Laoag City is considered as the industrial, commercial and political hub of the Ilocos Norte. As the capital city if Ilocos Norte, Laoag City has been the center of the fast progressing North Luzon Economic Triangle among noted neighboring cities. The 'Laoag Ecozone' has bolstered the commercial status of the city thus becoming one of the first-class cities in the Philippines. Laoag City’s accessibility has been one of the major factors that led to its economic progress because it opened opportunities for investors to establish their business ventures, which generated jobs for the locals of Laoag City. Thus, Laoag City has been a symbol of economic progress and immovability in the northern part of the Philippines for which, it opened an avenue for neighboring municipalities and towns to be competitive and assertive in terms of improvement.
It is undeniable that tourism played a major role in the growth of the city of Laoag. For this reason, Laoag International Airport has been operational to keep up with the pace of the growth of tourism. Tourism has been the economic driver of the city as it paved way for the transportation improvement and commercial ventures. Fort Ilocandia Hotel and Resort is the only five-star hotel in the northern part of the Philippines. Heritage sites is flourishing around the city’s vicinity featuring Spanish colonial edifices, Philippine-rococo (baroque) churches, the mansions during the Marcos regime and of course, who would ever resist the white-sand beaches of Pagudpud. Due to the remarkable and impressive increase in tourist influx, some foreigners established consulate to oversee their citizens residing and staying at Laoag City.
The influx of tourists prompted the local government of Laoag to push further beyond what is expected of them. City improvements everywhere have been prevalent to maintain its tourism edge. To provide this type of quality service, travel agencies offer package for tourists and visitors alike to help them enjoy the wonderful city of Laoag. One of the noted travel agency is the Aboex Travel and Tours which has an office in Manila and especially in Laoag City. They offer passport processing down to document legalization, authentication and translation. Talking about complete package, they have it all. Having this kind of travel agency would definitely encourage visitors and especially foreign tourists to have a hassle-free stay and would most likely stay longer and put up a business, and then again, generate jobs for the growth of this city.
One of the religious churches in the province of Pangasinan, the Church of Our Lady of Manaoag, located in Manaoag, Pangasinan, purportedly has a long history of miraculous and pious events that are duplicated in the murals all over the church. This is done so that the events will never be forgotten. Devotees, coming from all over the globe, have various reasons for visiting the place among of which are pleads for health restoration, good voyage, or better fate.
Swarms of people fill the place during Sundays and religious occasions such as the Virgin Mary’s birthday, Holy Week, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. Inside the church, there is an archaic ambiance with the old bricks and ancient architecture. Pews are lined up from all sides and at the very center is the altar. In the highest portion of the altar is where the Lady of Manaoag majestically stands.
With its crown and scepter made of shimmering diamonds, anyone could just but stare with awe. Surrounding her are numerous flickering electric candles that seem to dance with a rhythm. From the faces of the devotees, one could spell out the great need for miracles on health, fortune, problems, and a lot more. The feeling of having despaired when all else failed and only an ounce of hope is left.
There is also a chance for people to be able to touch the Lady of Manaoag by climbing up to the second floor through a stairs located at the back of the church. The soft velvet gown worn by the Lady of Manaoag has a faded spot from where the devotees streaked their hands. After a devotee makes a quick prayer, touches the back of the Lady of Manaoag, and makes a sign of the cross, they move across a souvenir store and on their way out of the building.
Of course, when visiting the place, one should not forget about stopping by the stores situated inside and near the church. The canteen at the parking lot of the church sells the best turon in town. It is a delightful snack which is a banana wrapped in a crispy material and coated with sugar. Outside, there are stores that also sell souvenirs such as prayer books, colorful rosaries of different sizes, carved wooden religious figures, wooden crafts, and local native cakes such as tupig and patupat.
From Manaoag, one could also go to the beaches of Dagupan, San Fabian, and Lingayen, to the commercial city of Urdaneta, or to the Señor Divino Tesoro in Calasiao.
These are but among the things that should be visited in Our Lady of Manaoag Church in Pangasinan. Religion, miracles, native food, and souvenirs are all worth the time spent in the travel to the place. Come visit and have a worthwhile experience in the Our Lady of Manaoag Church.
What’s the fastest travel option to get from Manila to North Quezon City, and vice versa? Take the Quezon Avenue-Roosevelt Avenue-Congressional Avenue links.
There are various travel options from Manila to Quezon City, and vice versa. There’s the Blumentritt-A.Bonifacio-Del Monte travel links, and the E. Rodriguez-Aurora Boulevard travel links. But these travel options are often breeding grounds of unwanted choke points and bottle necks countless times of the day. Heavy traffic almost suddenly builds up any time on these thoroughfares.
After extricating oneself from heavy traffic along Espana, exit the Welcome Monument (boundary of Manila and Quezon City) by taking Quezon Avenue towards Pantranco or Roces. Just travel past Welcome rotunda and it should be lots of traffic relief. Quezon Avenue should be allowing more cool wind against the face. This travel option leads to a U-turn slot at Roces to double back Quezon Avenue then turn right to Roosevelt Avenue.
Roosevelt is easy driving until the intersection at Del Monte. The traffic light there seems lethargic at times but past that is a travel option exhilaratingly smooth all the way to Del Pilar crossing. Del Pilar is haunted by some undisciplined motorized spooks that clog the intersection. Mostly are construction and delivery trucks from nearby factories. But past that, even along the busy frontage of Munoz Market, is fast and easy driving. The continuous flow that cuts off the main junction of EDSA and Roosevelt through a U-turn slot accounts for this, and vehicles end up smoothly double backing EDSA to either go straight or turn right on Congressional Avenue. We turn right.
Congressional Avenue is simply a motorist’s dream---well, except for some oblivious jeepney drivers, that is. They like lingering in the middle of the road, chatting or waiting forever for passengers. They’re stashed only at the starting point of the stretch, anyway, and past them (and some tentative road diggings) this travel option leads swiftly down Mindanao and finally Visayas Avenue. From Visayas it’s easy travel to various parts of North Quezon City.
This trek from Manila to North Quezon City, or vice versa, takes only about an hour to travel. Other travel options would take at least an hour and a half---or more in a really big traffic build-up, especially in rainy season.
A journey from Manila to North Quezon City shouldn’t take so much of one’s precious time. With clever and safe on-hands and on-road maneuvers plus the quickest travel option in town, it should be a touchdown in no time.
Makati City, Philippines is the business district of the country. If you are going here for business purposes or for pleasure, staying at the Makati Prime Tower Suites is a good idea. Located at the heart of Makati City with 110 service suites, this hotel is a good choice for short or long-term stay. Hotel rooms like executive studios, suites with one or two bedrooms and luxury penthouses are available. All hotel rooms in the Makati Prime Tower Suites are fully air-conditioned.
The Makati Prime Tower Suites has easy access to the Domestic and International Airports due to its strategic location. Bar-hopping at night is not difficult at all. If you are into a shopping spree, popular malls like Ayala Center and Power Plant Mall are just nearby. This hotel also has function rooms that can accommodate up to 45 people. A hotel like this is a great venue for company meetings, conferences, and family gatherings.
The Makati Prime Tower Suites is located at Kalayaan Avenue Corner Mercado St., Bel-air, Makati City, Philippines.
There are five types of hotel rooms available in Makati Prime Tower Suites. These are Studio Suite, One-Bedroom Suite, Two-Bedroom Suite, Penthouse Suite, and Presidential Suite. All hotel rooms have air-conditioning, cable television, internet connectivity, balcony or deck, shower with bathtub, telephone, private toilet and bath, and free breakfast.
A Studio Suite hotel room has a queen-sized or twin beds with a maximum of 2 guests per room. It's lowest rate is at USD $38.
A One-bedroom Suite hotel room also has a queen-sized or twin beds. If you want an extra bed you just add $10. It has a maximum of 2 guests per room and the lowest rate is at USD $48. The Two-bedroom Suite hotel room has a queen-sized bed with an additional $10 charge for an extra bed. Lowest rate is at USD $68.
A Penthouse Suite hotel room has a bedroom with a spacious living room. The lowest rate is at USD $78. The Presidential Suite hotel room has two bedrooms with the lowest rate at USD $88.
The Makati Prime Tower Suites also offer their facilities and amenities with warm smiles of their experienced, professional, and friendly hotel staff. The hotel's facilities and amenities include a cafe and restaurant, 24-hour internet connectivity, outdoor swimming pool, hotel room service, 24-hour transportation, car rental service, laundry service, parking facilities, safe deposit box, foreign exchange counter, minimart, hair and beauty salon, and massage service.
If ever you visit Makati City, the Makati Prime Tower Suites is the perfect place to stay. Your comfort and convenience is rest assured.
Tourists will be able to do several things and see many places in the Philippines. One of the wonderful places in the country is just two hours ago by car. It is Subic located in the Zambales province. There are many things friends and families can do in Subic. A family living in the city can enjoy a lot of rare experiences in Subic. The nature is well preserved in Subic. The following are some of the good things a family or a group of friends can do in Subic:
1. Subic rainforest and the Subic zoo.
The rainforest in Subic is one of the best in the northern island of Luzon. As one drives along the area you will pass by lush forests on each side. There are several monkeys on the street that you might happen to see as you pass by. There is one place there where many bats live. These are some things not common for many people living in urbanized areas. There is a group there that promotes this eco-tourism in the rainforest as a jungle survival trekking / survival tour and they will show you how you can survive in the rainforest with nature around you.
Subic zoo is another place you should never miss out. They offer different animals for you to see. There are some tigers and other animals which are considered exotic. There is a sanctuary for crocodiles and a place with many snakes. You can ride an enclosed jeep and see the tigers roaming about. This is the safari tour which costs three hundred ninety five pesos on a weekend and two hundred ninety five pesos on a weekday.
2. Subic outdoor activities.
There are many things you can do in Subic which are mostly done outdoors. You can have an enjoyable time riding horses in the place called El Kabayo. Subic has a lot of beaches as well. There are many resorts to choose from. The sand in Subic is white and the water is clean and blue. You can do the usual water activities you can enjoy in Boracay or Puerto Galera but you don’t have to go that far from Manila. There are plenty of hotels where you and your friends can stay. There are some hotels with a water park of their own and some have casinos.
Ocean Adventure is another must see place in Subic. This is the version of the ocean world in the United States. It is not bigger than the one in America however it still offers many kids and adults the chance to see dolphin or whale shows. For a certain additional fee you can even mingle with the sea animals. You can also see sea lions and their show.
Subic has become the Philippine’s major attraction for local and foreign tourists. If you live in Manila you should see Subic and discover that it might be your weekend getaway once in a while.
Las Pinas City, Philippines dubs as a "City of Unparalleled Progress". Las Pinas City is one of the earliest settlements in Manila. From its roots to the present day, Las Pinas City has proven itself as a representative of rapid growth.
The beginnings of Las Pinas City can be traced back all the way to the 17th century when it used to be a barrio of Paranaque. It began as a little sleepy fishing village with only a little more than a thousand residents.
Father Diego Cera, a Spanish Missionary, gave Las Pinas a good push forward back in 1795 which led to the establishment of the Las Pinas Church in 1819 and the construction of the world famous Bamboo Organ. The commencement of infrastructure paved the way for industrial development in the area. The building of roads and bridges in what was to become Las Pinas City sparked the beginnings of industries, which included dye-making, salt production, and handicrafts.
Las Pinas City was also the scene of many battles between Filipino revolutionary fighters and the Spanish troops. These were dark days for Las Pinas City, nevertheless the people were able to rise from the bloody turmoil and push forward.
The construction of the South Superhighway gave Las Pinas a boost and the city was placed as first class. The close proximity of Las Pinas to Manila caught the eye of real estate companies and other investors. The coastal town was eventually transformed to an urban center catering to large industries.
Since then Las Pinas was recognized to have taken rapid strides in urbanization and has seen steady economic growth.
Las Pinas is home to the Las Pinas Chamber of Commerce and Industry. It stands as the voice of the city's business community. The organization's vision is to promote economic growth in Las Pinas City and advance the benefits of its members.
It aims to provide strategic business services and local and international networking to support the members of the chamber. The Las Pinas Chamber of Commerce and Industry is one of the 17 local chambers of commerce in the National Capital Region.
The chamber hosts monthly and bi-monthly meetings, conferences, and projects.
The most well known festival of Las Pinas is the International Bamboo Organ Festival. It is a week-long festival which highlights the world famous Bamboo Organ. The Bamboo Organ is a functioning instrument and was first played in 1821.
Accommodations in Las Pinas would range from Php 400 to more than Php 1,000. Las Pinas City is very accessible and is just moments away from Manila. If you wish to see one of the most historic sights in the country, or you may just be a lover fine music, or you may want to see what business opportunities await you try checking out Las Pinas City. You will surely enjoy your stay and have a first hand experience of Philippine history.
[Tags]Las Pinas, Philippines, Luzon[/Tags]
Move over Boracay. Enter Blue Lagoon - the beach in the north where the sand is as white, the waters as blue but the pollution is virtually non-existent. If you’re tired of the more popular beaches’ incessant noise and partying, try this virginal haven in the sprawling town of Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte.
The Blue Lagoon, also known among locals as the Malingay Cove, used to be a secret getaway. In fact, when people say “Pagudpud Beach”, it usually means Saud Beach which is about twenty minutes away from Blue Lagoon. Recently, however, because of its rustic beauty, Maira-ira (the name given to the entire stretch of beach in Blue Lagoon) is fast gaining popularity.
During the summer, the cerulean waters of Blue Lagoon are idyllic, placid and serene. Though during the rainy season, the surfs are strong and unfriendly. Even if it’s summer, however, make sure to equip children (if any) with life vests for added protection.
Sloping gradually from the shore, the underwater flooring is composed mostly of off-white sand which has a grainy quality because of shattered shells. The underfoot obstruction is minimal to none making it perfectly safe to swim barefoot. Beware of the slight undertow, though, as well as the drop after the gradual slope if you don’t want to find yourself in waters higher than the average person’s height.
There are no resorts in Maira-ira, the nearest one being Kapuluan Vista Resort. It is advisable therefore, to bring your own tents (and other necessary equipments such as flashlights) if you wish to spend a quiet night at the beach. If you’re only staying during the remainder of the day, however, there are simple wooden cottages you can rent for only twenty pesos.
If you’re on a tight budget, another thing you should remember is to bring your own food to Blue Lagoon since the prices there are quite high. And since there are no ATM machines in Pagudpud, don’t forget to bring enough cash for entrance fees, rentals, food, souvenir items and other miscellaneous expenses.
To those who wish to see this scenic beach of Maira-ira, there are buses bound for Pagudpud from Manila. If you have your own wheels, then gear up for a long drive but be prepared to trek a dirt road which turns to a muddy trail when it rains.
Ilocos Norte might seem so far away and it’s true that it takes twelve hours to reach Pagudpud from Manila but if you wish to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the urban setting, why not pack your bags and head off to Blue Lagoon – the Boracay of the north.
A very popular and interesting tourist destination in the Philippines, Puerto Galera is a municipality in Oriental Mindoro that offers attractive places for travelers to visit. To make sure that tourists in the place will have a memorable and safe stay in the place, Puerto Galera features accommodating hotels, inns, and lodges where they can have a refreshing and relaxing sleep. Hence, to avoid experiencing hassles during their stay in the island, travelers must refer to Puerto Galera hotel guides.
Facilities of Hotels in Puerto Galera, Philippines
One of the features of hotels that travelers take into consideration before they decide where they will stay is the facilities. To assist tourists in making good decisions regarding this matter, most Puerto Galera hotel guides feature the leisure and dining facilities of famous hospitality service providers in Puerto Galera, Philippines. Hence, for those who are in search for hospitality service providers that feature special facilities like restaurants and swimming pools, they can always check in at Aninuan Beach Resort, Buri Beach Resort, and Atlantis Beach Resort Puerto Galera. On the other hand, for people who like to stay in hotels that feature standard room amenities like cable television sets, clean bathrooms, and relaxing beds, they can have advance reservations at these famous hotels; Bamboo Beach Resort, Carm Rob Inn, and Marco Vincent Resort.
Star Ratings in Puerto Galera Hotel Guides
Many travelers who want to visit Puerto Galera, Philippines, also consider star ratings when they refer to Puerto Galera hotel guides. To vacationers who want to stay in five-star and four-star hotels in Puerto Galera, Philippines, they can look at the contact numbers of these places, which include La Laguna Beach Club and Dive Center, Mermaid Resort, and Blue Crystal Beach Resort, in many Puerto Galera travel guides. Hence, for those who like to stay in three-star hotels, they can check in in Badladz Resort, Fishermen’s Cove, and Franklyn Beach Resort.
Accommodation Rates of Hotels in Puerto Galera, Philippines
Another important feature of Puerto Galera hotel guides is the accommodation rates in hotel service providers. Because of the rates, people can decide, which place suit their budget. For those who prefer to stay in hospitality service providers that have affordable rates, most Puerto Galera hotel guides feature Deep Blue Sea Inn, Capt’n Gregg’s Accommodations, and Puerto Nirvana Beach Resort. With all the interesting and informative features of the hotel guides, people can definitely have a relaxing and safe vacation in Puerto Galera, Philippines.
Mt. Isarog is a stratovolcano and is 1,966 meters above sea level. Located in Camarines Sur, Philippines, Mt. Isarog is considered as Southern Luzon's highest forested peak. This is the site of Mt. Isarog National Park. Six municipalities and a city have territorial jurisdiction of Mt. Isarog National Park. These are Calabanga, Tinambac, Ocampo, Tigaon, Goa, Pili, and Naga City.
Mountain climbers and backpackers will enjoy trekking on Mt. Isarog's slopes for a nature adventure. The best time to visit Mt. Isarog National Park is during the dry months of January to April. The temperature may be hot in the lowlands but it is cold and refreshing up in mountain's forest.
Going to Mt. Isarog National Park's summit is an eight to ten hour hike from Barangay Penicuason. This Penicuason trail leads to six campsites situated at various elevations. Bringing your own drinking water up to Camp One is a must. The clean streams and refreshing waterfalls can be the source of the hiker's drinking water for the trip from Camp One going up to Camp Six.
Mt. Isarog National Park is furnished by nature with many natural waterfalls and springs. The Malabsay Waterfalls is located near Mt. Isarog National Park's entrance. Here, visitors can go swimming and have picnics with friends and family. The Nabuntulan Spring is not far from Malabsay Waterfalls.
The Magragobrob Waterfalls is found inside Mt. Isarog's crater on the Goa side of Mt. Isarog National Park. A 40-meter waterfall that emanates sulfuric waters down to Rangas River. Hikers usually rest here. The Hiwacloy Sulfur Springs is found here where the warm sulfuric water is locally believed to cure minor ailments and skin diseases.
On the Tigaon side of Mt. Isarog National Park, the Bulalacao and Tumaguiti waterfalls and four other smaller waterfalls are situated. The Consocep Mountain Resort maintains the said waterfalls for rest and recreation.
There are other interesting places to visit in Mt. Isarog National Park. The World War II Tunnels along Pili and Ocampo that were constructed by the Japanese soldiers brings an eerie chill. The Deer Farm in Barangay Consocep keeps five species of Australian deer. The Butterfly Farm in Pili that take care of a wide classification of butterflies and flowers.
Mt. Isarog National Park has an entrance fee of P5.00 for Filipinos and 10 USD for foreigners. Staying overnight in Mt. Isarog National Park is allowed within the Protected Area Office. Food and accommodations are always available at the foot of Mt. Isarog where pension houses, hotels, and inns are everywhere.
If you travel by air, you'll have a 45-minute flight to Pili Airport from Manila. You then make a 30-minute drive to Naga City. It's a 10 to 12-hour ride to Naga City by bus from Manila.
One of the interesting cities in northern Philippines that many people like to see, Angeles City has a rich history and heritage. Every year, many foreigners visit the city for it plays home to attractive tourist destinations and first-rate commercial establishments. To offer comfort and luxury to travelers who spend their vacations in the city, most Angeles hotel guides offer information and directions on how to get to the famous hotels, lodges and inns, in the area. Additionally, the hotel guides feature star ratings, accommodation rates, location, as well as facilities of numerous hospitality service providers in the area.
Star Ratings of Hotels in Angeles City, Philippines
One of the main features of Angeles hotel guides is the star ratings of hospitality service providers in the area. For tourists, vacationers and foreigners who like to stay in luxurious hotels in Angeles City, Pampanga, they should refer to Angeles hotel guides to have ideas about the world-class and four-star hospitality service provider that offer well-maintained facilities to everyone, such as Fontana Leisure Parks and Casino, Angeles Beach Club Hotel, and Holiday Inn Clark. Meanwhile, for travelers who want to stay in standard hotels, they can also check Angeles hotel guides for three-star hotels in the place, which commonly include Hotel Hana, Marlim Mansions, and Montevista Hotel.
Hotel Facilities in Angeles City, Philippines
To assist travelers in the city to make wise decisions regarding the places where people can sleep in Angeles City, Philippines, Angeles travel guides feature the facilities and room amenities of hospitality service providers in the area. To accommodate people who like to have an elegant stay in the city, there are hotels that feature special leisure and dining facilities such as Orchid Inn Resort, Pacific Breeze Hotel and Resort, as well as Dollhouse Hotel. On the other hand, there are hotels that feature standard amenities, which normally include private bathrooms, cable television sets, and comfortable beds, such as Daddyo’s Apartelle, New Liberty Hotel, and L Tinio’s Inn.
Accommodation Rates and Locations of Hotels in Angeles City, Philippines
Other important features of Angeles hotel guides are accommodation rates and locations. Using these guides, people can easily find hospitality service providers that offer reasonable accommodations like La Casa, Europhil, and Ponderosa. Furthermore, by using Angeles hotel guides, travelers can find hotels that are accessible to various forms of land transportation such as Hotel Royal Amsterdam, Swiss Chalet Hotel and Restaurant, as well as Blue Nile Executive Hotel.