go is definitely one of the best.
Here’s a super healthy and super yummy Philippine native recipe. This native dish’s loaded with protein, omega 3 and calcium. It’s a mighty combination of the tasty features of fresh water fish and the subtle zesty goodness of Chinese black beans and spiced tofu.
For a kilo of milkfish here’s the list of ingredients for this native recipe: a small plastic pack of Chinese black beans or “tawsi,” a small pack of spiced tofu or “tawre,” 4 pieces sliced tomatoes, 2 pieces sliced onions, 5 pieces minced garlic, non cholesterol cooking oil, a cup of water, and salt to taste. With this list ready, we’re ready to cook this very tasty native dish.
After washing and cleaning the fish, slice them in 3 pieces. Fry them in cooking oil in a pan till brown. To avoid fish from sticking on the pan, make sure the pan and the oil are heated enough before putting in the fish. Another technique of this native recipe is to rub flour on the fish pieces before putting them in the hot cooking oil. When brown, put away in a plate. Don’t over fry the fish of this native dish. Fry just enough to keep the fish’s juiciness intact.
Sauté the garlic pieces, onions, and tomatoes in a new batch of cooking oil in a different pan. Keep steering till the tomatoes are melted. Put in the fish pieces and sauté for some 2 minutes. Put in the black beans and spiced tofu and sauté for a minute. Pour in water and cover pan. Cook for 5 to 10 minutes, or until boiling. Put out fire and serve. This native serves 5 to 6 people.
A word of caution: make sure the milkfish of this native dish is thoroughly cleaned. Avoid getting the fish gull ruptured. This embitters the fish and spoils the whole native recipe. Also, make sure the gills of the milkfish are taken out. Some versions of this native recipe still have the gills in the fish. This results to a rancid taste in the native dish.
This native recipe is simple and easy enough to cook. The key here is in the food preparation, especially on the handling and cleaning of the milkfish.
Philippine native recipe for milkfish with black beans and spiced tofu is a healthy native dish that will surely stimulate the taste buds and rouse the appetite for more servings.
I have been lucky to travel around The Philippines first before I embarked on an overseas career. This gave me the chance to confirm what everyone has been saying about the Philippines.
That it is a beautiful country rich in natural resources and home to citizens whose hospitality is oftentimes considered to be a fault. I’ve practically toured the whole island of Luzon, from Aparri in the North, down to Mindoro and Bicol in the South. In the Visayas, I’ve visited Cebu, Leyte, Iloilo and Bacolod. In Mindanao, I’ve scoured the cities of Davao, Cotabato, Cagayan de Oro, and General Santos, and have been to Marawi and Butuan. I believe those are good samples of the best of my country’s 7,100 islands.
Not everything was fun and happy, though. In some of my travels, I’ve encountered dangers, felt rage, loneliness, and embarrassments. But looking back, they have all been part of the whole adventure, and have added strong hues to this colorful multi-dimensional prism of experiences. On my first trip to South Cotabato, I remember praying for my dear life when our 50-seater Fokker airplane experienced an engine trouble right in the middle of a typhoon. Imagine how horrified I was when during the strong air turbulence, the flight attendants started to distribute life vests to everyone in anticipation of a water landing. When I saw their nervous faces, I immediately felt that surprising tedium of a nightmare. It was a moment of helplessness and resignation and I sat there in terror and totally surrendered my fate to God.
In Marawi City, where I gave lectures on video production at the Mindanao State University, my legs literally wobbled in frozen fright when we drove through a Muslim rebel-infested area, where minutes earlier, a military encounter transpired. I also experienced dealing and negotiating with the notorious syndicated fixers in Manila’s domestic airport, just to be able to get a seat for a flight to Butuan. I was double-crossed when I found out that the flight was cancelled long after I paid the grease money for my ticket, and the bad guys just disappeared instantly.
I’ve wined and dined in some of the best hotels, but have also eaten uncooked root crops and salt with farmers inside a shanty made of cardboard boxes. I have taken luxurious baths in Jacuzzis full of herbs, aromatic oils, and flowers and had also survived being in a remote island for three days with practically no toilets and beds. In Cebu, I was once given a red carpet treatment and on a writing assignment which got me face to face with the world famous seaweed Taipan, Benson U. Dakay. Weeks after that, I found myself riding a carabao in the rocky mountains of Bukidnon to interview peasants for a story I was doing on barriers to rural entrepreneurship. I relished all the perks of my travels, but have also learned to endure and live with its intrinsic inconveniences and discomforts.
Despite the fact that Dipolog is where most mines are and this is the most successful industry in the area, tourists can’t resist a glimpse of the rolling hills or the beautiful seas that are in this place. Aside from the many tourist attractions in Dipolog, food is also something that visitors enjoy and it’s not just because the Dipolog restaurants are cozy and the food service personnel pleasant.
The specialty of this Dipolog restaurant is seafood. Cooked however the diner prefers, the Port Orient Restaurant makes sure that the food they serve is always fresh out of the sea. Port Orient Restaurant is actually Dakak Park Beach Resort’s in-house restaurant but non guests are always welcome. Located right in Dipolog City which is the center of commerce of Zamboanga del Norte, this Dipolog restaurant can be considered as fine dining. The blue marlin and tiger prawns are really good at the Port Orient Restaurant cooked Asian style so all their flavors are locked in. If one isn’t too keen on seafood, this Dipolog restaurant has other things on their menu like pizzas and a couple of Filipino dishes. The Port Orient Restaurant is where many families spend Sunday lunch or dinner together and where the romantics can bring their dates. Aside from the delightful dishes, another noticeable thing about Port Orient Restaurant is the service. The personnel are always so warm and friendly and would be more than happy to suggest dishes that one will surely not regret.
What better way to cap a great meal than to have a tasty dessert? Pastries is the specialty of Grandma’s Best Bakeshop and aside from the sumptuous cakes that are just heavenly and irresistible, they have one of the best brewed coffee in Dipolog City. However, cakes are not the only things that this Dipolog restaurant has in its menu and it also has a couple of Filipino dishes straight out of Grandma’s kitchen. Arroz Caldo for instance which is Chicken Porridge and served by Grandma’s Best Bakeshop is definitely comfort food. There are other meals available at this Dipolog restaurant including baked Macaroni, Lasagna, salad and other light meals perfect for snacks. The items at Grandma’s Best Bakeshop are also priced reasonably and a satisfying meal can be enjoyed at less than Php 100. Aside from the food, the ambience of Grandma’s Best Bakeshop is something very cozy and the place is always so clean. Grandma’s Best Bakeshop is on the corner of Mabini and Arellano Streets.
The presence of first-class universities and colleges in Angeles City clearly shows the importance of good quality education for the people living within the area. Its various educational institutions have expressed their total commitment to excellence by offering students outstanding academic programs. Low tuition rates, modern facilities and highly respectable professors are just some of the numerous reasons why people must try enrolling at these schools, all of which are part of the impressive Angeles City education system.
Established in 1985 as a non-sectarian private school, Systems Plus College Foundation is part of the competitive Angeles City education system. More than anything else, it is known in the area for its commitment in providing academic excellence to all its students. Some of the highly interesting courses available in the College of Information Technology Education include the Bachelor of Science in Information Management, Bachelor of Science in Information Technology and Master in Information Technology. Furthermore, it also has the College of Hospitality Management that offers courses like Bachelor of Science in Tourism as well as Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management. Another good thing about this school is that it is never short in terms of student services, which include financial assistance, scholarships and guidance counseling.
Located along McArthur Highway, Angeles University Foundation is one of the most attractive educational institutions in the area. It has various kinds of centers and office such as the Plaridel Strategic Studies Institute, the Institute of Kapampangan Studies and the Office of Institutional Planning and Development. Additionally, this university is very proud of its extensive student services that include the Management Information Systems Services, Health Services and Campus Ministry among others. This university has the College of Criminal Justice Education, College of Computer Studies and College of Arts and Sciences. It is also very proud of its College of Education, School of Law and School of Medicine.
Known for its commitment to service, excellence and tradition, Holy Angel University is found along Santo Rosario Street. In order to improve its services for students, this educational institution has established the Institute for Faculty Development. For a fast response to the various needs of its students, it has created the Office of Student Services and Affairs. It also has a beautiful, comprehensive and state-of-the-art library that is especially designed for research and study. For financially challenged individuals, they can apply for government grants, private grants and academic grants.
One of the most generous and hospitable people in terms of accommodation and warm welcome is the Ormocanons. Ormocanons are the people or the locals of Ormoc City. They are for the most part Cebuano-speaking natives (since they are Cebuano-speakers in Southern Leyte and Leyte, they are also referred as 'Kana'). This Cebuana influence was due to the fact that Ormocanos relate more to Cebu and other neighboring municipalities and towns than to the eastern Leyte itself. Catholic-themed religious festivities are celebrated and observed the whole year round and these feasts have been the clear manifestation of the influence of Catholic religion.
Getting a chance staying at Ormoc City should be capped by visiting these beautiful landmarks and tourist attractions. Situated at the north part of Brgy. Hibunawon, Ormoc's pineapple plantation could be visited. Unoficially, this plantation is an icon of the city since it produces the Queen Pineapple of Ormoc. These pineapples unique taste is absolutely fitting for a title of a queen and best for ‘pasalubong’ (tagalong term for a ‘to go’ meal intended for relatives or acquaintances). If tourists would like to do some bonding times or picnics, the Centennial Park (which is located in the city), is one of the best places to consider. The Tongonan Hotsprings National Park is the home for geothermal power supply for the whole region. It is the first operational geothermal plant in the Philippines. The Leyte Golf and Country Club provides an eighty-hectare of golfing field suitable for tourists who are aficionados of the sports or game. A tourist could not be considered to be at Ormoc City without checking out the violin-shaped Danao Lake. Around the lake are boats and floating cottages for rent.
Enjoying the Ormoc City and its wonders is just a fraction of the adventure. Another thing to consider is how a tourist could have a worthwhile stay in Ormoc City. Travel agents and as per recommendation, refer and suggest the Sabin Resort Hotel. It is a beachfront facility just a few minutes away (though riding a jeep or driving) from the city vicinity or proper of Ormoc. Accommodation in this hotel resort is very good. The swimming pool is very cozy and well-lit. A touch of the Filipino spirit is showcased at the living rooms where native furniture or fixtures are displayed. There a lot of travel agents from noted travel and tours agencies listed on the internet. The booming industry of eco-tourism made an impact for the local government to take heed or answer the call of necessity in terms of the needs of tourists and visitors alike. Just relax: the journey has just begun.
One of the good things in life, encased within the mystical waters of Subic Bay, Olongapo, is to opt for diving pleasures for a ship wreck dive within the crystal blue waters of this place.
Open to both novice (through a guided diving tour) and professional divers, a year-round diving treasure can be garnered in several wreck dive spots that holds a number of battleships that had sunk in Subic Bay in various times throughout history.
The best and the most perilous of all is the USS New York cruiser which is located between the Alava Pier and the end of the northern runway spot. Diving down to its interiors is a feat that most divers have to master, and yet, beholding this 1891 World War I vessel that is way below the surface – submerged around 88 feet of Subic Bay water – is a breathtaking venture beyond compare.
Upon taking a good wreck dive within this ship, various types of marine life would be pleasantly seen which includes the lionfish, lapu-lapu, talakitok, spotted seet lip, spotted rays, barracuda and the lobster.
Next to venture in a Subic Bay wreck dive is the small 3000 ton freighter known as El Capitan. Situated in the Ilanin Bay, this AN LST ship sits proudly with its top feature around 16 to 40 feet below the surface – making it easily accessible for most divers and also those who engage in snorkeling.
Although Mt. Pinatubo’s eruption has damaged this ship’s hull, it still is good for a diving feature to look into since there are lots of tropical fishes that would be exciting to watch as they swim past the divers in complete abandon with their tails swishing to and fro.
Another wonderful wreck dive to take, as one would plunge deep into the waters of Subic Bay, is the San Quentin that is mainly made of wood. This is known to be the oldest ship wreck in history that was used in 1898 during the Spanish-American war.
And, before one would leave the comforts of Subic Bay waters, and its wreck dive spots, the Oryoku Maru, which served as a passenger ship for many families during its prime, should not be an option to leave behind. Coined as the “Hell Ship,” this vessel also opened its services to 1600 American prisoners of war.
Within its historical hull, marine life in this diving spot holds a variety of tropical species.
Wreck diving in Subic Bay would also be most fulfilling if one would go diving for the Seian Maru. There are a handful of living species like the spotted sweet lip, coral trout and others that would make underwater photography a true delight.
These five great wreck dive spots in Subic Bay should never be forgotten by those who wish to go for a good diving experience since these areas make Olongapo a favorite place to be in by most divers and tourists alike.