A trip to the Philippines may never be completed without having a chance to stay or at least have a glance of the main place or capital of the Philippines: The City of Manila. It is one of the cities that composed of the greater Metropolitan area of Manila or Metro Manila. Manila City has been the center of the Philippines in terms of trade and culture. In a sense, Manila is Philippines and the Philippines is Manila.
Being the Philippines main city or the capital, significant events and places had defined Manila City's history. One of the known landmarks of Manila is the Fort Santiago or Fuerza de Santiago (in Spanish). This citadel or stronghold has been the location of the kingdom and the palace of Rajah Suleiman (a Muslim ruler before the Spanish regime). When the Spanish fleet came in the late 1500's, the fortress was destroyed and eventually the new settlers erected the Fuerza de Santiago. The Philippines' national hero, Jose Rizal, was actually detained in Fort Santiago as an enemy of the state (of Spain) before his execution. Both the Spanish and the Japanese armies used the facility as prison dungeons. Another notable place in Metro Manila is the Manila Cathedral or the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. This almost 500 year-old cathedral has been the seat of the Archbishop of Manila. According to history, the cathedral was made of materials available for natives during that time. Meaning, the first constructed cathedral was made of bamboo and nipa. Unfortunately, these materials did not stand up against a strong typhoon and feisty fire before 1600's. From then on, the cathedral had been reconstructed using stronger materials such as stones. Nonetheless, this did not spare the church from natural calamity like earthquakes and the destructions of wars throughout its history. The latest, event of historical significance that happened in Manila Cathedral is the when it hosted the funeral of the eleventh (11th) President of the Philippine, Corazon Cojuangco Aquino.
The past years of progress in all known fields to humanity has been very drastic and at the same time very dramatic. Changes have been in a constant flux and its movements are getting really faster as time goes by. Information has been the most powerful tool for survival. The late Philosopher Francis Bacon was right, knowledge can give the edge. Certainly, knowledge is power. This development also conquered the way of life in Metropolitan Manila. As the capital of the Philippines, Manila City has to keep up with the pace of this new wave. To promote business and tourism, there are Manila websites that can be accessed using the internet. The local government’s official website (http://www.manila.gov.ph/) provides an easy access regarding the definition of Manila City in a nutshell. This official government website allows individuals to gain information regarding best sites, possible business venues and some current events happening around the Metropolitan Manila. With the help of the internet, in a way or two, Metropolitan Manila is just a few clicks away.
A long time ago, according to the myth, there lived two animals that were very good friends; wherever they went they were never separated. If the lion stalked an animal, the myth says the rabbit would frighten it towards the lion for an easy prey.
When the lion had caught the prey, the rabbit in turn, says the myth, searched for the best grass and dug for wild tubers beside the eating lion, making the lion an insurance for safety. Nobody could touch the rabbit while it enjoyed munching food without any care in the world, the myth adds. It was an almost perfect partnership.
One day, the myth says, an animal disease plagued the forest. Almost all of the animals died save the crocodiles. The myth says that saddened by the tragedy, the lion and the rabbit were in mourning. But gradually, the lion looked hungrily at the rabbit and began seeing the rabbit in a different light. This prompted the rabbit to doubt the lion and fearfully withdrew to the river, the myth adds.
“I think I need some fresh air. I’ll take a walk over there,” the rabbit said, pretending not to notice the ravenous look of the lion. The myth says that the lion in turn said,”Okay, go ahead.” But the lion followed the rabbit. According to the myth, the lion suddenly announced to the rabbit, “Good idea. Rest, for tomorrow I will eat you.”
That night, according to the myth, the rabbit pretended to be dead near a river infested by crocodiles. At dawn, the lion checked the rabbit. Seeing the rabbit dead---mouth rotten and filled with flies---the lion left the river dispirited, the myth says. When the lion had gone, the rabbit hastily asked a crocodile, “How many are you?” The myth says the crocodile answered, “Many.” The rabbit shook his head. “I don’t believe unless you all fall in line. That way I can count you all one by one as I jump over your backs till I get to the other side of the river.”
According to the myth, the crocodiles agreed and the rabbit reached the other side of the river safely. The rabbit lived but the lion eventually died of starvation, the myth concludes.
Some friendships can easily be destroyed by selfish and predatory interests, and as such, this myth shows that it’s best to get out of such relationship as early and as safely as possible.
Shoppers alike and those who enjoy window shopping will truly love the city of Makati. Aside from the spacious malls that has stores that sells just about anything one is looking for, Makati shopping is an experience all on its own. From designer items to bargain goods at flea markets, everyone will go home with at least one item.
Let’s start off with the first class malls that offer designer products and the first thing that comes to mind is the Power Plant Mall. The Power Plant Mall in Rockwell, Makati is a high end shopping mall that has branded goods for sale from clothing to bags and shoes and even children’s toys. Kenneth Cole, Bali, Kate Spade, Louis Vuitton are among the big names inside this mall. What makes these branded items a good buy is that contrary to what everyone else says that one is just paying for the brand, these goods are of high quality, the stores provide a warranty for their items and of course, if given as a gift, one knows it’ll make the receiver extremely happy. Makati shopping at Power Plant Mall is for those who are big spenders and are after the brands.
Makati Shopping at the Glorietta mall is a little bit different. With the opening of Glorietta 5, there are now more options for the shoppers and there are also several restaurants to choose from. Glorietta caters to the middle class and since a private all-girls college is nearby, don’t be surprised to see students in uniforms walking around in between classes. Glorietta has the big brands as well similar to the Power Plant Mall such as Tag Heuer, Hugo Boss and others but in the Glorietta area is where one will find affordable items in malls nearby like Landmark and Shoemart. Yes, Shoemart, the people’s mall where one will find just about anything at a much lower price. For those who like to keep things on the high end when thinking about Makati Shopping, there’s always the newly opened Glorietta 5 which is a bigger and better version of the Power Plant Mall.
Makati is truly a shopping haven because across the street from expansive Glorietta is Greenbelt. Makati Shopping takes a different approach with the Greenbelt mall because it attempts to go beyond the confines of the four walls of a mall and allow the shopper to enjoy nature while getting around. Similar to the Power Plant Mall in that it has stores that has branded goods, it is also different. Surrounded by lush gardens, palms trees and ponds, after a full day of Makati Shopping it is a great idea to grab a cup of coffee and enjoy the scenery.
A progressive, inviting, and famous city in Leyte, Philippines, Ormoc City takes pride in the beautiful restaurants that it features to everyone who visits the place. To make wise decisions concerning nice and fine dining places in Ormoc City, Philippines, to visit, there are Ormoc restaurant guides that travelers can always use or refer. These guides are useful tools for travelers since these offer important information on specialties, food prices, and locations of restaurants that people can visit in the city.
Cuisines and Specialties of Famous Restaurants in Ormoc City, Philippines
When it comes to cuisines and specialties of famous dining places in Ormoc City, Philippines, people can always refer to Ormoc restaurant guides. Hence, for travelers and tourists who prefer to eat Filipino or native dishes, they can visit any of these dining places that are commonly featured in the guides; Manina’s Food House, as well as Chito’s Chow Bar and Restaurant. On the other hand, to assist travelers and tourists who crave for Japanese food, Ormoc restaurant guides commonly enumerate Japanese restaurants in the city such as El Comepor.
Locations of Restaurants in Ormoc City, Philippines
Aside from cuisines and specialties, most Ormoc restaurant guides also offer information on the locations of popular dining places in Ormoc City, Philippines. For those who are new to the place, there are accessible hotels that have restaurants where they can have a relaxing and refreshing meal. Three of the famous hospitality service providers in the place that feature restaurants are Ormoc Villa Hotel, Zenaida’s Chateau Tourist Inn and Restaurant, as well as Hotel Don Felipe. Other restaurants in the city that are easy to locate are Don Quisote Bar and Bahia Coffee Shop.
Price Range of Meals at Restaurants in Ormoc City, Philippines
Regarding affordability of meals, tourists who do not have enough budget to dine in fine dining restaurants, there are fast foods in Ormoc City, Philippines, which are commonly featured in Ormoc restaurant guides. For the price range of 50 pesos to 150 pesos, travelers can already have a decent dining experience at Jollibee. Meanwhile, for those who are still in search for cheaper meals, they can visit the Ormoc market where they can find small restaurants that serve delectable and native dishes like Lechon Baboy for as low as 200 pesos per kilo. Thus, to have a worry-free visit to Ormoc City, Philippines, every traveler is encouraged to refer to Ormoc restaurant guides to choose the dining places that will satisfy their cravings.
Perhaps you’ve known Palawan for its pristine, white beaches, untouched forests, marine biodiversity , archeological sites as well as its breathtaking rock formations. But after you’ve got your tan, enjoyed your sumptuous seafood dishes, finished your dive explorations and ended your island hopping adventures, what’s next for your remaining Palawan vacation?
Finishing all these activities does not mean Palawan has nothing else to offer and you have no choice but stay in your hotel room, catch up on what’s happening with the rest of the world and take a rest. No, it’s not yet time for that as shopping in Palawan is another kind of adventure which may prove to be one of a kind depending on which city or town in Palawan you are.
The items that you may you want to buy in Palawan would serve as your souvenir gifts for your yourself or to friends and relatives when you go home. Since Palawan’s natural resources, sceneries, cultures, arts and beliefs are diverse, you may find yourself with tons of souvenir items worth shopping for.
Apparels – Shirts, with or without sleeves, for kids or adults are a dime a dozen. From simple logos and images of beaches in El Nido, the Palawan subterranean river, Coron’s diving spots to Palawan artworks, you can choose which one to best describe your vacation in Palawan.
Pearls – Palawan is a shopping mecca for south sea pearls. From big pearl earrings to complete set of pearl necklace, bracelet and earrings, pearls stores in Palawan sell budget-friendly pearl jewelries. You can also opt for ingeniously crafted jewelries made from seashells that would definitely add a touch of class to your wardrobe.
Rain maker – This bamboo instrument used by natives in Palawan to summon rain clouds have been in the shopping bags of local and foreign tourists. You will never have a hard time looking for this souvenir item especially when you are in Puerto Princesa.
Tourist spots memorabilia – Choose from a wide variety of memorabilis such as native baskets, pens, bags, slippers and display items.
You need not worry if these souvenir items are only available at limited or certain locations in Palawan. Whether you’re staying at one town, just head to these spots and you would definitely find souvenir stalls.
El Nido – At the town proper, small establishments have been set up to cater to multitudes of tourist in El Nido. You can also head to your respective resorts and check out their souvenir shops.
Puerto Princesa – Shopping in Puerto Princesa is as easy as taking a tricycle and asking the driver to bring you these souvenir stores either you can head to the plaza just right across Puerto Princasa’s municipal hall or look for items at your hotel or even at the airport.
Coron – Though Coron may seem to be the less commercialized among the three tourist destinations in Palawan, the town has its share of souvenir stalls worth checking out. You can head to the dry market section at the town proper or walk around the town proper vicinity and you will easily find shops offering Coron memorabilia.
A good vacation or maybe the best vacation is a combination of relaxation, discovery, sharing and shopping. Palawan offers not just a respite from crowded cities and busy schedules, the island also lets you benefit from the therapeutic aspect of shopping.
No matter what time of year and no matter what season, Palawan is a favorite destination of locals and tourists because of its white sand beaches, lush forests and exceptional best value Palawan hotels. Depending on how one’s vacation has been planned, there are Palawan hotels that will surely exceed one’s expectation when it comes to accommodation.
Asturias Hotel Palawan is proud of its homegrown hospitality and world class facilities. Made up of 60 rooms, this 4 star Palawan hotel is affordable with rates starting at US$ 65 per night. Among the facilities of the Asturias Hotel Palawan are a swimming pool for adults and a wading pool for children, equipment for one’s audio visual needs in case one is attending or facilitating a conference, a sundry shop, business center and table tennis. Power interruptions are never a problem at the Asturias Hotel Palawan because it has a Caterpillar generator on standby 24 hours a day. If one has brought a car or rented one while in Palawan, this Palawan hotel has a big parking lot with security.
Services offered by Asturias Hotel Palawan include mail, massage, airport transfers, laundry, tour arrangements and they even go as far as attending to one’s flight booking needs. When it comes to dining at this Palawan hotel, the Pescados Restaurant serves excellent Filipino dishes and is open until 11pm at night. The Asturias Hotel Palawan also has a bar, with a state of the art sound system where one can grab a quick drink before turning in.
If El Nido is one’s destination in Palawan, a good Palawan hotel to stay at there would be Lagen Island Resort. What makes Lagen Island Resort a good getaway is its secluded location surrounded by tropical forests and the beautiful El Nido Bay rich in marine life. Lagen Island Resort is a 5 star Palawan hotel that accommodates requests for wildlife observation. This Palawan hotel also has several tour packages where one can visit limestone caves or go trekking in the jungle. Several water sports can be done while at the Lagen Island Resort and they include diving, snorkeling, jet skiing and kayaking. This Palawan hotel has elegantly furnished suites that are fully air conditioned with more than the basic amenities. Lagen Island Resort is perfect for those who are on their honeymoon or for individuals who just want to be in touch with nature.
Amazingly, Tacloban is one of the cities in the Philippines that has the lowest poverty rate and is considered highly urbanized. Tacloban hotels that are right in the center of the city are easy to find so that everything is accessible during one’s visit.
Found on P. Zamora Street right in Tacloban City, the Asia Stars Hotel is a good option when it comes to accommodation for families. Aside from its convenient location, this Tacloban hotel is not just near the airport but it is right in the center of the business district of Tacloban City. If one needs to go to the bank, find a restaurant, go to the mall or find a place to take the kids to, these are just a stone’s throw away from the Asia Stars Hotel and one has the option of taking the public transportation or arranging transportation with the hotel. The staff of Asia Stars Hotel always has friendly smiles and speaks both English and Filipino very well. The rooms at this Tacloban hotel are also moderately priced, the executive suite complete with its king sized bed, cable television and a small receiving area is only Php 1,700 per night. Each room at the Asia Stars Hotel has its own bathroom and there is room service no matter what time of day. The rooms are also immaculately clean and are very spacious. Dining is never a problem at the Asia Stars Hotel because their Stars Café serves excellent American and Filipino dishes.
Grand Royal Suites Hotel is a small Tacloban hotel that has a store and an Internet shop on the 1st floor. The reception area of Grand Royal Suites Hotel is right above this floor and although this Tacloban hotel is relatively small, the rooms here have sufficient floor area for 2 people. The deluxe matrimonial room at this Tacloban hotel is also one of the cheapest in the area, at only Php 750 per night. The rooms are fully air conditioned, each one has a television with cable, hot and cold shower and an IDD telephone. Although the Grand Royal Suites Hotel does not have an in-house restaurant, one just has to ask the reception where the restaurants are and for those food establishments that deliver, delivery is allowed at this hotel. What’s good about the location of the Grand Royal Suites Hotel is that it is very near the commercial district, very accessible to public transportation and sometimes one can even walk the distance, and overall the service is quite good. The Grand Royal Suites Hotel is a favorite among couples who want to see more of the Philippines but are working on a budget.
The quiet province of Leyte where everyone goes to for privacy and unwinding comes to life with the colorful and lively Ormoc festivals held annually. Ormoc festivals are a chance to mingle with the locals of the province of Leyte, enjoy the sights and sounds of the city and learn about its rich culture and history.
At the top of the list when it comes to Ormoc festivals is the Buyogan Festival and it is highly recommended by both locals and visitors who have experienced it. The Buyogan Festival is celebrated every August and the main attraction of this Ormoc festival is the colorful costumes worn by the residents of Buyogan, a small town in Ormoc. The Buyogan Festival is so named because the entire event centers on “buyog” or bees. The dances performed during this celebration mimic the movement of bees. There is also a dance competition during this whole week affair and the competitors are from the local high schools. The cash winnings provided by the local government during the Buyogan Festival goes to the best performers and the funds are used for certain things that their schools might need.
The Buyogan Festival also honors the patron saint of the town, St. Francis Xavier, and the event is a mixture of something religious and age old pagan beliefs prior to the introduction of Christianity to this province. The legendary fairy Opayda, believed to bring luck to good people is honored in several plays.
Another well known Ormoc festival is the Sunduan ha Carigana which is celebrated during Holy Week but the main event takes place during Easter Sunday. The Sunduan ha Carigana is a joyous event that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus and there are several parades held during this Ormoc festival that not only pay tribute to the Catholic faith, but also showcase the rich history of this province. Like most Ormoc festivals, the Sunduan ha Carigana has street dancing and dance competitions where both males and females join. Visitors are most welcome to participate in the activities organized during the Sunduan ha Carigana which have been tailored so that every member of the family would at least have one event to join. Easter Sunday ends with a bang because at the end of the parades and presentations, there is a beautiful fireworks display for all to enjoy, not to mention great food prepared by the locals during the Sunduan ha Carigana.Ormoc festivals are very colorful events that not only honor the dominant religion in this province but also showcase the history and heritage of Leyte’s prominent towns. The Sunduan ha Carigana and the Buyogan Festival are week long events that are filled with fun and laughter as well as activities that everyone can enjoy. Ormoc festivals are events that should not be missed if you want to capture the diversity and beauty of this province.
There are many things or activities worth your time when you spend your vacation at the powdery white beach in Boracay Island, Aklan, Philippines.
But your choice of a hotel is very important to make your weekend stay worth the money and effort in going to the island paradise. So that you might not regret later try to stay at the Seawind Resort in Barangay Balabag, Boracay Island.
At the resort you can hear the wind and feel the sea breeze hitting your face in the morning or in late afternoon while lazing on the white sand.
Seawind Resort, located at the Roberto and Gloria Tirol Park, has 40 air conditioned rooms. It has very friendly hotel staff that pampers you there.
Although there are those who may consider it expensive, compared with 3-star hotels on the island, you get your money’s worth of your stay in this enclave for the rich and famous.
Since it is located away from the maddening crowd on White Beach, a mile long stretch of white powdery beach, you are assured of peaceful nights and crowd-free Sunday mornings on the beach.
Seawind Resort is comparable to the upscale hotels on the island. It has the amenities offered by 5-star hotels. It has a splendid beach front for your kids to frolic. Although there are no lifeguards on duty at night, you may laze on the beach during moonlit evenings.
Even at noon the water is cool because of the nature of the sand, which is from dead corals deposited on the beach centuries ago.
Getting to Seawind Resort can be done in three ways. First you may take the regular Philippine Airlines flight from Manila to Kalibo, Aklan. From the airport you take air conditioned vans or minibuses. It would take less than an hour through flower-lined highway over paved national road.
Taking the Kalibo route is both relaxing and educational. In case you arrive there during Ati-Atihan festival time, which is month-long, you can immerse yourself with the darkened revelers in Kalibo and other towns along the way to Caticlan, your jump-off point to the island.
On the way to Caticlan, you may drop by at tourist attractions along the way, like the waterfalls found a few hundred meters from the national road in one of the municipalities, or you may visit the pina weaving industry in several houses in towns along the way.
Another route is by roll-on roll-off transport ship from Batangas pier in mainland Luzon island in the Philippines. From Manila it would take about more than two hours to the Batangas City pier.
From Batangas pier, it would take about two hours to cross the strait to the Calapan pier, the capital of Mindoro. From Calapan, overland trip is about two hours to Roxas town.
From Roxas pier it would take about five hours to cross the sea to Caticlan pier, which is in the mainland of Aklan. There, you have to say goodbye to the bus driver and board the motorized outrigger to the island of bubbles.
A third route is through Sea Air through the short runway in Barangay Caticlan. There are daily flights to Caticlan from the Manila Domestic airport.
May is the season for festivals in the Philippines. One of the most extravagant festival celebrated in the country is the Pahiyas Festival. Province of Quezon hosts this festival on the 15th of May. The celebration of the Pahiyas Festival has been going on since the 16th century. It is a way for the local folk to give thanks to a bountiful harvest.
The Province of Quezon is the second largest province of the Southern Tagalog region and is host to lavish Pahiyas Festival. The preparation for the festival takes quite some time and the actual Pahiyas Festival is held for only a short time.
During the Pahiyas Festival the small towns of the Province of Quezon in the Philippines evolves from sleepy small villages into exquisitely adorned houses. The Pahiyas Festival is commemorated in honor of their patron saint San Isidro Labrador, patron saint of farmers.
Legend says that San Isidro Labrador magically plowed fields whenever he went to church. Spain passed on this legend to the Philippines from Mexico during the country's colonization. Since then, the Pahiyas Festival has been a source of excitement for the locals and visitors to the Quezon Province.
One of the highlights of the Pahiyas Festival in the Philippines is the colorful decoration on the houses. These are made of food. During the Pahiyas Festival, the houses of the local townspeople will be adorned in fruit, vegetables and the famous kipings. The kiping is a wafer that's shaped into a leaf. It is made of dried rice and dyed in brilliant colors.
The locals use different leaves to add flavor and color to the kiping. The locals to produce a variety of tastes and textures using Kabal, coffe, talisay (umbrella tree), cocoa, and banaba leaves. The locals boast that the procedure of making the kiping is a big secret among the people of Quezon and only a chosen few are entrusted with the secret recipe.
During the Pahiyas Festival, people display their harvest in front of their homes for the parish priest to bless as the procession passes their homes.
A competition is usually held during the Pahiyas Festival. Families would compete for the title of best-decorated house. After the competition is over and the awards are handed over, the winning house's decorations will be thrown away to the huge flock of people as free treats.
Try the pancit habhab when you're at the Pahiyas Festival. Enjoy the chance to try noodles straight from banana leaves without using forks or chopsticks. The delicious taste of the noodle blends well with the famed Longganisang Lucban (a local sausage of Quezon).
The Pahiyas Festival is a time of joyous merriment for the people of Quezon. You'll never walk away from the Pahiyas Festival with an empty stomach. It is a mouthful of a welcome to how the people of the Philippines welcome their guests. Just watch the calories while you're at it.