Coming from the countryside into Manila a traveler may be astounded by the distant sight of thick smug that overshadows the metropolis. Can any spot in Metro Manila still offer fresh, woodland air? The good news is that there still are. One of them is right smack where greeneries still abound.
A refreshing experience of the woods and its wildlife in a safe environment. Quezon City harbors such a place. Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife was started in the mid Martial Law years (late 70s to early 80s). It’s an 80-hectare city forest reserve for woodland and animal life. It is along the Elliptical Road in Diliman, Quezon City, across the Quezon Memorial Circle.
From downtown Manila travel takes, via the Espana-Quezon Avenue route, some 45 minutes to an hour. Public transportation plying Quiapo to Philcoa or Fairview will never fail to drive past this Philippine tourist spot in Quezon City. It’s right at the very tip of Quezon Avenue right across Kidney Center and Lung Center of the Philippines.
Named “Philippine Parks and Wildlife” in the Marcos administration, it was changed to “Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife” in the reign of President Corazon Aquino. This Philippine tourist spot in Quezon City boasts of a number of caged wild animals and tree and plant species, plus a vast playground, deeply shaded promenades, a man-made lagoon, eatery, huts and cottages, among others.
Lots of school excursions, tourist trips, movie and commercial shooting, and casual visits are scheduled in this Philippine tourist spot in Quezon City. Even health buffs like joggers and volleyball and badminton aficionados frequent it, especially in early mornings. Picnic grooves and huts are best for outdoor meals and helpings are available at the eatery beside the lagoon.
The lagoon is littered with benches at its edges under big tree shades. A sunken amphitheater is at its bank. It is a favorite hang out of lovers, book readers, bonding families, idle visitors, and students rehearsing a drama or concert. Others celebrate religious fellowships there and display public communion with their Creator. The lagoon has an extended covered port where curious visitors can venture farther and nose around for what may be hiding in the lake.
Life activities of men, the wilds, and nature burst with vibrancy at Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wild Life. This wooded haven standing right in the midst of business affords travelers with an accessible Philippine tourist spot in Quezon City.
Naga City has roots from the early native settlers who were able to establish a thriving community along two rivers. We'll take a look at the founding and early history of Naga City, one of the premiere cities of the Philippines.
Naga City derives its name from the tough and robust narra trees that was abundant in the area before the city's establishment. The early local Filipino settlers established a trading village here. The place was well known for trade and the community's advanced weaponry and technology at the time.
In 1573 Juan de Salcedo led the Spanish expedition to what we know now as Naga City. Captain Salcedo and the Spanish troops were quite surprised to find this flourishing village with such technology of the day. The culture of the village was quite different and a bit sophisticated and modern.
About two years later, in 1575, a new city was founded in the said location. Captain Pedro de Chaves of Spain and commander of the Spanish garrison in Naga named the city as Ciudad de Caceres. It is presently located on Naga City's business center.
The name of the city was in honor of the current governor general who was a native of Caceres City in Spain. It held the name for quite some time and was even mentioned at the 1595 papal bull.
Life went on and the city and the town that the locals established became one community. The name Nueva Caceres was used to identify the now merged community and became a city under Spanish law and became one of the first few Spanish cities in the Philippines.
In 1898 Elias Angeles and Felix Plazo led a successful revolt which resulted in the Spanish forces retreating to Iloilo Province. This little victory wasn't meant to last long however.
A couple of years later, American forces invaded Camarines Sur in 1900 and entered Naga City. The revolutionary soldiers of the Philippines in the area of Naga City were forced to surrender in 1901 due to sickness among their forces.
In 1941 Naga City was invaded by the Japanese Imperial Army. But the Japanese occupation of Naga City didn't last long. In 1945 the Japanese forces in Naga City was defeated by the American troops and the local guerilla fighters. Naga City was officially declared as a city in 1948.
Naga City today remains as a great place to visit. Naga City has survived a lot of difficult times and will still remain a bright monument of the early beginnings of the Philippines.
The bustling city of Makati is home to towering skyscrapers and considered the busiest CBD in Manila. If one is in Makati for business, then it’s a good idea to stay at a Makati hotel that is nearby, and if one is in this city to shop, there are many places to stay at that bring one to a walking distance to Glorietta or Greenbelt.
Jupiter Suites, also known as the Jupiter Arms Hotel, has recently upgraded to better serve their guests with bigger rooms and provided Internet access to all their guests. Thankfully though, what has stayed the same despite the many changes that this Makati hotel has undergone is its location. Jupiter Suites can be found along Jupiter Street and is walking distance to Ayala Avenue and Gil Puyat Street which is where all the businesses are found. Jupiter Suites is also a 20 minute walk to the biggest malls in Makati, Glorietta and Greenbelt or if one is not up to it, a cab can be hailed or an air conditioned jeepney can be flagged down. The standard suite at this Makati hotel is only Php 2,400 while the family suite costs Php 3,700. Inclusive of this amount that one pays per night at Jupiter Suites is set breakfast. The facilities of this Makati hotel include a bar, a coffee shop and a business center.
Now if a 5-star hotel is what one is looking for or a lodging that has complete facilities and closer to Ayala Avenue than Jupiter Suites, then why not go for Mandarin Oriental? The Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has developed several hotels around the world and they have made sure that each one conforms to the highest standards in hospitality. The Mandarin Oriental Makati can be found in the corner of Ayala and Paseo de Roxas and though right in the center of the business district, one will find comfort in the fact that it is a respectable distance from the rush hour traffic. Room rates start at Php 7,300 per night at this Makati hotel and as many will attest, one will not regret a penny that one spends when staying at the Mandarin Oriental.
Regardless of whether one opts to stay at the 3-star lodging Jupiter Suites or have a luxurious vacation at the 5-star Mandarin Oriental, one will find that either one of these two Makati hotels can offer more just a peaceful night’s sleep. In fact these Makati hotels are more than adequately equipped to cater to one’s every need.
One of the advocates of eco-tourism in the Bicol Region is Sorsogon City. This third class city is located at the southernmost tip municipality in Luzon. Sorsogon City is considered to be the 'Gateway to Southern Philippines' and one of the leading cities in terms of urban lifestyle and economic progress.
If a tourist or a visitor is really inclined with nature or would just like to hang out with nature, then the province of is considered to be one big eco-tour destination. Eco-tourism is really a flourishing industry in Sorsogon. All the Eco-Tourism related activities and spots are within easy access with the seat of government and the capital situated in Sorsogon City. The Butanding or Whale Shark Interaction, one of the highly anticipated itineraries, is also included as a tourist package.
This interaction with these lovable sea critters could be experienced at the waters of Bacon District of Sorsogon City, Magallanes, Castilla, Pillar and Donsol. Checking out some exotic flora and fauna could happen at Mount Bulusan Natural Park and the captivating Buluan Mountain Lake Resort. Marine Sanctuaries and attractive dive sites also define what eco-tourism is all about in Sorsogon City. Numinous caves with mystical folk legends could also be explored. Sorsogon’s historical and cultural heritage could also be realized around the place because of the old historic ruins and churches that withstood the tests of time.
Summing it up, tourists or visitors could do a lot of things in Sorsogon City. From rigorous physical activities such as snorkeling, swimming, diving, etc., to just chilling it out and communing with the nature by the beach side, Sorsogon offers a total package of relaxing with wonders of nature.
Sorsogon City has a lot in store for its visitors and tourists who really are nature lovers. To keep up with the pace of the growing wave of eco-tourism in Sorsogon City, travel agencies are supported. One of the noted travel and tours agencies is the Whale Shark Adventure and Tours. They offer great adventure packages that will make a tourist's stay very memorable. Most of their itineraries are aquatic related events such as snorkeling, diving and of course butanding or whale shark interaction.
Nature has its own way of giving relaxation and relief to tired and overly stressed bodies. Therefore it is a simple reminder to at least appreciate and respect Mother Nature. Sorsogon City has been a manifestation of a caring child for Mother Nature as the place promotes, preserves and improves the beauty of Mother Nature. Everybody is called to be a nature lover.
This Laoag sightseeing guide will showcase the natural and manmade wonders of the capital of Ilocos Norte in the Philippines. Being nestled in between one of the largest mountain ranges in the Philippines and the South China Sea, Laoag City presents scenic views and great tropical delights for its visitors.
For the initial part of our Laoag sightseeing guide, we’ll go over some of the scenic natural attractions you should expect to find.
La Paz Beach is the closest beach in Laoag, which is a lovely pebble beach with extensive sand dunes. However, if you’re looking for some of the best beaches in the Philippines, you better drive up an hour to Pagudpud to find something at par with the world’s best.
The La Paz Sand Dunes is a favorite movie location here in the Philippines. Filipino-style western movies have chosen this among several locations. It is interesting to note that two international film, Born on the Fourth of July and Mad Max, also filmed here.
The next part of our Laoag sightseeing guide will feature some of the historic attractions you can check out. The Cape Bojeador Lighthouse was built in 1892 and is the highest lighthouse in the Philippines, which still functions today.
Saint William’s Cathedral was built in 1612 and is a fine piece of Italian Renaissance architecture. It has a two-story facade that is held in place using coupled columns. The Santa Monica Church on the other hand is a century old church that is a great mix of baroque and neo-classical design.
No Laoag sightseeing guide will be complete without the Sinking Bell Tower. The name comes from the fact that the tower sinks about a few centimeters each year. The tower was built on sand and its weight drags the entire structure down. One of its doors that was once able to let a man on a horse through is now halfway sunk to the ground.
The next segment of our Laoag sightseeing guide will feature some of the cultural highlights here starting with Fort Ilocandia. Fort Ilocandia is a hotel that sports many Spanish-Moroccan trends in design and infrastructure. Its more than 200 rooms give a spectacular view of the beach area. The hotel is primarily designed to attract foreign tourists and guests but it also brings in locals from all over the Philippines as well. Other than the magnificent view and great facilities, Fort Ilocandia is also famous for its casinos and golf course.
One of the must see places here is the Marcos Mausoleum, which has a display of the 20-year term president of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos. You’ll get a chance to glimpse at his wax replica but no pictures are allowed. However, you may take pictures while you’re at the Marcos Museum that displays the man’s personal effects and features his personal career and family line.
Our Laoag sightseeing guide features some of the highlights to see in this city. Visitors will grow to appreciate unique beauty Ilocos Norte and Laoag City has to offer.
Puerto Galera is an island in the Philippines known for wonderful beaches and blue waters. It has been a main tourist attraction for many years now. It offers various sites for snorkeling and diving. This is why there are many hotels in the area as well as restaurants. The beach is the perfect setting for a wonderful time eating your favorite dishes with your family or friends. The following are some of the best and well know restaurants in Puerto Galera:
1. Hemingway Bar and Restaurant
This restaurant and bar has become famous spot because it is a favorite place among several famous writers for travel books and magazines. The menu they offer is really unique. They made the famous writer Ernest Hemingway as the main theme of the restaurant. The dishes itself is a representation of the travels that Hemingway made in his life. The dishes they offer have Caribbean, Italian and Spanish influences because these are the places that Hemingway frequented. The cuisine can be described as mostly Western and Mediterranean in nature. Many food critic recommends their Cuban inspired dishes like pasta and seafood paella. The cost of a dish in this restaurant begins at one hundred twenty pesos. A complete meal for a couple with drinks can reach four hundred pesos which is not that bad considering the delicious taste of the food. Hemingway Bar and Restaurant is located in the Sabang beach side.
2. Captain Greggs
Capt’n Greggs is another popular restaurant in the Sabang side area. It is famous for the nautical appeal of the whole restaurant. They have designed the whole area with life rafts, ropes and things you can find in a ship. They also offer their patrons a good view of the nearby sea. They serve western dishes. Many customers order dishes with seafood like prawn. They offer the prawns with butter, curried, steamed or plain with vegetables, rice or potatoes. This restaurant is also recommended for vegetarians because they also offer other seafood and vegetables. Capt’n Greggs also offer breakfast meals with American, English,Australian and Filipino dishes. A lunch that has two meals and drinks costs three hundred fifty pesos. You can inquire about their other dishes by calling them at 63-43-724-8535.
3. Tamarind Restaurant
This is a restaurant in the Sabang side known for their steaks and pork ribs. They serve them in huge portions. The dishes they serve are continental and Filipino. People go here for dinner and for drinking beer and other liquor. They have a bar that offers different drinks like cocktails and wine. The costs of one meal starts at three hundred pesos however the huge portions of the food can be eaten by two persons already.
4. Sunshine Coast Restaurant and Bar
This is another bar and restaurant that is found in the beach of Sabang. They serve international dishes like pasta, meat dishes and steaks. Every night they highlight an international dish. Every Tuesday it is Indian food so you can order famous Indian dishes along with their regular dishes. Every Wednesday is Japanese and Thursday nights they offer Greek dishes. They also have a bar where you can buy different cocktails and alcoholic drinks.
Metro Manila, like any developed metropolis, has many different kinds of transportations. You can go from one place to another with ease. There are such varieties of transportation from the casual ones to the indigenous ones.
If it is your first time in Metro Manila it will not be difficult to get around. You can ride a cab and tell the driver where you want to go (generally they know all the routes) just make sure you check the meter once in a while ‘coz there are some bad guys who's always on guard for chances of taking advantage. By the way, the plug down rate in a cab is Php30.00 and Php2.50 per additional km (FYI). And, If you want to escape traffic jam, there are trains connecting one city to another with a relatively low fare rate. matrix of fares are available at the stations. If you’re looking for comfort and security these transportation means are available. Or, if you want to feel like a Very-Impiortant-Person (VIP) there is a long list of rent-a-car service.
As soon as you get used to Manila, must try ride is the jeepney; an innovative, one of a kind means of transportation in the Philippines. They have certain routes and you’ll know their route by their sign board on front of the windshield. The minimum fare is Php7.00 per 7 km. and they usually have this fare matrix displayed inside the vehicle for reference.
For the adventurous people out there, we have what is called “calesa” which is a horse drawn cart that will bring you from one point to the other. You can usually find a calesa in Intramuros and Divisoria and along the busy streets of Manila. The usual minimum fare in a calesa is Php10.00 per person. You can bring three of your friends to come along. This transportation is usually ridden for strolling of tourists and for loading heavy shopping bags from the market place for the locals.
We also have the tri-bike or as affectionately known in the Philippines a “trike”. This is a motorbike with passenger side car. Usually it is used for transportation inside subdivisions or places with buildings with near proximity. Two to three people can be accommodated on the trike and the usual fare is Php7.00 to Php10.00 each. You can access nearby places with this transportation means without walking!
Well they say that walking is good for the health, no doubt about that but in case you get tired of it, the above listed means of transportation is a good guide for you. So now you know, enjoy the ride and explore the city. Ciao and good luck!
Manila, the capital city of the Philippines offers several attractions to travelers looking for that unforgettable vacation. The Filipinos have a rich culture and Manila is the melting pot of something that’s historic and traditional with a touch of modernity that we all look for when we’re away from home.
Relive a dream of grandeur at the Manila Hotel, an establishment imbued with public interest as the Filipinos consider this a part of their heritage. The Manila Hotel has seen many events in history and to this day stands magnificently tall and proud. In fact the Manila Hotel not only prides itself in being a 5-star hotel that strictly adheres to international standards, events, meetings and conventions are frequently held here. The rooms at this hotel have luxurious amenities and are all elegantly furnished with centralized air conditioning. Each room has a mini bar, cable television, in-room sage, bathroom, a bedside radio and a telephone. Their suites at the Manila Hotel have a 24-hour butler service. The deluxe room at this hotel costs US$ 135 and their most expensive suite, the 2 bedroom Gabriela Silang, is US $ 1,291.50.
An alternative to the Manila Hotel is Bayview Park Hotel which also boasts of almost a century old history and can be found in Roxas Boulevard. Just a couple of minutes away from the historical sites of Intramuros, boutique-style 5-star hotel offers comfort and privileges to all their guests. The Bayview Park Hotel has a different rate for Filipinos and their superior room is only Php 1,200 if it’s without breakfast but if the guest wants breakfast every morning during their stay, the rate is Php 1,600 for 2 nights.
The facilities at Bayview Park Hotel have been designed to provide a relaxing atmosphere during the guest’s stay and to provide them with everything they might possibly need. The coffee shop serves delicious meals everyday, while the bar and the lounge serve as a good rendezvous. The swimming pool at Bayview Park Hotel can be found on the rooftop so guests get to enjoy the view while doing some laps. The hotel also has a gym for the fitness fanatics. Bayview Park Hotel’s mini Internet café is equipped with the latest technology and to cap the day, they offer massage services.
If it is luxury one is after when in Manila and would like to stay at a 5-star hotel that is close to everything important, then these two options, The Bayview Park Hotel and the Manila Hotel are places to consider.
Laoag, one of the princess cities in the North, is a microcosm of the country’s rich historical heritage and natural resources—a proud city of Ilocos.
Laoag is about 9 hours from Manila via a land route. The North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) accesses the northern cities, Laoag among them. Bus stations to the North have trips plying a Laoag destination.
Here are the top 10 things to see in this fine area of the Philippines:
1. Bojeador Lighthouse. This is no ordinary lighthouse—it’s Asia’s oldest and tallest lighthouse built in 1892. Climb the 73-step spiral staircase to get to the top and enjoy the grandeur of the China Sea coast and the adjacent quiet town of Burgos.
There’s a cute but very interesting and revealing museum at the base of the lighthouse.
2. Then there’s one of Ilocos' best beach, Pagudpud, two hours away further north from Laoag. Its super fine white sand plus a better grasp of the South China Sea will be quite an experience.
3. The Sand Dunes of Barangay La Paz. This is considered one of nature’s geological monuments and feats. The place also offers a superb view of the South China Sea.
4. Then the centuries-old St. William’s Cathedral—one of the country’s big Catholic churches. It houses the seat of the Laoag Diocese. It was built by Augustinan monks in 1612 following an Italian Renaissance architectural influence. The entire building is supported by unique pairs of grouped columns.
5. Now, St. William’s has an amazing sinking bell tower tourists shouldn’t miss. It stands 45 meters high but probably stood higher before it began sinking. Augustinians built it on sand, blocks away from the church—missing what Christ said about wisely building on rock—and the sinking episodes had begun ever since. Its main door now is buried halfway—it used to accommodate a man sitting erect on horseback. So visit there while the door is passable.
6. A museum built in 1878 as a tabacalera or tobacco warehouse. The Museo Ilocos Norte shows the history and lifestyles of the Ilocanos even before the Spaniards came to the country. See hints of indigenous technology and architecture, like farm and fishing implements, local products, and typical ancestral homes.
7. Laoag’s St. Augustine Church or Paoay Church. Built from 1694 to 1710. It’s earthquake-proof, following the Baroque Architecture. Its bell tower had been a look-out station of both Katipuneros in Spanish times and Filipino Scouts against the Japanese. Former President Marcos declared it a national treasure and is listed in UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
8. Fort Ilocandia Resort. This one’s a 5-star hotel with five buildings rendered in a romantic Spanish colonial architecture. The whole thing sits in a 77-hectare land adjacent to the sea. Its beach stretches across almost a mile.
9. The Juan Luna Shrine. Located in Badoc, Ilocos Norte, it is a reconstruction of the two-story original house where the national painter and patriot was born. It has reproductions of his historical works, “Spoliarium” and El Pacto de Sangre.”
10. The Marcos Museum and Mausoleum in Batac, Ilocos Norte. The late President Ferdinand Marcos lies in state there preserved in a sealed glass-paneled vacuum crypt. His many memorabilia are also on display there.
A visit to Laoag without seeing these ten sceneries is like finding ten priceless pearls on the sand but ignoring them in favor of a handful of sand because it reminds of some picnic at the beach.
One of the advancing and progressive provinces in the Philippines, Sorsogon takes pride in its inviting and relaxing restaurants. For the convenience of all tourists and travelers to the place, there are numerous Sorsogon restaurant guides that they can refer to if they are in search for dining places that have fine services, tasty specialties, affordable meals, and accessible locations. Hence, to everyone who plan to visit the restaurants in Sorsogon, Philippines, it is best that they use the travel guides so that they can pick the dining place that have dishes that will suit their budgets.
Types of Cuisines Available in Restaurants in Sorsogon, Philippines
For those who consider the cuisines available in dining places before they choose a restaurant in Sorsogon, Philippines, it is important that they look at Sorsogon restaurant guides since these offer detailed information on the famous restaurants. Some of the dining places in Sorsogon, Philippines, that specialize in Filipino cuisine, and which are commonly featured in Sorsogon restaurant guides are Dahon Saging Restaurant, Manoy’s Restaurant, and Casa Dominga. Hence, for people who prefer grilled dishes, they can always visit the popular Acacia Grill Fastfood.
Costs of Meals at Dining Places in Sorsogon, Philippines
When it comes to affordability, travelers can always visit fastfood chains in the area such as Jollibee and McDonald’s. On the other hand, for those who have food budgets that range from 50 pesos to 200 pesos, there are small and simple dining places that are featured in Sorsogon restaurant guides like Jane’s Fastfood, Kim’s Fastfood, as well as Mike and Jerry Fastfood. On the other hand, for people who have budgets above 200 pesos, they can go to Kalundan Restaurant.
Accessibility of Restaurants in Sorsogon, Philippines
Another important section in Sorsogon restaurant guides is the location of the dining places. Many travelers take into consideration the accessibility of restaurants in Sorsogon, Philippines, before they decide where to eat. Hence, three of the most accessible places in the province to have a relaxing, entertaining, and memorable dining experience are Graceland, Quick and Hearty, as well as Tajie’s Restaurant. In addition, by referring to Sorsogon restaurant guides, tourists can also know the exact location together with the contact information of dining places in the city in case they want to make reservations. Thus, with the interesting features and information available in the restaurant guides, travelers will definitely have a convenient, comfortable and great dining experience at the interesting province of Sorsogon.