Overview

The City of Angels is known as also known as the center of entertainment in the northern part of Luzon. It is no surprise then that there is a multitude of activities that a visitor can engage in when in Angeles and these are on top of the spectacular tourist sights in the area.

Deposito

Angeles City sightseeing is not complete without making a stop at Deposito which is a facility where religious artifacts are kept. Deposito is not just for devoted Christians, it’s also a good place to visit if one is interested in learning about the history of Angeles and how the Catholic was introduced to the locals. This place that one will visit when doing some Angeles City sightseeing may conjure ideas in one’s mind of a bank because the word “Deposito” is derived from the Spanish term meaning “deposit”. Far from looking like a bank however, this building which was first built in 1899 houses valuable religious paraphernalia, some dating centuries back. When doing some Angeles City sightseeing at Deposito, one will notice that part of this building is now being used as a Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Center. The history of the Deposito though is intriguing, with the establishment formerly used by American forces lock up erring soldiers. This Angeles City sightseeing location was converted into a post office in the late 1960s and about a decade later became a repository of religious artifacts.

Bale Matua

Next thing on our list when it comes to Angeles City sightseeing is Bale Matua which is a well known destination in Pampanga. What places Bale Matua on our Angeles City sightseeing list is that this old house is quite interesting and has many different features. The historic value of Bale Matua should not be undermined, this more than a century old house has seen prominent people stay here temporarily and it shows us the architectural designs then prevailing. Bale Matua was formerly owned by Don Lopez and it was erected in the 1800s. The best part of the Bale Matua is the balcony where the breeze freely flows and the spiral staircase leading up to it. For those who are particularly interested in architecture and history, Bale Matua is the perfect Angeles City sightseeing spot to go to. Despite the fact that there are several historic houses that have been built in Angeles City, the accessibility of this location and the fact that it has been well preserved over the years are just some reasons that draw tourists to it.

Where to go for a weekend trip in Quezon City for a peace of mind, leisurely walk, and unwinding the stresses of the previous week? UP Diliman campus can be a very rich experience for a simple amble on wooded and shrub bordered grounds.

UP Diliman is a few minutes away from Quezon Memorial Circle or Philcoa if one takes a leisurely jeepney ride from these points to this perfect place for a weekend trip. A grand welcome awaits the visitor after the University Avenue. At the main entrance of the campus where the bronze Oblation monument stretches its arms in a warm gesture of reception.

From here, the various roads into the campus, like the T.M. Kalaw and Osmena Streets, are lined up with huge trees affording natural sheds for a quiet and refreshing hike around the campus, and which makes it a good one for a weekend trip.

The Oblation statue was transferred there from UP Manila to signal the start of a new UP chapter. Out there in the vast 493-hectare sprawling land in Diliman, this gorgeous site for a weekend trip was conceptualized for a wooded haven very conducive to study and athletics.

The campus ground was used as a new site for UP in 1949. But not a few also saw it as a sanctuary for spiritual retreat and physical unwinding on a weekend after busy engagements the week before. Thus, in the middle of soccer bouts, softball games, Frisbee throws, and other athletic activities, joggers and amblers can be seen in the sidewalks and byways of the campus, or lone figures ruminating life or examining an art subject, or perusing mind-boggling books for a hobby.

This weekend trip target is further made exhilarating by the Sunken Garden immediately past the Oblation and the library behind it. An amphitheater and lagoon makes it very appealing for leisurely walks and group studies, or even light calisthenics to blend in with the sportier atmosphere about a stone’s throw away.

The campus also has an arcade and shopping center to quench nagging thirsts or pacify hunger pangs that often come with a good workout. What makes this place more a destination for a weekend trip is that somewhere near the arcade is an Olympic size swimming pool, with lockers and shower rooms. Then not far is a gym, and there’s even a provision for light amusement activities such as bowling and billiards.

For excursionists or plain strollers seeking a place to unwind and recharge, UP Diliman campus can be a promising sight to see or a hideaway haven.

Overview of Subic Bay

Nobody really knows Subic Bay that well because it’s only recently that tourism in this part of the country picked up. Because there isn’t much information on Subic Bay destinations, many tourists hesitate to go here thinking there’s little to see for visitors. Contrary to such thinking though, there are wonderful destinations that once visited will change how one looks at this place.

Zoobic Safari

Gaining popularity among children and adults is the Zoobic Safari, a zoo unlike any other in the Philippines and comparable to the really famous ones in Asia such as the Night Safari in Singapore. Birds in Subic Bay Zoobic SafariThere’s just something about animals that touches a soft spot among adults and especially children and Zoobic Safari offers that once in a lifetime opportunity to see and understand these creatures. Among the attractions at this Subic Bay destination are the Aeta’s Trail, where interaction with the indigenous group Aetas can be made as well as a chance to see their way of life, the Croco Loco, which is an encounter with adult and baby crocodiles in their natural environment, the Serpentarium and the Savannnah to name a few. There is even a museum at the Zoobic Safari called the Animal Muzooeum which is educational as it is a chance to learn about the evolution of animals.

If one feels that a day at the Zoobic Safari is not enough, the good news is that there is a hotel at this Subic Bay destination called the Zoobic Lodge at Tiara. This small hotel found about 20 minutes away from the Zoobic Safari has first class amenities and provides excellent customer service and they make it a point that their guest’s stay is truly memorable.

Bat Kingdom

Another interesting Subic Bay destination is the Bat Kingdom which has over a thousand bats that has made it its home. The biggest type of bat known as the Fruit bat can be found at the Bat Kingdom as well as the smallest of them all named Bamboo bats. This Subic Bay destination is very accessible from other tourist spots and public transportation so dropping by shouldn’t be a problem. The Bat Kingdom charges an entrance fee of Php 100 for adults and Php 70 for children. The other known tourist destinations that can be found near Bat Kingdom are the Subic Golf Course, Subic Park Hotel and the Apaliin Trail. The Bat Kingdom also has a small souvenir shop inside where you can stock up on trinkets.

Taal Volcano is one of the famous volcanoes in the Philippines. It is located in Tagaytay City, Cavite. The Taal Volcano may be an active volcano, but in spite of it being active, tourism is really progressing. Just minutes away from Tagaytay Ridge, you will find the Taal Lake Yacht Club. Here you will have a totally different Taal adventure.

The Taal Lake Yacht Club has been dubbed as the sailing Mecca of the Philippines. The Taal Lake Yacht Club staff think of themselves as a club by sailors for sailors. The club allows entrance to non-members too. Membership is more focused on sports than money. Bringing your own food for camping and picnic is allowed. Boat charters are available and sailing lessons to non-members are also offered.

Environmental awareness and family togetherness are promoted in Taal Lake Yacht Club. The club is also concerned about preserving Taal Lake's ecological balance. School groups and scout troops are welcome in the Taal Lake Yacht Club aside from regular day-trippers and foreign tourists.

The Taal Lake Yacht Club offers environment-friendly water sports. For sailing, they have a yacht-racing schedule, which is the basis for most of their sailing activities. Programs like "learn to sail" and "sail training" are also offered.

Hobie Racing uses Hobie 16s as the main racing class. More than two dozen boats (either privately owned or owned by the Taal Lake Yacht Club) are available for rentals.
 
Twice a year, the Taal Lake Yacht Club windsurfing fleet holds regattas. They have other boats like small keelboats and sunfishes. Rowing and Kayaking are also offered. If you have no previous experience in kayaking, that won't be a problem. The Club's kayaks are easy to use and guaranteed to be unsinkable and unbreakable. Sculls training is also available for beginners.

The Taal Lake Yacht Club also offers trips to Taal Volcano where you get to climb up to the crater! Three different treks are offered: the Tourist Trail and two other Secret Trails. Whatever trail you choose the experience will be unforgettable. A beautiful panoramic view of the Taal Volcano and Taal Lake before your eyes is a welcome treat.

The Taal Lake Yacht Club is about one and a half-hour away from Manila and 20 minutes away from Tagaytay.

If you're into a lot of fun water activities or just curious and want to learn, come visit the Taal Lake Yacht Club in Tagaytay, Philippines. It is a weekend trip that will delight family and friends.

Planning on a shopping trip this weekend? If it’s one-stop shops inside a one-stop Shop that’s being contemplated, it’s got to be Araneta Center.

It’s a vast shopping complex interspersed with real main roads and streets, real traffic lights and other real things one sees in communities and cities. It’s not a mall pretending as a shopping city but an actual one dotted with malls, theaters, restaurants, fast foods, stores, hotels, stores, and other concessionaries---all amid crisscrossing busy streets and thoroughfares. There is even a police and a fire station in this shopping complex.

A weekend trip to Araneta Center answers all entertainment and hobby needs. Music and sports shops line along main roads. There are also individual shops selling DVD and cassette players and components, photography shops and travel and ticketing offices. This is aside from those found in big malls like Ali Mall and Rustans.

Other small shops line up along the sides of other big shops like SM Cubao and Automatic Center. A weekend trip may prove rewarding at the mushrooming smaller shops covering much of Farmers wet and dry market at the south end of the shopping complex. One may chance upon real bargain deals on fresh meat, fish, and vegetables straight from Baguio, the veggies center of Luzon.

A weekend trip to this shopping complex may also prove invigorating with spas and health and slimming centers in and around the shopping complex. Theaters and PC gaming centers are also well located in the area, plus hundreds of big and small eateries that keep weekend trippers’ appetite going. Luxury restaurants and fine dining are all around the Araneta Coliseum (or “big dome”) ---the biggest indoor coliseum in the world in 1960, which is right at the heart of the shopping complex.

Farmers Plaza, the welcoming façade of the shopping complex along EDSA, is in itself a micro shopping complex complete with eateries, a drugstore, movie houses, and numerous shops and stalls. The rear end of the shopping complex contains a wide provincial bus station (for farther weekend trips), a shoe community where popular Markina-made shoes are sold at a bargain, and several more shopping centers and restaurants.

Two hi-tech light rail systems service the shopping complex---MRT Monumento to Pasay and MRT Cogeo to Divisoria.

Araneta Center is a veteran shopping complex in the country that continues to satisfy patrons on weekend trip shopping. It is an actual shopping city with communities and districts of malls and shops.

Overview

The beautiful skyline of Legazpi and the tranquil, calm waters of the Gulf all help boost ecotourism in this city. When visiting this province, it’s a good idea to make a list of Legazpi sightseeing places to capture the unique beauty of this part of the Bicol region.

Mayon Volcano

Ranking number one when it comes to Legazpi sightseeing is the Mayon Volcano. One might wonder why the Mayon Volcano is a famous tourist destination and really, this is something that one must see to appreciate. Words cannot describe the majesty of this Legazpi sightseeing spot and the Mayon Volcano stands proud and tall at a little over eight thousand feet. It’s not the height of the Mayon Volcano that makes it special though but rather its perfect cone that is simply captivating. This Legazpi sightseeing spot got its name from the Bicolano word “magayon” which literally means “lovely”. Although the Mayon Volcano erupts frequently, such eruptions are not dangerous and merely add to the majesty of this natural wonder. At night, the bright red lava that pours down its sides is amazing to watch.

Albay Park and Wildlife

Another good Legazpi sightseeing destination which fits all age groups is the Albay Park and Wildlife found just outside the city. One might think that the Albay Park and Wildlife is no different from a typical zoo but on the contrary, this place has several activities to offer both adults and children. The Albay Park and Wildlife is home to some 300 species and its lush jungle makes one feel as if one went right in the middle of the forest. Aside from viewing the animals and occasionally feeding them, children can go on a boat ride which goes around the entire Albay Park and Wildlife for a quick tour of the premises. There are other rides at this well known Legazpi sightseeing destination and these cater to both children and adults.

Kapuntukan Hill

The Kapuntukan Hill is a landmark in Legazpi with its beautiful hillside that has a unique shape. The hillside here looks like a lion in slumber and aside from being picturesque, many wonder how this came to be. Once at the Kapuntukan Hill, one can trek all the way to the top to get a magnificent view of the entire Legazpi City as well as some distant islands. The ascent itself is not difficult at all and provides one with a natural high.

Overview

Legazpi City is recognized by several prestigious organizations for its potential and the recent boom of its economy and infrastructure has aroused a lot of curiosity especially among tourists. There are several Legazpi destinations that one ought to visit when in this city in Bicol and these are just among the wonders of this highly urbanized city.

The Legazpi City Museum

Many people learn not off the textbooks but through visuals and sensory experience. The Legazpi City Museum found in Albay showcases the rich history of the entire Bicol region with emphasis on Legazpi. This Legazpi destination is not just for those who have a keen interest in Filipino history and culture, anyone even children can enjoy a trip to the Legazpi City Museum. Legazpi City Museum is divided into several parts and one will notice that what stands out the most is the collection of antiques from ancient times when clans ran the city. There have been several archeological digs in Legazpi City alone and most of those found are on display here. Legazpi artists are also becoming known around the world for their passionate works of art and some of the most beautiful and thought provoking artworks are on display at the Legazpi City Museum. What’s good about the artworks on display at this Legazpi destination is it doesn’t focus only on the present era but there are also works that show the dominant styles of the past. The Legazpi City Museum is about 20 minutes away from the town proper of Legazpi City.

Mayon Volcano

Nobody goes to Legazpi without making a visit to the Legazpi destination of Mayon Volcano. What’s so great about a volcano, one might ask. This Legazpi destination is actually on the very top of the list when it comes to tourist attractions in Albay, having been considered as one of the world’s wonders. The Mayon Volcano is a little over eight thousand feet and it is the only volcano in the world that has a perfect cone. Eruptions of the Mayon Volcano are actually awaited because it is a spectacular sight especially at night when the red lava pours down its sides. Although the Mayon Volcano erupts more frequently now, such eruptions have not been considered threatening to the locals living nearby. There are also several souvenir shops at the foot of the Mayon Volcano where one can indulge on the affordable gift items that one can buy at this Legazpi destination.

A forest right in the heart of the city? Yes! And it is very accessible from anywhere in Metro Manila; an hour’s travel from downtown Manila and mere minutes from the Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City.

The watershed Eco Park in Fairview, Quezon City is a perfect place to spend a quiet leisurely walk or recreation with loved ones. All it takes is a short trip. It is excellent for health buffs, too. It has great outdoor amenities for the family: picnic grounds, swimming pools, camp sites, boating area, playgrounds, a butterfly nursery, an amphitheater, and biking—all under the shade of protected forest.

Taking Commonwealth Avenue as one exits the Quezon Memorial Circle in Philcoa, the road takes you directly to the Regalado area in merely 25 minutes. Regalado is just 15 minutes past the Sandigan Bayan building on the right of the road.

In Regalado, directional posts are visible, through the Filinvest Subdivision up to the site. A marker is the steel bridge separating Filinvest from the park, past of which are the first sights of the forest. Then the parking area…

The entry gate welcomes alighting passengers in the parking lot—for a small fee—and a lone road leads to the middle of the forest, the Eco Park. A shuttle vehicle brings visitors to various areas of the park, but walking can be an option—and a delightful experience.

Giant trees, wild shrubberies, and steep hills line the entry road. There are streams around teeming with fattened, local fish. But fishing in the streams is prohibited. There’s a huge pond where fishing is allowed—for a minimum fee.

At lunch time the aroma of grilled food may emanate from the picnic grounds. Families huddle together for mouthfuls of their packed lunch. Food kiosks are spread in the area for extra servings. Now and then page updates from the sound system disturb the periodic chirps of birds and hidden insects.

The major site lots of people come to look at is the majestic water-shed dam that supplies big portions of the metropolis. A long flight of steps leads to the summit where a magnificent view of the dam slowly unfolds as one climbs higher.

The climb up and down is a sure calorie burner and works out the lungs with healthy oxygen from the forest. Both the young and elderly may be seen traversing the steps in the morning to work out a sweat.

The gently rolling side of the dam is carpeted with bright colorful flowers flocked by multitudes of hopping butterflies. From up the summit looking down, the bed of dazzling flowers is reminiscent of the summer capital, Baguio.

The Eco Park in Quezon City is an affordable getaway, alone or with loved ones, to escape city life awhile and enter the enchanted lure of deep forest life—still there, right in the city.

Located in Sta. Rosa, Laguna is a great weekend trip for the family. Enchanted Kingdom is a theme park that is perfect for the whole family. Rides and adventures are available all day long where parents and kids can spend some time together.

Enchanted Kingdom has a lot to offer for you and your family to enjoy. Enchanted Kingdom has several theme parks to explore and learn and rides to enjoy.

The Victoria Park in Enchanted Kingdom features the Victorian era and displays it in elegance. Entertainers leisurely stroll around the park dressed in costumes inspired by Queen Victoria's era. The Enchanted Kingdom's mascot named Wizard will be among the ones welcoming you. The Grand Carousel is Victoria Park's centerpiece attraction. Try the magical ride in Enchanted Kingdom through its Victoria Park.

Portabello is another zone in Enchanted Kingdom, which is a replica of a place in the Caribbean Sea. It features treasures hidden by the Spanish sailors. Portabello hosts the Rio Grande -- Enchanted Kingdom's largest attraction -- a wet and wild adventure for the family. Other attractions in Enchanted Kingdom's Portabello are the Flying Fiesta, giant swing ride, Xtreme Paintball, Portabello Show, and 4D Discovery Theater.

Boulderville is a zone in Enchanted Kingdom that'll be a sure treat for the kids. This zone has a prehistoric theme with dinosaurs as main characters. Rides like Air Pterodactyl, Bumbling Boulders, Boulderville Express, Dinosaurs, and Stone Eggs are sure to excite the kids. Children of any age will be delighted with Enchanted Kingdom's play facilities like Petreefied House and Rock Quarry. Puppet shows and dinosaur mascots will entertain you in this zone of Enchanted Kingdom.

Other attractions that you are sure to enjoy in Enchanted Kingdom are the following: Steeple Chase Arcade, Anchor's Away, Roller Skater, Clown Show, Dodgem, Up, Up and Away, Midway Show, Wheel of Fate, Bump N' Splash, skill and video games, and performances of mime artists, jugglers, and clowns. All these attractions can be enjoyed in Enchanted Kingdom's zone called Midway Boardwalk.

Brooklyn Place is another zone in Enchanted Kingdom where slapstick comedies and silent movies are reminisced. Rialto, a motion simulator theater is the main attraction where you're a part of the movie not just watching it. Ride the Funhouse Express, watch the Broadway and Brooklyn shows and enjoy the parade of entertainers down a cobblestone street.

Want to experience a spine-tingling speed flight? The Spaceport zone of Enchanted Kingdom has it. The 11-story-high Space Shuttle will let you experience an upside down turn six times. This is the first coaster ride of its kind in the Philippines. Other attractions are Sky Wizardry, Wizard's Tale, Go-Kart ATV, Exodus the Ride, and Kart Trak.

A jungle adventure is offered in Enchanted Kingdom's Jungle Post. A tranquil Swan Lake, Safari Shootout, the exciting Jungle Log Jam, and Amazon Hoop Shot are among the adventures that you'll enjoy there.

Enchanted Kingdom is the best place for adventure rides, fun, and excitement for the whole family. An hour's travel from Manila to Enchanted Kingdom is not bad in exchange of your family's quality time together.

Weekend trips are overnight or whole day short breaks that often prove too short. So the best thing is to make sure that every weekend trip is capitalized on so that every moment counts and is enjoyed.

Setting up a plan on what to do during the trip is often good. But plans also sometimes take the fun out of vacation trips and spoils relaxation. The goal of the trip becomes the execution of plans, and this can become very stressful. The thing is to make a simple plan for options in case something prevents the fulfillment of a first option.

For instance, the first option is to take a cab to the bus station or the airport. But cabs can sometimes be hard to find, especially in rush hours. Going ahead with that option may waste time and end up spending almost the whole morning just waiting for a cab. Plan for second and third options for each phase. Never be too rigid about following a single plan. If there’s still no cab after waiting for 30 minutes, then take an alternative transportation or route. Why not take a jeepney or FX service?

Enjoy each step of the way by just taking it easy. Keep a time table for the weekend trip but do not be over zealous with it. Provide allowances for unexpected traffic, delays, and emergencies. When such things happen in a weekend trip, relax and remember that the weekend trip is supposed to be fun and relaxing. So while hauled out somewhere (in a bus station or airport) try to relax and look around. Enjoy whatever scenery there is and the people around.

The immediate needs while traveling for a weekend trip are often simple: a bottle of clean water, small towel, extra shirt, and enough cash. When picnic baskets are taken along, the option is not to go for a public transportation. It’s best to ride in private cars or mini tucks or vans. But eating in fast foods or restaurants is also a good option in a weekend trip. It makes traveling easy and convenient. Just tuck everything in a small shoulder or belt bag and that’s it. When you get to the weekend trip destination, enjoy the place and look for an eatery to spend lunch in.

Weekend trips need more time for sight seeing and relaxation than for the hassles of a trip. Weekend trip plans are welcome. But more helpful is the attitude of enjoying each minute and step of the way.