With plenty of things to do in Puerto Galera, a great crowd and excellent hotels, one couldn’t ask for more except for maybe a couple of Puerto Galera destinations worth seeing aside from the beach. Many of us know Puerto Galera for its beaches and primarily because of Sabang Beach which is where everybody goes, but there are actually many other Puerto Galera destinations worth our time.
Quite a change from Sabang Beach which can get crowded during peak season, the Big La Laguna Beach is more peaceful. The landscape at the Big La Laguna Beach is impressive and everyone who goes there sees it as nature’s wonder. Just as competitive as Boracay, this Puerto Galera destination is one of the excellent choices for a private getaway. The Big La Laguna Beach is so named because of how near it is to a town called Small La Laguna and this is a place where the white sand meets the crystalline turquoise sea. The water at this Puerto Galera destination is calm ninety nine percent of the time so for those who don’t know how to swim, there is nothing to fear. What’s very noticeable about the Big La Laguna Beach is that the water here changes shade and it is so clear that seeing the corals below is possible. The privacy of this Puerto Galera destination is comparable to none because no marine vessel is allowed here. The cool breeze even during summer is soothing and the trees that can be found all over the beach provide more than ample shade. For divers, Big La Laguna Beach is also an excellent dive spot and the diversity of marine life here is amazing.
Moving away from beaches, a Puerto Galera destination that will allow one to learn about the history and culture of the place is the Excavation Museum. Archeological relics are in abundance here, some dating centuries back. The oldest artifacts found at the Excavation Museum date back to the Ming Dynasty which is over a thousand years old. Not many know that the island has a colorful history and there were many interesting archeological finds here. Students and those who appreciate history can spend a whole day at the Excavation Museum looking the Chinese artifacts on display as well as weapons and some items obtained from sunken ships. There are also photographs on display here at the Excavation Museum both of things that are above ground and below. Those who think that history is boring will have a completely different perspective after visiting the Excavation Museum.
Intramuros evokes a feeling of nostalgia---like, it’s good to live in the times when it was still under Spanish rule. Though built in the 16th century by Filipino slaves and their Spanish supervisors, being in this tourist destination feels like everything happened only yesterday.
This tourist destination is hedged in by districts that also have prominent niches in the history of Manila. Intramuros is bounded in the north by Pasig River and San Nicolas, San Miguel in the east, Port Area and Manila Bay in the west, and Paco and Ermita in the south. From Loton area, where the Metropolitan Theater and the Post Office are located, a jeepney (take Pier-bound via Intramuros jeepneys) or cab drive to this tourist destination is a mere 10 minutes.
Old buildings welcome the visitor in this tourist destination, just as the threshold of Intramuros in front of the Manila Cathedral. Some date back to the Spanish rule of the city, some from the Japanese time, and several more in much later times but nonetheless historical. They have survived the years through restoration works initiated by the Intramuros Administration found at the Palacio Del Gobernador, the “Malacanang Palace” of Intramuros just in front of Plaza de Roma and the Manila Cathedral.
“Ayuntamiento” or sometimes called “Casas Consistoriales” is now a booming commercial area, northeast of the Manila Cathedral. This tourist destination also has Plaza de Roma, a small park in front of the Cathedral that constantly reminds of the Vatican in Rome. Plaza San Ignacio, west of the Cathedral along Arzobispo Street is an old building facade whose ruins refresh us of the way Intramuros was a century ago. Further west is Postigo del Palacio, or guard post of the Palace, an entry in the wall from the golf course outside that still retains its Spanish Baroque architecture.
Southwest end of Anda Street is the Baluarte Plano Luneta de Sta. Isabel. This Tourist destination in Intramuros is a main fort west of the wall fortification looking out on Bonifacio Drive. It used to be a main defense point that protected the city from attacks coming from the west, that is, from Manila Bay. East of the cathedral, along Magallanes Street, is the Colegio de Sta. Rosa. Nearby are the clamshell exhibits, The ECJ Building, Hidalgo Monument, San Agustin Church and Museum, Bahay Tsinoy, and the Plaza San Luis.
Intramuros is an enclave where history has been preserved for posterity to view and treasure. It is also a tourist destination to showcase a saga of courage and perseverance.
Is it true that caches of treasures--notably, Yamashita treasures-- are buried in secret places in the Philippines? How did they get there in the first place? Treasure hunting in the country is accompanied by numerous Philippine myths or tales on them—from word of mouth and some even from the news.
Treasure hunting takes place in the country now and then, more so for the Yamashita treasures. Lots were illegal. Philippine legends say treasures are said to come from two sources—the Second World War and the unseen supernatural world.
According to a Philippine myth, Hitler tied up with Italy and Japan, worrying the Allied Forces about Vatican treasures that might fall in The Fuehrer’s hands. They were said to have secretly smuggled out some treasures and kept in England. But Hitler was gaining more ground faster than expected. So they were shipped out to Hongkong. But the Japanese intercepted it and diverted it to Australia.
But a super typhoon destroyed the Japanese fleet and the treasures ended up somewhere between the Visayas and Mindanao. That’s how it came to the Philippines, says a Philippine legend.
The treasures were gradually transported to Manila, says the myth, and portions were stashed away in remote mountains, caves, old churches, old monuments, old trees, or underground.
Then Americans came to free Manila forcing General Yamashita to divide his forces, each carrying enormous amounts of treasures. Some headed north, some to provinces around Manila. Filipino slaves were said to have carried the bulk of the treasures and did lots of the digging, says Philippine legends about them.
The Filipinos were later killed, along with scores of Japanese soldiers, to ensure the treasures’ secrecy. Later, According to the Philippine myth, ranking Japanese soldiers reportedly returned to the country as tourists after the war and recovered a lot of the treasure—again with the help of Filipinos.
Souls of those killed in the course of treasure hiding are said to be guarding them. So ghost stories accompany tales of the Yamashita treasures. They say, where ghosts of Japanese soldiers abound; there a treasure might be hidden. Tales of white ladies are also connected to treasures, more of the Yamashita treasures, according to Philippine myths-—they were rape victims of Japanese soldiers.
The local version of fairy tales has its own story. Local, flat-nosed nymphs, fairies, leprechauns, gnomes, and the like are said to be spirit guardians of unimaginable hoards of wealth—fact is, the tales say, Filipinos are sitting on a mountain of gold. And these are not just natural resources; they are literally treasures of gold.
Philippine myths or legends of treasures never die. They're taken seriously even by respectable people. And who knows? They might indeed be real, and those of us who laugh at these tales might one day discover too late that the joke was on us.
This coastal municipality is known amid visitors for its several receptacle coasts or beaches and various Scuba diving locations and snorkeling. In the early 1970's, the region was chosen as UNESCO's Man and Biosphere Reserve (because of the presence of most diverse coral reef diving in Asia). The marine setting has earned economic lift (dollor influx) because of the international visitors. Thus, this opportunity had led to the development of the place from an undiscovered wonder to a main tourist attraction.
The place's popularity had been uplifted when it was hailed as one of the most admired beaches in the entire globe by the Club of the Most Beautiful Bays of the World (the only bay in the Philippines to be regarded as such). Its international recognition is definitely a non sense thing because the place is characterized by sparkling blue sea waters and white sand shorelines. In order to keep up with the arrival of visitors and tourists locally and internationally, they made some improvement throughout the year by establishing Puerto Galera as a getaway paradise with fine accommodations, entertainment facilities (in bars and restaurants) and cozy lively atmosphere. For several years, Puerto Galera had evolved to a 'paradise that never sleeps'. Puerto Galera is one of the favorite hangout places of relaxation (to escape work-related stress) of many of the call center agents in Metro Manila and its accessibility has been the main reason. There are actually local transportations (provincial buses that take some main roads around Metro Manila) that could bring tourists and visitors to Puerto Galera. Since it is located in the Island of Mindoro, available sea vessels or ferries would take vacationers and tourists to the main white sand coves of Puerto Galera.
The island of Mindoro is the location where the beautiful beaches of Puerto Galera could be found. One of the main advantages of staying and enjoying Puerto Galera (beside its accessibility from Metro Manila residents) is tourists and city dwellers does not need to spend a lot of money just to enjoy white sand shorelines and sparkling blue waters. Getting more information of the beauty and wonders of Puerto Galera, the official website of Mindoro (http://www.ormindoro.gov.ph/) gives an overview of what could be expected in the said location. The website, as well, is packed with facts and figures about the island of Mindoro.
Just south of Manila, Philippines, about an hour and a half drive, you will find a place where locals and tourists go for relaxation. Tagaytay City is situated more than 650 meters above sea level. The Taal Volcano is the main attraction of Tagaytay City. Since Tagaytay City is located on a mountain ridge, it is a good place to have a breathtaking view of Taal Volcano and Taal Lake. Tagaytay City has also a great panoramic view of the neighboring provinces.
Tagaytay City is considered as a haven for locals and tourists because of its climate. Situated on the mountaintop, Tagaytay City is a splendid place for vacation and dining hangouts. Fabulous food is one thing that Tagaytay City's specialty restaurants offer. Here are some of the specialty restaurants that can be found in Tagaytay City.
For a special romantic dinner, Antonio's in Tagaytay City is the restaurant to go to. French cuisine is the restaurant's specialty. Antonio's has a variety of soups for starters. Coffee souffle and salad with foie-gras are served. Select your main course from a wide variety of selections including seafood and steaks. Chocolate souffle for desert is a great choice.
For home-cooked Filipino cuisine, Josephine's is Tagaytay City's specialty restaurant of choice. The restaurant is nicely situated overlooking Taal Lake. Josephine's reputation of home-cooked Filipino dishes has already gone a long way. The restaurant serves Fried Tawilis, which is Tagaytay City's authentic specialty. Imagine savoring delicious delicacies with Taal Lake and Taal Volcano's spectacular view as a backdrop.
For a garden-theme cafe, Gourmet's Cafe in Tagaytay City is a great stop. This restaurant is known for its famed salad bar. Gourmet's Cafe grow the food they serve their patrons. Pizzas, pastas, sandwiches, and soups are included in Gourmet's Cafe's menu.
Thirsting for a cup of coffee? Bag of Beans Cafe in Tagaytay City is the cozy place to head to. Locally brewed coffee is the restaurant's specialty. Freshly baked pies and cookies are served with hot brewed coffee. Bag of Beans Cafe is a coffee shop as well as a garden restaurant, too. The restaurant has an authentic English menu, including different flavors of home-made pies. Fish and Chips, omelets and sausages, Pies 'n' Mash, Bangers, and roast beef are also available. Bag of Beans Cafe's bottomless cup is a great treat.
Sonya's Garden is another specialty restaurant in Tagaytay City. The restaurant is virtually a greenhouse. The smell of fresh flowers greet you as you enter the place. Home-made pasta, refillable dalandan juice, bowl of salad and dressing is their set menu. A choice of shrimp, chicken, mushrooms, nuts, and other ingredients can be thrown into your pasta with a bowl of jackfruit. Grilled sweet potatoes in caramel sauce dip is a delicious desert to indulge into. Sonya Garden grow their own vegetables and other ingredients.
Going to Tagaytay City is a great de-stressing activity. Beautiful scenic views and mouth-watering delicacies are some of the things that Tagaytay City is known for.
The sugarcane tree is somewhat similar to a bamboo tree. And among interesting Philippine folklores on the sugarcane is on why the sugarcane became an outcast from among light colored bamboo trees, only to be honored later as an important medicinal and sweetening plant.
One day clusters of bamboos were happily swaying their tall slender bodies as the wind gently blew. Not far away stood a short lonely bamboo. It seemed to have stopped growing. The other bamboos reached to the skies while this loner, as this folklore on the sugarcane points out, just stood about more than 5 feet fall. Moreover, it found itself standing alone in the middle of the plain while the rest stood proudly in groups sometimes on hilly terrain, as if atop pedestals.
Folks from the nearby town often went to the clusters to cut those that have beautifully matured and were made into useful things that people always appreciated. This folklore on the sugarcane goes on to say that when so utilized the bamboos took pride in their importance, especially how people put value in them. People always saw beauty, strength, and usefulness from among the trees in the clusters but never even glanced at the lone bamboo tree.
The lone bamboo finally made a wish one day—it wished to be made as important and also put to good use, as any other bamboo tree around. All of a sudden dark clouds covered the sky and a sharp lightning struck and turned it into a dark bamboo. Now, it’s not only short. Aside from being dark its wood became too soft to be anything as useful as a bamboo. The more the bamboo trees mocked at the lone tree, not aware that this was the start of a beautiful folklore on the sugarcane.
One day a man stood near the lone bamboo and etched his name on its bark. He noticed a sweet scent emitting from the etching. It was so sweet that he was tempted to sample the liquid that oozed out from it. It was sweet and refreshing. Finally he cut a good size and started munching. At last, the folklore on the sugarcane ended the way the lone bamboo had wished—to be useful and important. And since then it had become a vital plant grown in fields.
Today, we know that sugarcanes are different from bamboos. But this folklore on the sugarcane teaches us a lesson: everything has a purpose, even seemingly inconsequential things.
It is definitely and quite fascinating how the famous mounds in the beautiful island of Bohol were formed. These mounds, recognized the around the world as 'Chocolate Hills' (thanks to the dry season that gives its brown appearance), are one of the major attraction for tourists and visitors. The blessed island of Bohol has a lot in store for those who love nature tripping. It is truly indeed, that in this lovely island of Bohol, nature has been the real attraction.
Tagbilaran City is one of the principal cities of Bohol Island. The city is known as the 'City of Friendship' in which exemplary hospitality could be experienced by all who stay and appreciate the place. Tagbilaran City has been the entryway or gateway of the island of Bohol in terms of tourism and industry. Tagbilaran City has been the island’s opening for tourists to experience the wonders of the Chocolate Hills and the Philippine Tarsiers. Accommodations are available and have never been a problem for tourists who would be staying at Tagbilaran City. Since tourism is one of the main industries of financial growth and stability, the local government continues to sure that accessibility, in terms of transportation and basic commodities, are given due attention. Without a doubt, the moniker 'Fiesta Island' is a rightful title for this breathtaking island.
Eco-Tourism, with great pride in asserting it, has been the island’s main tenet why tourists and visitors come and enjoy the beautiful island. Other than the Philippine Tarsiers and the Chocolate Hills, the island is so blessed with lovely white sand beaches which provide perfect relaxation. In order to organize the influx of tourists, travel agencies are definitely available for the tourists needs locally and internationally. Angel's Wings Travel and Tours could arrange accommodations and itineraries in Bohol Island. The said agency is located at Gallares Building, Tagbilaran City. Situated at Gallares St., Tagbilaran City, another can be spotted and that is the Dream Island Travel and Tours. Everglory Travel and Crewing Agencies, Inc. is another noted tour agency and is situated at #136 C. Gallares, corner C. Putong Street, Tagbilaran City. There are a lot in the list and as a tourist interested in going to Bohol Island, definitely the internet is the best source of updated information regarding travel agencies’ contact details. As a traveler's tip, being prepared is always the best thing to consider traveling and these agencies of travel can provide assistance big time.
Even before Magellan arrived in the Philippines in the 16th century, Ormoc, then known as “Ogmok” already had settlers from neighboring countries and these inhabitants were attracted to the fertility of the land. Having said that, despite the first impression that there is no Ormoc destination worth seeing aside from vast tracts of farmland, one will be surprised at how many places there are in this place that are very interesting.
Being a coastal town, not many know about the unspoiled beaches of Ormoc. The Sabin Beach Resort is the most famous Ormoc destination because it is exactly a tropical paradise right out of one’s imagination. Once at Sabin Beach Resort resisting the urge to stay for at least one night is impossible because of its magnificent beauty. The Camotes Sea and the Ormoc Bay merge at sunset and the scene is just too picturesque that one can watch it for hours on end if that were possible. The resorts at this Ormoc destination have good facilities and are comparable to a 4 star or 5 star resort. Several water sports can be done at Sabin Beach Resort but many will not be able to resist just lying in the sun and relaxing with the cool ocean breeze gently blowing. Another good thing about the Sabin Beach Resort is that it’s not just the beach that is worth seeing here. This Ormoc destination is surrounded by lush virgin forests and trekking is an activity offered by the resorts in the area. Sabin Beach Resort is an ideal vacation getaway for the entire family.
Ormoc has very fertile soil and the inhabitants have put this to good use. Most of the pineapples found in the entire Philippines and exported are grown here at the Pineapple Plantation. One might wonder what’s so great about a Pineapple Plantation that would make it worth visitng? Aside from the fact that this Ormoc destination has been built on a 200 hectare property, the process of growing pineapples and harvesting them isn’t as easy as we would think and here is a place where we can learn the trade secrets of the Philippines’ most sumptuous fruit. The Pineapple Plantation is also a place where one can buy pineapples at very low prices and the people at this Ormoc destination will be more than happy to make sure that these are properly packed to avoid spoilage during one’s trip. Many people from everywhere in the country make sure they visit the Pineapple Plantation when in Ormoc. The Pineapple Plantation is found in Barangay Hibuwanon.
At first glance, anybody would think that Tabaco, Albay in Legaspi City probably got its name from some tobacco plants in the area. Well, one thinking that would wrong.
Here’s a folklore on how the place really got its name.
The folklore begins with a time when the Bicol region, during Spanish times, was said to be inhabited by very friendly natives. But then some Spaniards occupying the region became hostile to the inhabitants. Being too cruel to the natives, the news soon spread quickly to other localities in the area. Soon, many local people despised the mere sight of the invaders. One day, the folklore has it that two Spaniards ventured to some remote village and there found a beautiful young lady. She was known in the place for her talent for herbal medicine. One of the two foreigners fell for her native beauty.
The young lady’s father was annoyed by the two foreigners so that one day, as the folklore goes, when the two came over to the girl’s home for a visit and some herbal medicine samples, her father reacted in an unfriendly manner. The folklore adds that the place was also known for the people’s penchant for bladed weapons and its craft. Thus, the father owned a well sharpened native sword known in the vernacular as a “tabak.” The folklore stresses that every man in that village was armed with a “tabak” as a work implement and for self-defense.
So, as the Spaniards approached, they wondered about what the name of the place was. They thought it was a perfect way to establish rapport with the father. Coming closer and asking the name of the place, the folklore says the father was very alarmed at them and shouted to her daughter for his native sword. “Give me my sword! Give me my sword!” In the vernacular, he said, “Tabak ko! Tabak ko!” The foreigners, thinking that the answer to their query was “Tabaco,” soon spread the word that the name of the place was Tabaco in Albay. Soon afterwards, even local folks started calling their place by the name.
What of the “tabak” and the Spaniards? Well, the folklore admits that the natural friendly and hospitable spirit of the natives in the place got the better of the father, and soon the foreigners were tolerated and befriended.
Though fond of deadly bladed weapons, this folklore shows a people naturally gifted with kindness and hospitality can still opt for peaceful settlement in the face of adversity.
Palawan attracts many tourists to the Philippines every year. The place has a natural wonder that helped increase the nation's revenues by more tourists coming in to visit the big island. Eating in Palawan is not a problem at all because today there are many restaurants more than ever.
1.Ka Lui Restaurant - This is a restaurant in Puerto Princesa that is inspired by the natural wonder of the surroundings. The tourists can eat in this restaurant while they enjoy the nice landscape and small waterfalls. The restaurant is also filled with gardens. They offer seafood only. Guests can buy tuna, crabs and lobsters. The desserts in this restaurant are very native and most of them are made from coconut and rice like rice cakes. Guests will be asked to take off their shoes when they enter. The whole place is designed with bamboos giving the cool ambiance and serenity. The dishes here are very affordable ranging from one hundred pesos up to one hundred fifty pesos. The service is also excellent. They can be found along Rizal Avenue. You can call them and inquire more about their food and reservation through the telephone number 63-48-433-25-80.
2.Kamarikutan Kape and Galeri - This literally means Wilderness Cafe and Gallery. This is a good coffee shop which becomes the place where the artists of Palawan relax. This place promotes the talent of the local painters by featuring their works. Their best seller is their coffee blends and snacks. They also offer different Filipino dishes. They sell the art works of the artists and they help them promote their works. This is also another establishment along Rizal Avenue in the capital of Palawan. You can call them at 63-48-433-5182.
3.Kawayan Grill - Thi is a restaurant where you can enjoy grilled dishes. Their best seller is their version of the grilled chicken. Many locals also like ordering the dried fish. This is found in Coron. The dried fish in Coron is larger however it is really tasty. They also serve it with their own version of seaweed ensalada. They also serve ceviche served fresh and in huge portions. The ceviche are diced up and the vinegar is the marinade. This grill is known for their affordability so big groups like eating in this place.
4.Bistro Coron - This is probably the best coffee place in Coron. They also have one of the best tasting apple pies in the area. A french national owns this bistor and he makes the bread they serve. They aslo have gourmet dishes. The pizza is just like how the French do it. Other best sellers are their pork tenderloin, chicken with rosemary and other French meals.
5.Village Lodge - This is another restaurant in Coron where locals invite tourists to taste the best Bulalo which means beef stew. The ambiance of the place is conducive for family gatherings.