How would you like to spend a wonderful day in a lovely place where you can just let your hair down and be in one with the calmness of nature? Imagine crystal clear waters, coconut trees casting their shadows, eye-refreshing sights of wide green fields, the smell of fresh air, the scenic view of the mountains, and picturesque views of the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets.
Think there is no place like this? Think this is just a fantasy?
Well, put all those travel fantasies out your mind because fantasies can become a vacation reality. And for those who would want to believe that they could actually experience such splendid travel experience, welcome to the country with the best travel and vacation spots in the world—The Philippines!
Whether you want to go to the North or feel like heading to the South, the Philippines could offer you breathtaking travel destinations that would surely capture your heart and will make you keep coming back for more. It’s in these tropical islands that you can find pristine white sandy beaches, turquoise blue seas, swaying bamboo trees, and rainforests with atypical plants and animals. Definitely, the marvelous travel destinations in the Philippines could relax you and put all your worries away.
If you plan to go to the northern part of the country, you will surely love to visit the Strawberry Farm and Mines View Park in Baguio and feel the cool and breezy touch of the wind. You may also want to do some island hopping in Pangasinan with its famous Hundred Islands, which is also a perfect travel destination if you want some tranquility and feel like contemplating. You can also find the famous Banaue Rice Terraces in the North, which is located in Banaue, the Hanging Coffins in Sagada, Mountain Province, and the Batanes Island.
There’s also the popular Pagudpod Island in Ilocos Norte where vacationers and travelers can plunge and enjoy the cool and refreshing beach water. If you feel like wanting to experience the old times and have a feel of the life during the Spanish Era, Vigan in Ilocos Sur is the best place for you where you can see precious remnants of the old Spanish architecture.
Meanwhile, the southern part of the Philippines boasts of its breathtaking vacation and tourist spots. One of the most famous travel spots in the South is Puerto Galera, which is a string of white sand beaches located on the Northwest side of Mindoro Island.
Another famous tourist spot is the island of Bohol where you can see the world-renowned Chocolate Hills, the Tarsier Trail, and the breathtaking Panglao Island. You may want to dip into the crystal clear waters of Panglao Island in Bohol. It is also in the South that travelers could find the lovely island of Cebu. This is where the historical Battle of Mactan took place.
Davao, on the other hand, could give you the feeling of being one with the tranquility of the nature. If you would want to go to a place where the natural resources seem to be preserved, Palawan is the best place for you. Then again if you don’t feel like going farther in the South, you may try visiting Batangas and check out the popular Taal Volcano there. However, if you feel like wanting to learn more about the occurrences during the Spanish colonization of the Philippines, Corregidor in Cavite is a must see.
Whether you like to plunge into the ocean, trek the mountains, do some camping, or just feel the wonders of nature, The Philippines is definitely the best travel destination for you. Moreover, a vacation in the Philippines is made even more memorable due to the sincere hospitality of the Filipinos.
You will love being in the Philippines even more once you discover the many delectable dishes that are cooking in many of the country’s top eating hubs. Philippine restaurants have more to offer than just great food. There’s also pleasing atmosphere and good company, two things that make every food adventure extra exciting.
Jonah’s Milkshake – Being at the most coveted island in the country is made even more exciting by the appearance of the best beverage place you could find. It offers a wide variety of flavors that are out to please a wide variety of discriminating palates. What’s more, you can have your glass of shake against a wonderful background of either dusk or dawn, whichever you choose because it is open 24/7.[Station 1, Boracay Island]
Spiral at Hotel Sofitel – Looking for the most interesting buffet restaurant in the Philippines? Look no more. The Spiral, which is named so because it is accented by the spiral staircase that ascends to the hotel lobby, is one of the biggest and most renowned among the Philippine restaurants. It offers a wide variety of cuisine and an enormous number of dishes for every cuisine. The live cooking stations make you feel spoiled, with so many kitchen employees going ga-ga to offer you the best tasting meals you would enjoy. [Sofitel Philippine Plaza, CCP Complex, Roxas Blvd., Pasay City; (632) 551 5555, (632) 832 6988]
Antonio’s – If you are in for the most romantic dinner date of your life, Antonio’s is the ultimate choice. This wonderful eating hub that is located at scenic Tagaytay offers everything you need for a romantic night out. It may be quite on the expensive side but once you start dipping your teeth onto their mouth-watering dishes, you will think nothing about the money you’ve got to spend. [Brgy. Neogan, Tagaytay City, Cavite; (63918) 899 2866]
Viex Chalet – Swiss food is not so much part of the Philippine dining table as Chinese and Italian recipes. That’s why not too many people knew that an interesting Swiss restaurant has been pleasing many of the locals and tourists palate for over two decades. It offers many indulgences you could only dream about. [srhassig@yahoo.com; Taktak Road, Antipolo City, Rizal; (632) 697 0396]
La Cocina – If you want to know about the strongest influence in Philippine culture, this is the best place to dine. La Cocina presents Spanish dishes in its oldest form, way way back from how the old people of Manila knew them. Upon entering the place, you will feel the air of old, rich Manila, which is best defined by the short tour of the mansion as offered to the restaurant guests. [#315 San Rafael St., San Miguel, Manila ; (632) 734 2141, (632) 734 2146]
In the continent of Asia, the country of the Philippines could be considered to have one of the most unique cultures in the world. One factor that contributed in its distinctive culture is the fact that Philippines is predominantly a Christian country (mostly made up of Catholics). Its strategic location (middle of the Southeast Asian region) made it a melting pot of different heritage brought about by various early traders and merchants that put up their businesses. Some went home to their motherland; some stayed for good and with that, cultures and beliefs mixed and it was tagged as 'Filipino'. Philippines is definitely rich in natural resources. For this reason, as history attested throughout the years, foreigners had been trying to reach and claim the country as their own for practical reasons (raw materials). Nonetheless, the natural beauty of the country has the alluring power or influence that attracted people around the world.
The Philippines' rainforests and its wide coastlines make it home to a various array of sea creatures, plants, birds and animals. It is one of the ten most geologically mega-diverse countries and is at or close to the top in terms of biodiversity (per unit area). More than 1000 terrain vertebrate species can be found in the Philippines including over 100 mammal types and more than 150 bird species that exist exclusively in the country. Common species include the Tamaraw of Mindoro and the Bohol's Philippine Tarsier. The Philippines lacks predators, with the exceptions such as the Philippine Eagle national bird), birds of prey, cobras and pythons. Other native animals include the various species of bats, mouse deer, palm civet cat and the Visayan Warty Pig. With an estimated o more than 10000 plant species in the country, more than 3000 of which are exclusive to the islands, Philippine rainforests boast a selection of flora, including many exceptional types of rafflesia and orchids. The Narra is regarded as the most significant form of hardwood. Philippine territorial marine area encompass further than one million and a half square kilometers (more than 600000 square miles) producing unique and diverse sea environment and is an vital part of the Coral Triangle. There are more than 2000 fish species and over 500 coral species. Philippine waters also sustain the cultivation of pearls, crabs, and seaweeds. Seaweeds, crabs, and the cultivation of pearls can also be sustained in Philippine marine environment. These natural assets are the main reasons why Philippines has been categorized of having a gigantic diversity of flora and fauna in the world.
The local government of the Philippines tries to be economically competitive with the international market by enhancing the Eco-Tourism. This tourism industry would be emphasizing on the nature preservation and appreciation, at the same time, trade and commerce would grow as the influx of tourists and potential clients would be creating business opportunities and creating jobs. The internet is one of the best media of communication and advertisement and for that reason the http://www.gov.ph/ provides useful information and vital facts that are very helpful especially for first timer. The official website is user-friendly and very interactive. Definitely, there is nothing to be worried about. Enjoying and learning a glimpse of the Philippines is literally, just takes a few clicks away.
One of the highly interesting provinces in the Philippines, Samar is also home to outstanding colleges and universities that offer superior quality education. The Samar education system is basically comprised of academic institutions that aim to nurture and develop the knowledge and skills of their students. From these educational establishments, students can expect to find a very nice atmosphere to study, complete with decent facilities and competitive academic programs.
When it comes to quality computer education, one of the top choices that always come to mind is STI College, which has a very nice campus that is part of the growing Samar education system. Just like its branches in other parts of the country, this school delivers topnotch education to all its students. Even though the focus is on computer-related courses such as information technology and computer science, STI College has expanded its academic programs by offering courses in other interesting fields like education, engineering and business courses. For those who like to enroll in health-related courses, there is a number of choices available including the highly in-demand nursing.
Founded in 1912, Samar State University was previously called Samar Trade School. This particular school system has three different campuses in the province, two of which are in the City of Catbalogan and another one in the municipality of Paranas. One of the highly popular courses offered in this university is Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology, which clearly shows its focus technology-related courses. The academic programs of the school has expanded numerous times and now include degrees such as Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Bachelor of Science in Electronics and Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering. Moreover, it also has very good graduate programs including Master in Vocational Education, Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Management and Doctor of Philosophy in Technology Management.
Another highly reputable school system in the country, Saint Mary’s College has a campus in the province, which has already surpassed the test of time. This educational institution offers well-selected courses such as Bachelors Degree in Secondary Education and Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education. For other options, students can enroll in other courses such as the teacher certification program, nursing assistant program and Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Previously known as Colegio de San Vicente de Paul, Christ the King College was founded in 1905. This tertiary school has been one of the longest running in the area, offering academic programs in the fields of arts and sciences, nursing as well as accountancy. Furthermore, it also offers certain courses that are related to computer technologies and teaching.
Whenever a tourist is at bay, Tacloban restaurants are found glimmering, too eager to offer what they have in store. Dining in this wonderful Visayan city is almost a gastronomical adventure as it is in other parts of the country. Tacloban restaurants offer anything from local delicacies to foreign cuisines, giving tourists an easier time choosing, or not?
Ayo Café – This coffee shop, which is a little bit out of the way from downtown Tacloban combines good food with a good atmosphere creating an all around pleasant dining experience. The cuisine is built up with a combination of Japanese and other international flavors. Pasta, salads, sandwiches, waffles, omelets, and a wide selection of beverages, hot and cold, are offered widely. And oh, it is also a must-visit for anyone considering its stock of coke in cans from all over the world an eye-pleasing sight. [#5 JCO Arcade, Apitong Road, Tacloban City; (6353) 325 4461]
Felisa’s Café and Restaurant – This is one of the few Tacloban restaurants that went through the wear-and-tear. It serves tried and tested recipes that have been pleasing the palate of many for long. A serving of local delicacy binagol and a refreshing glass of halo-halo is considered heaven. [Justice Romualdez St., Tacloban City]
San Pedro By Seafoods – If you want to eat your seafood fresh, there’s no better choice within Tacloban than this. You will have your meal caught off the by fronting the resto so you’ll know that it’s truly fresh. [Leyte Park, Tacloban City; (6353) 325 6000]
Calle Zaragosa – This is the favorite hangout for the younger generation when nighttime comes. It serves international and local dishes served against a lid-back ambience. Grilled comfort foods are quite popular among the regular patrons of this restaurant. [www.callezaragosa.com; frontdesk@callezaragosa.com; #39 Independencia St., Tacloban City; (6353) 325 8582; (6353) 321 3197]
Fil-India Restaurant – If you re craving for Indian food but want to keep Filipino dishes at bay, it is advisable that you check out this Tacloban restaurant. It serves rich, spicy dishes that are more for the adventurous palate. [Coca-Cola Rotunda, Tacloban City]
Ocho Seafood and Grill – This seafood restaurant serves mouth-watering dishes that are delivered fresh. Guests are asked to choose from a wide variety of seafood they have on the cooler and how they like them to be cooked. After 10 to 15 minutes, the dish is served. Grilled meals are quite popular, including grilled meat. [Sen. Enage St., Baranggay 54, Tacloban City; (6353) 325 4171, (6353) 523 8808]
Guiseppe's Italian Restaurant – If you crave for authentic Italian dishes, there’s no better place to be than this. It serves the whole lot – pasta, salad, pizza, and so much more. [www.giuseppesresto.com; jbona123@yahoo.com; 173 Avenida Veteranos, Tacloban City; (6353) 321 4910, (6353) 327 0832]
What basically are Philippines rural hotels? What can one expect in general? And how do we spot the best ones? The following are facts from what tourists have experienced in their stays in different Philippine rural hotels across the country.
Let’s classify Philippine rural hotels into three: small, regular, and grand. Basically Philippine rural hotels are coping with basic standards that common travelers expect of hotels. Inns and lodges strive to do the same. But there are exceptionally good hotels and inns in the countryside that offer one of the best comfort amenities in the country. So how do we find them in rural areas?
Philippine rural hotels, lodges, and inns found along highways are often drab and less maintained. More so those designed for bus terminal passengers who need to spend a night near the terminal. Or there are those with beer houses or grill restaurants on the ground floor. These are often classified as small rural hotels. They’re cheap, but one can expect only so much quality and service. Some are even designed for short-time affairs or escapades. So if one wishes to avoid them, one ought to go to central districts.
If we search in main streets near city or municipality centers, we may find the regular Philippine rural hotels or lodges. These are clean and considerably more decent lodges that offer better comfort amenities. They’re mostly in fairly big business or commercial centers, lined up with popular department stores, eateries, or parks in the locality. Regular Philippine rural hotels often provide security, parking, clean ample rooms and beds, but often without competitive entertainment and communication facilities.
Grand Philippine rural hotels are very enterprising lodges at times almost at par with regulars or even grand ones of urban cities. In addition to regular services, they often have swimming pools, average and working facilities like TV, DVD, amusement games, Internet connection, phone, and money transfers. There are super grand Philippine rural hotels that offer even more than what some grand urban hotels can. These are found mostly in known tourist sites well promoted by the government.
For Philippine rural hotels that rate somewhere between grand and super grand but which are reasonably priced, here are some tips: they are mostly those offered by small but classy resorts, estates, or golf courses, or those near mall complexes.
Philippine rural hotels can be a uniquely pleasant experience if one can spot where small, regular, and grand hotels are in a locality.
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.
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.
One of the beautiful and inviting countries in southeast Asia, Philippines features numerous world-class shopping centers, which are important to trigger tourism and stimulate economic growth in the country. Many Philippines shopping complexes have modern architecture and relaxing atmosphere. To attract more customers, these establishments play home to several business centers and retail stores that offer affordable services and merchandises. For the comfort and convenience of customers, shopping malls provide capacious and safe parking areas. Above all, these places feature outstanding restaurants that serve delicious and reasonably priced meals.
Considered as the Philippines biggest shopping complex, SM Mall of Asia is situated at the Central Business Park Bay Boulevard in Pasay City. This commercial establishment features numerous apparel stores like Apple and Eve, British India and Arrow. Customers who want to shop for high-end products can always check out the merchandises available at Calvin Klein. For the enjoyment and recreation of shoppers, this place provides several arcade or gaming centers. When it comes to dining establishments, people can enjoy various delicacies at Chef d’ Angelo, Café Adriatico, Bangus Restaurant and French Baker. For refreshments, shoppers can satisfy their cravings for sweet snacks at the famous Krispy Kreme.
Known as the top performing shopping center in Muntinlupa City, Festival Supermall is easy to access because its location is very strategic. At the ground level, people can find several fast food chains and restaurants including Pizza Hut, Giligan’s Island Restaurant and Bar as well as Goldilocks. For those who want to buy branded items, this establishment plays home to Guess?, Calvin Klein and Bayo. Customers who like to purchase sports apparels can go to And1, Adidas and Sporting Goods. Shoppers can relax after getting all their needs inside the state-of-the-art cinemas that feature some of the latest foreign and local films.
One of the most stylish and elegant shopping complexes in the Philippines, Glorietta Mall can be found at Ayala Center in the City of Makati. With seven grandiose and comfortable cinemas, customers can have a wonderful and relaxing time at this establishment. This mall features apparel stores such as Apriori Boutique. To satisfy the cravings of shoppers for delicious, delectable and mouth-watering dishes, Glorietta plays home to some of the popular restaurants in the country including Cabalen, California Pizza Kitchen and Almon Marina. Customers who have limited budget can dine at the inviting fast food stores such as Burger King and Jollibee.