Subic Bay free port, the former American naval base in the Philippines that has been transformed into a bustling free trade zone and industrial complex, offers not only employment for thousands of Filipinos, but leisure and recreation to tourists as well.
There is Ocean Adventure that offers whale and dolphin shows on weekends and Zoobic, a close encounter zoo where you can go near the animals and learn more about them.
Near the Ocean Adventure parking area, for instance, sits a restaurant / resort that offers fresh sea foods and white beach for swimming. Entrance fee is about $4. There's also a horse-back riding range where you will learn how to ride on mares and ponies.
For the nature seekers in Subic Bay, there are creeks, mountain trails, Mangyan villages, forests and even a bat sanctuary. For a few dollars as fee, you will learn survival techniques from Mangyans. They were from the groups of jungle survival trainers that trained the famed Green Berets at the height of the Vietnam War.
For the sportsmen in Subic Bay, there's a golf link and a winding road for bikers on weekends. The complex also hosts softball and baseball diamonds and modern tennis courts. There is also an arcade for kids and students.
The complex also hosts international schools, Korean and Chinese restaurants and a race track for weekend road warriors.
For the high rollers and gamblers, there's a casino in one of the hotels near the beach front. Other facilities include villas, cottages and hotels. There are also duty free shops for your daily needs. On weekends, especially during holidays, like Christmas and New Year's Day, the administrators host live-band concerts and other shows for the vacationers and Sunday promenaders.
Just recently the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority hosted an international triathlon participated in both by foreigners and local tri-athletes.
You can go fishing in one of the piers inside the complex that also hosts one of the world's deep harbors and an international airport that can accommodate even B747s.
Outside the complex, predominantly in Subic town, you can enjoy nightlife with the presence of night clubs, resorts, music lounges and videoke bars particularly at the Barretto district.
Clubs, especially on weekends, remain open until 4 a.m. or until there are no patrons.
For accommodation there's White Rock Beach Resort and Hotel. You have the choice to use the beaches or a big swimming pool where a big white boulder is in the pool's middle portion, thus the name White Rock. Adjacent to White Rock is Paradise Resort, which is operated by a Japanese group.
Nearer the former base, is Olongapo City where Ocean View resort offers boat rides, or even aqua cycles. Entrance for day swimmers is $1 and less on weekdays.
Many Philippines native dishes have a lot to do with chicken. Native recipes can exploit the potential of chicken to further bring out its savory qualities. But a primary factor in cooking a native recipe using chicken is knowing what appropriate chicken part goes with a particular native dish.
Chicken Breast in Philippines CuisineChicken breast is found between the neck and abdomen of the chicken. It is a white, meaty part that often needs boiling before cooking. In Philippines Cuisine it is best for cooking native recipes like fried chicken, chicken “apritada,” “tinola,” fried or sautéed chicken fillet, chicken balls, chicken “mami,” and for preparing chicken sandwich spread. It can also be stripped for supplementary cooking of vegetable stews and sauced carrots and potatoes. For a low cholesterol diet, breasts minus the skin is often what dieticians and doctors prescribe because native dishes using chicken breast has high meat and almost zero fat content.
The drumstick is a very versatile chicken part. It is possible with any native recipe using chicken. It is a favorite packed native dish for taking to work, school, outings, picnics, and field trips. Slightly of dark coloration, the drumstick is the foreleg (or lower leg) of the chicken. It is best for cooking native recipes like fried chicken in garlic and soy sauce, sauced or sautéed chicken, chicken barbecue, boiled chicken or chicken “nilaga,” chicken with “sampaloc young leaves or chicken “sinampalucan,” and also “tinola,” among other native dishes in the Philippines cuisine.
Thighs are also a popular chicken part in native recipes using chicken. They’re the upper portions of the leg, or sometimes called the main leg. They’re perfect for cooking native dishes like chop suey, chicken with “sotanghon” (smooth noodles), chicken noodle soup, chicken curry, chicken barbecue, “adobo,” among other native recipes in Philippines cuisine.
Chicken wings are very popular in Philippines cuisine. They are also an all-around part of a chicken. Filipinos love them best as a fried native dish dipped in a spicy concoction of cooked vinegar and vegetable spices. Some native dishes using chicken wings are chop suey, “aroscaldo,” chicken “adobo,” and chicken “sarsado.”
In the Philippines, native recipes using chicken are often from two chicken types: white leg-horn or native. White leg-horn fowls grow faster and bigger and mature in 45 days. Native chicken takes more time to raise up, and their meat is tougher as native dishes.
Native recipes using chicken are delectable native dishes, but it’s a basic principle to use the right chicken part for the right native recipe.
The common Filipino dream is to be rich someday. In fact this is often the case why myriads of overseas Filipino workers brave years of uncertain employment and life in the Middle East---to 
pursue this often elusive dream. This Philippine folklore can serve as a reminder to us all.
The folklore starts with a man who saw a drowning old lady in a river one morning. He was on his way to get some breakfast from the river---some fresh water shrimp perhaps or a couple of mud fish. Then, the folklore continues, he saw an old lady in the river calling for help. He immediately dived into the river and rescued the old lady. Grateful, the old woman thanked the man and remarked that the man had a kind heart. Then, according to this folklore, she took something from her pocket. It was wrapped in an old cloth. She handed it to the man.
The man regarded the wrapped thing in his hand and looked at the old lady inquiringly. He opened it and, the folklore goes that the man saw a strange green stone. The old lady said the stone can grant three wishes. The first two wishes will be granted to a kind heart. But the third wish only to a pure heart. He was about to say something and turn to the old woman but, the Philippine folklore says, she was gone.
Back to his family, he showed them the stone after telling his wife and kid about the old woman and the 3 wishes. “Well, only one way to find out,” said his wife. They made two wishes; lots of money and cars---what a Filipino today might also wish for. And according to the folklore, it happened. They suddenly became very rich.
Life began to change. The Philippine folklore says, his wife became a gambler, he became a drunkard, and his kid rebelled about it all. Soon, he realized what was happening and took the stone and wished that their vices would disappear. Nothing happened. Then, according to the folklore, he remembered: only a pure heart would get the stone to work again. Closing his eyes, he reluctantly wished to return to their old life before he met the old lady. The folklore says, it happened. He got his family back, in peace and simple joy.
This Philippine folklore reminds us to check our priorities and hold on only to those things that really matter in life.
There is nothing as fun and romantic as a getaway vacation on this beautiful island located in the Philippines. Previously hidden away amidst the thousands of islands of the Philippines, Boracay is now considered one of the predominant travel destinations, both for lovers wishing to take a private vacation for a few
weeks, or for couples wishing to rekindle their relationship. From lounging about along the white sands and frolicking in the waters, to taking a part in the thriving and energetic nightlife,
Most people choose to go to Boracay for its attractive beaches, and White Beach is easily the most popular. As its name implies, this beach is renowned for its white sandy beaches and beautiful coastlines, and most people often choose to spend their time relaxing under one of the many palm trees in the area, with a chain of restaurants, refreshment bars, shops, and even internet cafes not too faraway for accessibility. White Beach also sports several stalls along the area, where vendors can sell you anything from shirts to handmade jewelry made of shells, or even scuba equipment.
Another popular tourist destination is the Puka Beach, named so for the puka shells that are found along this area, and is used to fashion jewelry and other trinkets to sell to visitors. Puka beach is generally considered to be quieter than White Beach, with lesser people. Another beach is the Baling Hai Beach, which boasts of a restaurant atop a cliff that overlooks the whole area, and is perfect for romantic dinners and rendezvous.
Perhaps one of the more unique tourist attractions that Boracay offers is what natives call the Bat Cave. Far from being any mysterious superhero’s lair, the cave actually houses the next best thing: giant fruit bats that often roam the area at around sunset. Visitors are given the chance to enter the cave with tourist guides for a minimal fee, where they can be treated to a view of majestic stalactites several feet long. This area has no handrails and can be slippery at times, so before hiking into the cave, it is always best to bring a flashlight at the least- making this one of the more exhilarating and exciting adventures for the outgoing couple to enjoy together.
Spas are also a notable part of Boracay. The Mandala Spa and Villas is one of the renowned spa resorts found in the island, having been awarded as the most outstanding honeymoon destination, and the best spa destination in the region. For a standard three days and two nights, luxurious facilities and amenities are available for couples to enjoy time together, and the expert massage treatments by the professional masseuse only enhances the romantic
atmosphere. Enjoy a dinner for two at the Mandala’s Prana restaurant with its luscious vegetarian meals, delicious desserts, and high quality wine. Daily yoga classes and Zen massages are even readily available.
For visitors who are also interested in environment, the Boracay Butterfly Gardens on Bulabog Beach is also a must-see. Visitors are treated to a tour of the large tropical garden, populated by rare butterflies of almost every shape and color, along with fascinating information and details regarding their life cycles. This is a perfect spot for most couples to get in touch with nature and to spend time with one another.
Now easily ranked as one of the best beaches in the world, Boracay is now an international tourist destination where people all over the world flock to when vacation season hits. With good quality beaches, the beautiful scenery and a thriving nightlife for those seeking it, Boracay is slowly becoming the place to be during the summer months.
Baguio has been dubbed the “Summer Capital” of the Philippines because it is the only place that is saved from the intense heat during the months of February to early June. Baguio is accessible 
by land from Manila by bus ride of about 6 hours. Of course, one can also opt to bring one’s vehicle to make going around Baguio easier but if that is the main concern, rest assured there’s plenty of public transportation there. Baguio is also accessible by air. The best time to go to Baguio would be when festivals such as the Kadayawan Festival and the Baguio Flower Festival are celebrated.
One of the reasons that people go to Baguio is to watch the Baguio Flower Festival called Panagbenga. Because of the cool climate in Baguio and the rich topsoil, there are a lot of flowers that grow here that would normally not last a day in Manila. During the Baguio Flower Festival, a parade is held along Session Road of the most beautiful and uncommon flowers which are uniquely designed and placed on mini stages. The fragrance of the flowers as they pass by is heavenly and visitors line the street snapping pictures of the parade.
Panagbenga is an event of its own and one of the reasons that tourists visit Baguio. The Baguio Flower Festival began in 1995 when the then Director of Camp John Hay spearheaded the project and solicited the support of the different sectors of the community.
Today, it is organized annually and has become a major tourist attraction in the city. History The first Flower Festival was only for three days. It was held at Camp John Hay with the aim of celebrating the flowers of Baguio. The Baguio Flower Festival is now an annual event and is held every year around February.
To watch the Baguio Flower Festival will not cost anything and it’s loads of fun. The community comes alive with dances, colorful outfits and the participants spend days preparing their designs. The goal of the Baguio Flower Festival is to increase awareness on the need to preserve the environment.
The Kadayawan Festival is another event that plays an important role in increasing tourism in Baguio. The local government units take part in the Kadayawan Festival by participating in dances 
known as Indak-Indak.
In the town’s main plaza, a stage has been set up and a crowd of about 10,000 people has gathered to listen to a group of musicians and dancers perform traditional dances from various parts of the Philippines.
This 19 year old festival is made colorful each year with new segments being added. From the very first time that the Kadayawan Festival was celebrated, it has undergone a lot changes and now there are more dances, there is now a festival hymn and the tribal community also participate.
The Kadayawan Festival is Baguio’s way of showing the world that no matter how different the Filipinos may be, they stand united.
Looking for something hotter than hot springs and volcanoes? Well, save that for other trips. But “hot” that tickles the appetite—one that’s spicy, creamy, a delight to the bone, and doesn’t add 
calories to the belly, something hotter than ordinary chili—that’s what they have in Bicolandia.
Say the magic word is “Bicol!” and it conjures pictures of platefuls of steaming hot Bicol Express--the premier Bicol food. This is a chili-flavored favorite in the country, a dish of pork ribs and siling haba or long chili, cooked in coconut thick cream--yummy Bicol cuisine.
Here’s the “secret” recipe. One part of long chili to two parts of coco thick cream—that’s the secret proportion that sends Manilans and many others scouring the region for it. Or, one kilo of long, native chili (especially the Bicol variety) to two kilos of the coco cream then mix in the pre-fried or boiled pork ribs and it sure makes for a very hot but equally tasty food.
Bicol is coconut country. It supplies the country (and the world) with coconut oil. Its natives are also famous for going crazy over native, super hot chili—munching them raw as a local past-time. 
Thus, it is known for its coconut- and chili-based cuisine.
The native long chili (about an inch long, some shorter, and the shorter the hotter) are so important to every household—when a typhoon strikes, Bicolanos are said to prioritize the safety of their chili plant over their houses.
The native chili has become symbolic of the fierce courage of the natives in times of calamities and war. They always bounce back after each vicissitude in life.
Aside from the fiery Bicol Express (named after the clunky train that used to run from Manila to Bicol), the laing is another hot favorite. Chunks of pork and shrimp are cooked with dried gabi or taro leaves, again with sliced long chili. All this in a thick coco cream.
There’s a so-called Camarines Sur Hotel and Restaurant Association that makes sure Bicol hot delicacies are well promoted in member-restaurants in Naga City. This way, the tradition of Bicol chili recipes stays on with all the superb qualities intact.
Bicol is well traversed by tropical typhoons the year round. Typhoons after typhoons the fiery courage and resilience of a kind but tough people are evident. And one easily find out why---after a well-appreciated Bicol meal, it becomes plain why Bicolanos hang on out there despite the odds.
For people who are looking for outstanding schools in the Philippines, there are numerous educational institutions available in the City of Makati. These colleges and universities offer students wonderful opportunities to learn and develop their full potentials. Although the quality of education that they provide is highly outstanding, they charge highly affordable tuition fees in exchange for their efficient services and world-class facilities.
For those who wish to experience what high quality Makati education is all about, they can enroll at Mapua Institute of Technology-Makati. Just like its campuses in Laguna and Intramuros, this educational facility offers superior quality education at highly reasonable rates. It is situated right at the corners of Nicanor Garcia Street and Senator Gil Puyat Avenue. The courses available here are classified into various academic fields including the School of Business and Management, the School of Health Sciences and the School of Information Technology. Its major facilities include lecture rooms, audiovisual rooms and a simulated hospital among others.
This highly impressive university has two campuses in the area. The first one is located along Senator Gil Puyat Sr. Avenue, just right inside the Philtrust Bank Building. The students of science courses usually go here to experience superior quality Makati education. This place is highly convenient for students complete with a parking lot, state-of-the-art audiovisual facilities and air-conditioned classrooms. It also has lecture halls, a library and several laboratories. Its second campus is found right along Esteban-Bolanos Street within Legaspi Village. Students of non-science courses go here to study. Its major facilities include state-of-the-art computer laboratories, audiovisual facilities and centralized air-conditioned classrooms.
This particular college is a high quality educational facility especially designed for Catholic women. It is found along San Lorenzo Drive just within San Lorenzo Village. It offers an impressive lineup of degree programs such as Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Major in Human Resources Management, Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship and Bachelor in Management Major in Corporate Business. Other available choices include Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Major in Marketing Management and Bachelor in Management Major in International Business.
This educational facility is one of the most notable and award-winning business schools in Asia. Founded in 1968, this institution is proud to present world-class centers like TeaM Energy Center for Bridging Societal Divides, Ramon V. del Rosario Sr. Center for Corporate Responsibility and AIM Policy Center. Meanwhile, its Washington SyCip Graduate School of Business offers topnotch degree programs, namely Master in Management and Master in Business Administration. In 1995, this school was honored with the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award for International Understanding.
The island province of Leyte has many things to offer to visitors in terms of tourist destinations. From sightseeing tours, immersing in culture and history up to communing with nature, these destinations give a chance for tourist to engage in enjoyable activities.
Tourists who are into sightseeing tours about history will not be disappointed with Leyte. Historical landmarks and sites are scattered around the province waiting for history buffs. Tacloban has the Leyte Provincial Capitol, CAP Building (Price Mansion) and Redona Residence. These places are worth the sightseeing tour because these had significance during the liberation of Leyte in World War II. Meanwhile, there are also similar places found in Palo. The General Douglas MacArthur Landing Memorial and Guinhangdan Hill (Hill 522) are also significant historical places during the War era. On the other hand, The Hilongos Bell Tower in Hilongos, Leyte has significance from the Spanish era.
Tourists who want to immerse in the rich cultural heritage of the island should visit some of its notable museums and library for a sightseeing activity. The People’s Center and Library, located in Real Street, Tacloban, boasts of historical artifacts and a collection of dioramas depicting ethnic tribes in the Philippines. The Santa Fe Community Museum, on the other hand, showcases antiques and artifacts from the Spanish period up to World War II. Finally, the Santo Nino Shrine and Heritage Museum in Tacloban has an impressive collection of religious art and cultural artifacts. Paintings about the Stations of the Cross, a bas-relief wood carving depicting Malakas and Maganda (Philippines' version of Adam and Eve), statues of the Santo Nino and paintings done by national artist Fernando Amorsolo are some of its notable collection on display.
A religious pilgrimage of shrines and holy sites can be done in Leyte. Sightseeing tourists will appreciate the varied religious life in the province. The Madonna of Japan, located in Kanhuraw Hill, Tacloban, boasts of a beautiful garden where the statue of the Japanese Goddess of Peace known as Maria Cannon is found. The Santo Nino Church, located also in Tacloban, is the location of the image of the patron saint Santo Nino where devotees attest that it is a miraculous statue. Another attraction is the Buddhist Temple in Anibong District. Finally, the La Purisima Shrine in Palo is the house of the image of the Our Lady of Immaculate Conception.
Aside from sightseeing, there are destinations in the island of Leyte that give a chance for tourist to commune with nature. Activities like swimming, diving, island hopping, hiking can be engaged by tourists from across different destinations of natural wonders of mountains, islands, beaches, nature parks. White Beach in San Jose, Red Beach in Palo and Cuatro Islas (Four Islands) are ideal destinations for water activities like swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, boating. Mount Kankahanay in Jaro, Mahagnao National Park in Burauen, Leyte Mountain Trail, Tongonan Hotsprings National Park and Lake Danao in Ormoc, Amihan Cebu Woodlands and Mount Pangasugan Ecopark in Baybay are ideal places for tourists who want to adventurous by hiking or hunting.
We all know sugarcane is sweet and from it comes our white or brown sugar. And according to a myth on it, sugarcane can also save suicidal people.
The myth starts with the time when there lived an accomplished but sad “datu” or chieftain. He had achieved a lot for his tribe at a young age but he seemed to be bored by it all. He didn’t find meaning in all his success. So, says the myth, he wondered what it was like to be in heaven. 
Perhaps, he thought, his satisfaction would be realized when he reached heaven. When? Why not right now? He told himself. So he planned to end his life then and there, says the myth.
One day, the myth reports, he prayed to Bathala (God), saying, “I am getting more bored and fed up with life everyday. As to my accomplishments here on Earth, I find them increasingly meaningless. Please allow me to ascend to heaven earlier!” Before this, he had thought of saying “allow me to kill myself” but later re-worded it to something more tolerable to God, the myth adds. He waited for a reply. Suddenly a voice said, “But your time on earth is not yet over.”
The datu felt a little disappointed and left the palace, says the myth. Then he went alone for walk around the forest. Suddenly an old man came up to him. Knowing the grievance in his heart, the old man, according to the myth, tried to cheer him up by saying,”It might surprise you
to know, my Lord, that we can already find heaven on earth!” With that remark, the myth says he led the datu to a place where there grew a kind of plant that has a long, slim, and tall body, and long leaves that looked very much like a bamboo. It looked like a long purple tube.
The myth further adds that the old man went on to say,”This is a heavenly plant. Its incredibly sweet stem will take you to heaven.” The datu started chewing its stem and found it indeed very sweet. According to the myth he really felt like heaven. He told himself, this sweet tube-plant was even sweeter than all his achievements combined. He examined the tube-plant and decided to call it a tube, or “tubo” in the vernacular.
The Philippine myth on the sugarcane teaches us that things that really give meaning in life are simple things.
Boracay is a big island with a lot of smaller islands and coves. All the beaches in Boracay possess the same type of sand known for being very white and fine as powder. You can island hop in Boracay by exploring these islands:
1. White Beach
This is Boracay’s most popular beach. It is four kilometers in length. It is the main attraction for many local and foreign tourists. Many people find themselves sunbathing on the sand under the trees. You can also swim and snorkel there. Other activities that can be enjoyed here are banana boat ride, glass bottom boat and sailing. Some people like going to a spa or having a massage while they are on the sand.
2. Diniwid Beach
This is a calm beach that is just two hundred meters in length. If you are coming from the north side of the White beach you can just walk and reach the island. You have to take the Fairways Road. Others who like taking this trek enjoy a nice view of the whole island from the rocks. Diniwid is an island that was established on a high cliff above the sea. You will find an exclusive residence there that has been turned into a private resort as well.
3. Puka Shell Beach
This is the next longest island. It covers most of the northern end. The waters here are calmer. Puka beach is eight hundred meters in length. It was called Puka because there are many shells of this kind in the island. They are smaller shells that are white as well. The local residents there bead them together to form necklaces or bracelets. This shell is known for being the finest shell on earth. You can also appreciate the view by riding a banca to the place. The stretch ends at the cliffs that are located at the northernmost end where many tribes live.
4.Cagban Beach
This beach is a nice place where you can have a treasure hunt activity. Cagban literally means chest. In the old times people believed that many chests have been buried under the sands or in the caves. This is another beach where you can enjoy water sports and activities but with a more peaceful atmosphere.
5. Balinghai Beach
This is a small beach that is covered with rocks. It can be the most romantic place for a couple who prefers to have their own privacy in a wonderful and peaceful beach. There are several cottages all over the resort. The resort can deliver food to your cottage and bring you some drinks too.
6. Bulabog Beach
Bulabog Beach is a place where windsurfers from all over the world come around the first few months. They like the strong force of the winds and surf on the waves. Many kiteboarders come there too to enjoy the winds.