Laoag has often been described as a place locked in time but this has been said in a good way. Despite the fact that Laoag has wide highways which is a sign of modern day improvement, there remain beautiful antiquated towns and roads made out of cobblestone that transport us back in history. When planning a trip to Laoag, it’s a good idea to think about the Laoag hotel that we’re going to stay at because the trip is going to be busy and adventure-filled.
Fort Ilocandia Resort Hotel boasts of being one of the very few first class properties found in northern Philippines. This Laoag hotel was built on about 80 hectares of land and is only 10 minutes away from the International Airport of the city. The Fort Ilocandia Resort Hotel is found on the outskirts of Laoag City and has 267 rooms in total. Rated as a 4-star hotel, this Laoag hotel has first class facilities and amenities. The architecture of the hotel is Spanish inspired and all rooms have a balcony that have a picturesque view of the sea. Fort Ilocandia Resort Hotel has a golf course within its vicinity, a big pool, sauna and massage services, a business center and 3 restaurants that offer Asian and international cuisine.
All rooms at Fort Ilocandia Resort Hotel have air conditioning, cable television, private bathroom with hot and cold shower and a bathtub, a phone and their room service 24 hours. There are only two types of rooms at the Fort Ilocandia Resort Hotel and these are the standard and deluxe. The rate for the standard room at this Laoag hotel is Php 3,600 while the deluxe is Php 4,500 per room per night. This includes complimentary breakfast during one’s stay.
The Java Hotel is a mid range 3-star hotel in Laoag City. This Laoag hotel is right in the center of the commercial district on General Segundo Avenue in Laoag City and aside from its convenient location, it has very clean rooms. If the Fort Ilocandia Resort Hotel is Spanish inspired in terms of architecture, the Java Hotel is Javanese style. All rooms at this Laoag hotel are fully air conditioned, spacious, the beds are large and the sheets are always immaculately clean.
Royal treatment is what makes the Java Hotel tick and although the restaurant only serves Filipino food, these dishes are delicious. There is a swimming pool at this Laoag hotel where one can take a dip before one starts the day or swim a little before sleeping. The business center with Internet connection makes the Java Hotel a good choice for businessmen. Room rates start at Php 1,800.
Traveling around cities in the Philippines can often have lots of hassles, in private or public vehicles. But travels can be made daily pleasant experiences if the following tips below are observed.
Never go out the house without informing somebody of one’s travel destination. Even with mobile phones around, it’s still advisable to let people at home know one’s travel plans and options, special or everyday travels. With mobile phones in hand, it’s good to inform a guy or two about travel status, at least every two hours.
Keep informed beforehand of the latest road lane travel policies of a locality. One-way or two-way lane policies can sometimes change over night. Traffic updates on TV or in the radio give helpful travel tips on this at times. Or better, watch out for road signs or posts.
In Metro Manila, always be aware of car plate number policies. They are called number or color coding regulated by the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA). Each day of the week is regulated by a specific MMDA number or color coding. If a car’s plate number falls under a specified coding for the day, it’s banned from travel in highways and streets. The travel ban is on for specific travel hours of the day.
In special group trips, make sure rented public vehicles are not overloaded and necessary travel permits are secured. In any case, no children are permitted to ride in front of any vehicle. Make sure seat belts are always strapped to the driver and passengers, and drivers are not allowed to call or text messages via cell phones. This is not just a safety travel precaution but also to avoid travel hassles. Authorities on field work are hot over erring vehicles on the road. To avoid delays and travel hassles, pay attention to these rules.
For travels on foot, never ever forget to use pedestrian overpasses and lanes. Some cities are very particular about jay walking. Some people ignore it simply due to laziness. Jaywalking can prove to be a terrible travel hassle. That’s not just about the fine. Think of the humiliation and waste of travel time waiting at a police or MMDA precinct.
Make every travel activity pleasant by learning to go by the rules. Everyone has the right to travel, but everyone is also obligated to observe travel rules. In cars or out on the streets, travel will be a joy if we know how to travel in style and in propriety.
Boracay is a natural haven for nature lovers and for those who want to chill and relax. One will definitely enjoy the scenery – the golden sunrise and sunset, the cool clear waters, the whistling sea breeze, and the beautiful bodies that roam around. Truly, Boracay is indeed a beautiful place to take refuge. However, where could can one find a “perfect ten” place to stay for a while?
There are many resorts and hotels within the outskirts of the white-beached paradise of Boracay. However, there is only one hotel that stands out among the rest – a perfect ten so to so speak. Welcome to Club Ten Beach Resort!
Club Ten Resort is a fusion of Philippine and Latin American architecture, which started in October of 1997. With that blend of styles, it has become one of the most-sought out places in the Boracay Island.
Going to Club Ten is easy. Take a ride on Philippine Airlines or Cebu Pacific going to Kalibo, Aklan or get on Asian Spirit or Seair Airlines going to Caticlan. From there just take a short boat ride going to the Island. The beach resort is situated in Barangay Balabag, which is near the boat stations 1 and 2 respectively – a 3 kilometer stretch of white sand.
What can we expect from Club Ten Beach Resort?
Aside from the usual amenities we could find in a hotel, Club Ten is proud of its Club Ten Bistro, for those who want to put on their dancing shoes. There are videoke machines for families and friends, wherein you could display your singing prowess.
They also provide airline booking and reconfirmation, in case you could not find a travel agency to give assistance. There is also a massage parlor to help you flex your muscles and rejuvenate your strength. Furthermore, in case you are looking for a place to hold your team building activities or just want to experience water sports – Club Ten has in-house facilitators or instructors to guide you.
Any packages being offered?
Yes! Club Ten Beach Resort offers the best deal on the island. For only 5,400.00 Philippine Pesos, you could stay for 3 days and 2 nights, with breakfast served daily and also provide you roundtrip boat and land transfer, which you could not find at other resorts. However, if you wish to know more about their recent promos please free to visit them at http://www.clubtenboracay.com
If you are currently staying in Manila, you could visit their Manila Sales and Reservation Office located at 1904 San Marcelino St., Malate, Manila or call them at (+632) 524-3412.
The bustling city of Manila has a humble past that made it a city of gentle and friendly people always open to foreign tourists and tourism. Back in the 16th century, Manila was even friendlier to Spanish invaders. Why does Manila continue to attract the tourist’s fancy?
A short visit into its past may reveal the secret.
Manila was that harbor east of Manila Bay. The small Muslim settlement along the river bank near the mouth opening to the bay was friendly. It was ruled by Rajah Sulayman, Matanda, and Lakandula. In 1570 Spain started keeping an eye at the settlement, invaded it, and made it the Philippine capital in 1595. Still, the people were cooperative and earned the title “Distinguished and Ever Loyal City.” Spain saw an ally in most Manilans, along with others in the country, who fought with Spain to repel British occupation.
Manila rapidly grew as an international trading city. It traded with China, Malaysia, and Indonesia, and much later with Japan and Mexico. Through the “Galleon Trade” Philippine products sometimes even made it to Europe. This early international exposure inculcated in the city’s mindset cordiality and openness to tourism.
Manila, or Maynila in the vernacular, originally was “May nilad.” Nilad is a tall shrub that grew along mangroves and sandy beaches. Manila area was said to be full of Nilad, and folks that time referred to it as the place where there’s Nilad. In concise vernacular, it was “May nilad.” So when referring to it, folks would say, “ah, I know that---it’s where there are nilads.”
Nilad, preferring to settle on shores or banks in clusters, could’ve been seen as a welcoming shrubbery to visitors. Its flowers of white and pink were soft welcoming gaieties of tourism, waving in the wind that blew intermittently from the South China Sea. It characterized the friendly gesture of the city’s tourism.
The Americans also first landed on the shores of Manila after the mock Battle of Manila Bay. It found a suitable camp in the Walled City, Intramuros, where it set up a command post. Later, in World War II, Manila was an “open city,” again welcoming Japanese invaders without resistance.
Thus, Manila, through centuries of exposure to foreign visitors, has raised up generations of friendly people always open to tourism. It has been molded by its history of meek and tolerant hospitality, plus a dash of accommodating symbolism in the Nilad plant where it got its name.
I have a 1200 consumable plan.
I have Unlisurf and Trinet renewing automatically every month, this was set up back in November in the Smart store when I changed to this plan.
Everything is good, my total plan is around P1600 a month inc. consumption.
Now come April, my bill suddenly almost doubled. I check the bill and it has 2 Trinet monthly and 2 Unlisurf monthly charges. resulting in a monthly bill of P2995!!!
First I use the support function on the Smart website and 3 times email in a ticket to get help to get my faulty bill fixed.
All 3 tries were ignored and no email back from Smart (Thanks guys, really makes me feel like a valued customer)
Now today I finally break down and waste the hours un-end it takes to get any kind of service on the hotline.
I get a hotline helper by the name of Sheng, she spends the next 30-45 minutes JUSTIFYING the double charges because of weird cutoff dates in the Smart system. Which I guess now is my problem and responsibility. She kept calling it a VALID CONCERN (meaning to her that Smarts bill and system was valid) and did not do anything to help me except the standard Smart Apology™
It turns out my automatic renewal for march did not get billed on March as it was supposed to, but in the beginning of April, and then of course the April renewal was also on April. This makes my consumable payment for March useless as it was not consumed and gives me a double billing for April.
I then demanded to get a superviser on the line as I really don’t want to pay a double bill for nothing. This request was refused.
In the end, Smart will lose a long time customer to Globe, as I really don’t like being treated like this and just being told “sorry – but PAY for the double billing”
So warning to all, be careful when signing up with Smart, they have “procedures” (that’s what she called this scammy behavior) and there is nothing you can do about it but PAY!
My choices as I see them:
Comments please, what should I do?
What’s a fast route or an easy metro travel option to North Quezon City, or Novaliches and Fairview?
Going to Novaliches can be a very arduous task coming from south of Metro Manila via the Kamachile intersection where the highway splits into North Luzon Express(NLEX) and Quirino Avenue. Traffic can sometimes be a bottleneck experience even at Balintawak, EDSA. The same can be true coming from Manila via A. Bonifacio Avenue. So what can be the wisest metro travel advice or a really fast route to north of Quezon City?
A really fast route is taking Circumferential 5 or fondly called C-5 by metro motorists. At times new drivers ask where C-5 begins. Well, one can hardly tell. It’s a big circle traversing Metro Manila, and circles are known to have no beginning, no end. A good place to start coming from south of Metro Manila is to take the Villamor Exit going to FTI-Tenement.
This metro travel will end up at the C-5 Paranaque entry point. From there, it will be a long but fairly smooth sailing, passing portions of Taguig, Pasig, and the famous Eastwood district. These places afford interesting scenic sites like the Heritage Memorial, a hilly army training camp, a view of The Fort, Market Market Mall, Tiensesitas, and the classy fast food and business district of Eastwood.
After Eastwood is the long Aurora Flyover that offers a sweeping view of Marikina, Cainta, and the hills of Antipolo, landing on Katipunan Avenue, passing Ateneo de Manila and Merriam College. This fast route takes us into the UP Diliman Campus and out Philcoa area and into Quezon Memorial Circle. Then the metro travel turns right on Visayas Avenue, left on Congressional Avenue and right on Mindanao Avenue. Finally the fast route turns right on Quirino Avenue past Splash Manufacturing Company.
On Quirino the last stretch of this metro travel leads easily to Novaliches or Fairview. Together this fast route from Paranaque to Novaliches takes only one and half to two hours, compared to the traditional EDSA through NLEX route that can last from three to three and half hours.
South to north metro travel using the traditional EDSA through NLEX route can often be grueling, to say the least. But an alternative fast route can be a wise option especially in rush hour traffic. The ride not only becomes a lot faster but the sights and sounds more pleasurable and relaxing, reducing the stress of a typical metro travel.
Many know Zamboanga because of the beautiful flowers that grow here and the thriving businesses but not all are aware of the brilliant Zamboanga festivals that keep visitors coming back to this region in the southern part of the Philippines. One might be wondering what makes these Zamboanga festivals different from the events celebrated in other parts of the country but once one has attended a single celebration, it is a hundred percent guaranty that there are no other festivals that can compare to it.
Let’s take the Regatta de Zamboanga as an example. Done annually during October this Zamboanga festival is one of the most entertaining and colorful. Boat racing has never been this fun or amusing to watch. The locals make their own vintas or sailboats just for the Regatta de Zamboanga and regardless of whether they win the race or not, they go home proud and happy that they are able to showcase something that they have worked on for several months. Every history book about Zamboanga would have something in it about vintas but very few would be able to describe the Regatta de Zamboanga with such conciseness. The atmosphere at this Zamboanga festival is almost party-like with all the colorful sails and the contestants dressed to kill in equally colorful costumes. The Regatta de Zamboanga is an event sponsored by the local government and hence one can expect prestigious awards at this event.
Derived from the Spanish term that means “Flowers of May”, Flores de Mayo is a Zamboanga festival that has been celebrated for over a century, dating back to the Spanish occupation of the country. Flores de Mayo lasts for a whole month and no other Zamboanga festival will exhibit the devotion of the Filipinos to the Catholic faith. Flores de Mayo is in honor of the Virgin Mary and this is an event that is participated in by children as they are the ones designated to bring flowers to the statue of Zamboanga’s patron. Although Flores de Mayo is not really unique to Zamboanga, but the way that this province celebrates it is different. One of the highlights of this Zamboanga festival is the Santacruzan which is a series of parades held in the streets where Christian items such as bibles and statues of saints are showcased. The children in particular look forward to the game at the end of the Flores de Mayo called “pabitin”, where children are blindfolded one by one and would have to crack a clay pot filled with goodies.
More than 7000 fertile islands composed the country of the Philippines and the island of Samar is the third (3rd) biggest or largest one which is connected to Leyte which is an island on the southwestern part and flanking on the Pacific Ocean at the eastern part. The island of Samar has been defined by remarkable Natural Park, hot springs and stunning beaches. The Sohoton Natural Bridge National Park in Samar is located at the southern part of the island was established to conserve and protect thriving rainforest and mystifying caves. Another noted natural beauty of this island is the Blanca Aurora Waterfalls. It is a must for tourists or visitors to see and experience this natural landmark of Samar.
The beauty of Samar is still hidden in Catarman. Tourist spots in this location have yet to be discovered. For those who have had discover its wonder, the local government provided some tourist amenity and basic services. To accommodate tourists, pension houses are common in the place. Though the place is categorically rural, but its market and shopping center are significantly okay.
Catarman had been my place of refuge when I was in college. Especially during those times I was really burned out by thesis making. My thesis moderator encouraged me to submit every week at least, two (2) pages of my work for me to finish my thesis earlier than the usual so that I could relax. Honestly, it was really a good discipline; nonetheless, I had to admit it was very tough. I had to make ends meet during that two (2) month journey to Calvary as I tried giving him report every week. However, it was worth it, I finished my thesis before the first (1st) semester ended and it was such an achievement for me but my energy had been totally drained. My moderator asked me if I were okay and I frankly said I was not. I told him with due respect that it had taken the best of me I really needed a break. He just laughed and said that my efforts had been paid off because he would be giving us a total relaxation. He told me to be ready in two (2) days because we were set to Catarman-his hometown. I felt a rush of cold water showered upon me giving and ecstatic feeling! For the next few days my classmates and I enjoyed a wonderful distressing vacation in Catarman.
The Catarman getaway was definitely one of the most memorable experiences for me. It was the best place for me to relax because it had defined the real meaning of the phrase 'getting away from it all’. It was such a 'retreat' for me and maybe for some other classmates because unlike other tourist spots, it seemed that when we stayed there, it was as if it was our 'own place'. The people were so warm and hospitable that I made a pact to the place that I would be returning to the place if stress had taken a big part of me. O failed with that pact, simply because I used to go to Catarman, not to do away with stress, but to answer the call of its irresistible beauty.
Just imagine - more than 7,100 Philippine islands all for you to discover! Question is, which should you visit first? Don't worry for we are here to help you figure out the best Philippine travel destinations.
Which among the travel destinations in the Philippines to visit first would actually depend on what you prefer. Do you want beaches with a lot of fun and hip people or would you rather enjoy a secluded beach away from the prying eyes of the public? Do you want to sample the best of Filipino dishes or are you here to experience and know for yourself the Filipino culture? Before ever finding out where you want to go, you better figure out for yourself first why you want to go.
To help you out with your decision, here are some great travel destinations in the Philippines.
a. Boracay is known for its fine white sand and clear blue waters. Considered as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Boracay is able to draw a lot of tourists during the summer. This place is the must-be for young and hip people so if you are out to have a good time and meet new people, Boracay is just the place for you.
b. Camiguin is another option if you want to hit the beach this summer. But unlike Boracay, Camiguin draws less people so you'd be able to enjoy some more peace and quiet. The place also boasts of hot springs, waterfalls and some active volcanoes from which Camiguin takes its name.
c. Declared as a nature sanctuary, Palawan is one of the best beaches in the country where you can still enjoy and experience the untouched splendor of Mother Earth. Enjoy amazing clear blue waters, amazing rock structures and the best dive sites. Palawan is also equipped with the best facilities to take care of you and make sure that your stay is a blast.
d. Baguio is where most Filipinos flock when its summer. The cool breeze, the green mountains and the peace and quiet are more than reason enough to visit Baguio. You could also enjoy one of its many botanical gardens and take part in many of Baguio's cultural attractions.
These are just the most popular places to visit when in the Philippines. Of course, there are a lot more that you can enjoy but let's just say that these places are those that pop right away when you ask someone about the best travel destinations in the Philippines.
Good luck on your travel and see you soon.
“Paksiw” is a Filipino culinary term for any Philippine cuisine cooked in considerable amount of vinegar, giving it a subtle sour taste that tickles the taste buds for more servings. How about trying the favorite trout paksiw or “paksiw na tilapia”?
Trout paksiw has a choice of big, plump trout or small, younger ones. Big trout has more a bulging tummy. The more bulged their tummies are the richer their fatty, soft tissue. Small, younger trout on the other hand is tastier and has very tender flesh. Mixed in a boiling vinegar concoction, trout becomes a delicious Philippine cuisine.
Trout or tilapia paksiw can be cooked with vegetables. Three pieces of sliced eggplant, a piece of sliced “ampalaya” or bitter melon, 5 pieces of sliced okra, and two pieces of long native chili will make for a very healthy and appetizing milkfish paksiw variation. With a kilo of choice, plump and big trouts sliced into 3 pieces plus a half cup vinegar (better if the native Ilocano vinegar), half cup of water, a fourth of a whole piece of ginger (peeled and sliced small), 5 pieces garlic (crushed and sliced), and two spoons powdered pepper, we’re ready to cook this Philippine cuisine.
Place everything in a pot. Don’t stir or arrange or move anything once they’re all in a pot. Cover tightly and set fire to boil. When the concoction is boiling, bring to a simmer for 3 minutes and cut the fire. Serve hot. This is perfect when dipped in a sauce of fish sauce (“patis”) and chopped native long chili from the cooked Philippine cuisine.
For another variation of Philippine cuisine trout paksiw or paksiw na tilapia; put a little sugar in the stew after putting everything in the pot. This makes for a pungent sweet-sour trout paksiw stew, beautifully affecting the fish and vegetables in a delicate blend.
And here’s a secret recipe for further enhancing the flavor of trout. After having it soaked and boiled in the paksiw concoction for a marinated effect, take out the trouts, dry awhile, and fry in hot oil along with some pieces of crushed garlic. Serve separately from the paksiw vegetable stew. This style gives a barbecue-flavored variation to the Philippine cuisine trout paksiw.
Trout paksiw (or paksiw na tilapia) is a healthy, balanced meal that keeps one deciding the subtle sourness from the tasty blend of sweet vegetable saps. It’s variations are even more intriguing.