Puerto Galera’s fine white sand and light blue sea is an instant attraction to locals and foreigners alike. For those who want to bask in the sun or engage in a couple of water sports without spending a hefty amount, Puerto Galera tops the list as a holiday getaway. There are many other good things about Puerto Galera that are often overlooked. Take for instance the colorful Puerto Galera festivals celebrated annually which are very different from other celebrations in the country.
Puerto Galera is just about the only place that has a Banana Festival. Celebrated for a full 2 days in the month of March, this Puerto Galera festival is all about bananas which grow in abundance here. During the Banana Festival there are several competitions held including a banana cook fest where the participant who can come up with the best tasting dish with this fruit as the primary ingredient wins. The focus of this Puerto Galera festival is a particular type of banana called “saba” which is usually cooked prior to being served. The Banana Festival coincides with another local celebration in honor of Puerto Galera’s patron saint, St. Joseph so one can expect double the fun during this event. The Banana Festival is also highlighted by street dancing which the inhabitants prepare for a couple months before the actual celebration. The choreographed dances are performed by the residents adorned in colorful costumes and during the Banana Festival anyone is welcome to join the street party.
Another popular Puerto Galera festival that is highly anticipated is the Reggae Festival which is fairly new. Less than a decade old, the Reggae Festival was first celebrated four years ago in Puerto Galera with several bands participating and sound systems sponsored by big companies installed all over Puerto Galera. The Reggae Festival shows how much the Filipinos love music and that this particular genre has sub-genres that create a wonderful mixture of the traditional reggae with a taste of Filipino. This Puerto Galera festival is enjoyed by tourists and residents regardless of age because this is a chance to mingle under the common language of music. A couple of good bands are discovered during the Reggae Festival and the main attraction of the event is the massive party that goes on throughout the day and gets livelier at night. Resorts in Puerto Galera sponsor the Reggae Festival by providing beach side buffets at affordable prices during this Puerto Galera festival.
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.
The picture we have in our minds of Puerto Princesa is that of a tropical paradise and while this is true, we should include Puerto Princesa festivals in our vision of this tourist spot since these events say so much about the history and culture of the island. Puerto Princesa festivals are events that visitors look forward to seeing because of the fun activities that await and the liveliness of the celebrations.
Pangalipay sa Baybay is a Puerto Princesa festival that is celebrated at the beginning of the second quarter of the year. Because this Puerto Princesa festival happens right at the peak of the summer season where the number of tourists in Palawan are at an all time high, many visitors get to enjoy the Pangalipay sa Baybay. The place where the Pangalipay sa Baybay is celebrated is the bay walk of Puerto Princesa, right on the beautiful beaches of the capital and it starts off with live bands performing.
A parade then follows where locals dressed in colorful costumes and even the indigenous groups participate. The Pangalipay sa Baybay is a chance to learn about the many indigenous groups that inhabit the island of Palawan and interact with them. There are also cheering competitions and dance contests that participants prepare for well ahead of time. The dance contest at this Puerto Princesa festival is called the Summer Danzslam and modern dances are the main theme. The Filipinos love to sing and rest assured during the Pangalipay sa Baybay, there are singing competitions that showcase local talent and because it is happening right on the beach, there is also a swim wear competition for men and women.
Puerto Princesa is known for having among the best and freshest seafood in the entire country and what better way to showcase this than to have a Seafood Festival. The third week of April is when the Seafood Festival is held and the best part of this Puerto Princesa festival is that everyone is welcome to try the amazingly delicious seafood dishes that are prepared for this occasion. Restaurants use the Seafood Festival as an opportunity to show visitors and locals how competitive they are when it comes to food preparation and their dishes range from local favorites to International ones. The biggest lobsters can be enjoyed here and because everything is fresh out of the sea, one can be sure that all the dishes served during the Seafood Festival taste heavenly. There are taste tests during the Seafood Festival but of course one is free to sit down and order a bigger plate of seafood if one enjoyed the sample.
The titles 'El Orgullo de Mindano'(The Pride of Mindanao), 'The City of Flowers', 'Zamboanga Hermosa' and "Asia's Latin City" can only be donned in this place called 'Cuidad de Zamboanga' (in Spanish) or simply City of Zamboanga. Zamboanga City is also called the city of the Crescent and the Cross. The diverse influence from the different cultures that had been nurtured throughout the history had made the entire cultural and historical heritage of the present Zamboanga City. The marriage of the Christian and Muslim cultures seemed to be an 'ebony and ivory' combination that had played perfect tune, thus made the present Zamboanga City, indeed a wonderful place.
The two dominant cultures (Christian and Muslim) created a strong bond of mutual respect and consideration with each other. For this reason, wonderful festivals are celebrated the whole year round. Christian holidays and feast, or Christian-themed festivities like Christmas (commemoration of the birth of Jesus the Christ), Fonda de Barangay or Fiesta de Barangay (feast of barangay's patron or patroness saints), Fiesta de La Immacula Conception or the Feast of the Immaculate Conception (held every eight of December), Fiesta Pilar (Zamboanga Hermosa Festival), Flores de Mayo (Marian Feast involving processions and flower offerings) and Holy Week (Lenten Season) are celebrated annually with cultural, historical and religious significance. Muslim holy days such as 'Eid al-Adha' (Festival of Sacrifice or Greate Eid), Eid al-Fitr (or Hari Raya Puasa) and Isra Wal Miraj are among popular celebration the locals religiously commemorate or celebrate. The diversity in faith or beliefs, culture and heritage has found its perfect spot at the heart of Zamboanga City. The differences created a wonderful work of art that really attracted tourists and visitors worldwide.
Being at Zamboanga City is definitely a fun and adventure-filled stay. Zamboanga City's local government is already aware of the influx of the tourists from all over the world, tend to flock at Zamboanga to experience and witness the Asia's Latin City. Since 2003, Sky Quest Travel Agency had been one of the leading travel agencies that arrange Zamboanga vacation packages all year round. Their international tour arrangements have been very popular with tourists around the globe who are interested with spending their vacation at Zamboanga City. Sky Quest Travel Agency's website is packed with updated information and some noteworthy trivia or details to promote tourism. Surely, it really pays to be updated.
The island of Palawan is not just home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, it is also a place where celebration happens pretty much all year round. Palawan Festivals and Events are among the factors that draw in tourists to this island and these showcase the warmth and hospitality of the inhabitants. Palawan Festivals and Events also give us a chance to learn more about the history, culture and values of the inhabitants of this island.
The first event up on the calendar when it comes to Palawan Festivals and Events is the Tarek Festival. The Tarek Festival is held in the municipality of Aborlan, some 75 kilometers away from Puerto Princesa City. The Tarek Festival is a ritual performed every year by two indigenous groups, the Batak and the Tagbanuas. This is held every 3rd weekend of January and among the highlights are traditional dances performed by the tribes complete with their colorful costumes. This is also a time when we can see the importance of the local priests in the lives of the indigenous community and the Tarek Festival is an opportunity for them to establish contact with local deities.
The next on our list of Palawan Festivals and Events that occurs after the Tarek Festival is the Puerto Princesa Foundation Day. As can be concluded from the name of the event, this is held in the capital city of Palawan and it commemorates the day that Puerto Princesa by virtue of a Presidential Proclamation was declared a highly urbanized city. Puerto Princesa Foundation Day is on the first week of March and here Palawan’s strengths are on display such as their agricultural powers, their skill in dancing and sports and there is much merry making that happens on this day. Puerto Princesa Foundation Day is an event that hasn’t been celebrated for over a decade since the declaration of Puerto Princesa as a highly urbanized city happened less than 5 years ago.
Of all the Palawan Festivals and Events, they say that the most unique is the Cuyo Festival. Similar to the Puerto Princesa Foundation Day, a lot of merry making happens at this event and it involves painting one’s entire body in soot. The highlight of the Cuyo Festival is the street dancing to the beat of drums as compared to choreographed dancing during Puerto Princesa Foundation Day.
As part of the beautiful province of Leyte, Ormoc is a first-class city in the Philippines that boasts of a good lineup of shopping malls, retail shops and specialty stores. These commercial establishments offer people great products, services and merchandises in order for them to experience what Ormoc shopping is really all about. These facilities play host to various restaurants, stalls and supermarkets, all of which offer extensive lists of products that are of great importance to the daily lives of their customers.
Although this place is just a small boutique shop, people just cannot help but pay a visit to Tshilys Store in an effort to shop for different kinds of beautiful merchandises. As part of the extensive Ormoc shopping experience that it provides, the place offers a wide variety of Havaianas slippers. Many people love these items because of their rich colors, durability and attractive styles. Aside from such beautiful footwear, the store also offers different kinds of beauty products including imported perfumes, body sprays and special lotions.
For people who want to buy beautiful items at super affordable prices, they must check out Stars and Stripes, which is a shopping store offering all sorts of products for the price of 99 pesos each. For such a very low price, customers can purchase different kinds of special items like cosmetics and vitamins. Furthermore, it also sells different kinds of cheap chocolates, all of which are simply delicious. Many individuals check out this place because all the items available here are imported from the U.S. including home improvement items as well as toys.
Unlike huge shopping complexes, Ormoc Centrum is just a small commercial establishment with limited number of stalls. Among the popular items inside this place are Sony PSPs, iPod and mobile phones. Additionally, the place also houses stalls that sell different kinds of footwear like rubber shoes, leather shoes and even slippers. Meanwhile, other stalls offer various types of clothing including underwear, t-shirts and jeans. Moreover, shoppers will never go hungry at this commercial center because of the numerous food stalls available, offering super delicious food such as burgers, donuts and waffles.
The Point is another highly noticeable commercial establishment available in the City of Ormoc. The place houses products of top clothing brands such as Human, Bench and Penshoppe. Likewise, there are also different authentic brands of footwear available inside. For those who wish to avail cellphone repair services, they can find numerous stalls inside offering their services at reasonable prices. There is also a separate location for inexpensive footwear, accessories and clothing.
Aside from water sports and other outdoor activities, Puerto Princesa offers another enjoyable activity that everyone will appreciate. Puerto Princesa shopping is something that we all need to do just before our vacation ends so that we have souvenirs to bring home to friends and family and as memorabilia of a great vacation.
The Iwahig Prison Colony is not a place where one should be afraid to go to. Though this is a penal institution, it is also one of the tourist attractions in Puerto Princesa. The prisoners that are able to mingle with the tourists are low security prisoners who are not threatening and during one’s tour, a guard is always around to accompany the visitors. The Iwahig Prison Colony is a community where prisoners are taught productive and legal ways to earn a living so as to rehabilitate them. Puerto Princesa shopping is incomplete without making a stop at the Iwahig Souvenir Shop where the items made by prisoners are sold.
There are actually two Iwahig Souvenir Shops within the premises of the Iwahig Prison Colony. One is found in the main receiving area and the other Iwahig Souvenir Shop is located by the natural pools. What’s good about this type of Puerto Princesa shopping is that even if one only has a very small budget for souvenirs, one will surely have enough to buy more than just two items. The items that are on display at the Iwahig Souvenir Shop are key chains, wooden ashtrays and figurines, hand made accessories such as necklaces and bracelets, pens and many other small items. Puerto Princesa shopping does not mean that one has to spend thousands because at the Iwahig Souvenir Shop, one can buy a souvenir item for as little as Php 15.
Since we’re talking about Puerto Princesa shopping and if one has a keen liking for handicrafts, another good stop is the Kamantian Handicraft. Similar to the Iwahig Souvenir Shop, there are many handicrafts for sale at this store and pretty much everything it sells is finely crafted. The Kamantian Handicraft’s focus is on Filipino culture and the ethnic tribes who have lived for centuries in the area. The members of the indigenous groups themselves sell their hand-woven items to the Kamantian Handicraft. Among the good finds here for one’s Puerto Princesa shopping are figurines, rainmakers, sticks made from mahogany and bamboo canes. Kamantian Handicraft is found on Rizal Avenue in the town proper of Puerto Princesa. The Kamantian Handicraft also sells many useful household items.
Many of us know Boracay and fondly call it “Bora” because we have at least heard of it or been there once and admired its beautiful beaches. However, it is not accurate to think Boracay is just about pristine white sand and perfectly calm waters, it’s also an island that holds several festivities throughout the year. If one chances upon a Boracay festival, one will be in complete awe of how well planned these events are and how much fun it is to be able to witness and even participate in one.
One might say that every part of the country celebrates the Ati Atihan Festival and although the island of Boracay is not an exception, its version is very fascinating. This Boracay festival is held the day after New Year’s Day and there’s no missing out on the hypnotizing sound of drums that signal the start of the event. The theme of the Ati Atihan Festival is the different religious beliefs held by Filipino ancestors and it also includes a tribute to Christianity, a religion introduced by the Spaniards. The participants of the Ati Atihan Festival paint themselves to look exactly like our ancestors from centuries back. What makes this Boracay festival such a colorful event is the fact that all these dancing in colorful costumes and body paint is done on shore with the beautiful beach of Boracay in the background. What can be said to be the trademark of this Boracay festival are the dancers that have painted their bodies in black with streaks of bright colors on their faces. During the Ati Atihan Festival a contest is held to determine which is the “best tribe” in terms of costume, body art and dances. The Ati Atihan Festival is very much like the Mardi Gras only with a touch of something very Filipino.
To those who have been to the Philippines before and are familiar with the customs and culture of the Filipinos, then one is bound to notice that the Filipinos love to eat. It is only in the Philippines that people eat “merienda” which is an afternoon snack before dinner. It should therefore come as no surprise that the Boracay Food Festival is a highly anticipated event. This Boracay festival exhibits the best Filipino dishes including delicacies unique to this country. The Boracay Food Festival is also known for its sumptuous array of desserts and since this Boracay festival is held right on the beach, one can say this is the perfect combination.
Cebu City, being the prime city in the Visayas region of the Philippines, has several destinations for sightseeing and other activities in and around the city. These destinations include historical and cultural sites as well as natural and mad-made wonders. These places make Cebu City an ideal place to visit and have fun.
The Magellan Marker is in Punta Engano, Lapu-lapu City. Punta Engano is the site of where it is believed that Ferdinand Magellan was killed by Lapu-Lapu.
Magellan’s Cross is located in Magallanes Street in Cebu City. This is where Ferdinand Magellan planted a cross in 1521 as a way of commemorating the baptism of Rajah Humabon and his followers.
Fort San Pedro in Pier Area, Cebu City was a fort for what is considered to be the first settlement by Spain in the Philippines. It was turned into the American Warwick Barracks during the American Rule in early 1900s. During World War II, Fort San Pedro was used by the Japanese soldiers.
The Lapu-Lapu Monument is located in Punta Engano Lapu-Lapu City. This monument depicts local chieftain Lapu Lapu with a bolo and a pestle in both of his hands.
Different museums showcasing the Cebu culture and history are scattered around the city. Casa Gorordo Museum and Fort San Pedro National Museum highlights Cebu culture from the Spanish times up to early 1900s. The University Of San Carlos Museum, on the other hand has a collection of artifacts that have anthropologic and biological value. While the Southwestern University Museum has collections from prehistoric to Spanish Colonial period.
For visitors who enjoy being outdoors with nature, Cebu City has destinations for swimming, scuba diving and adventure. Mactan Island, Moalboal, Badian Island, Malapascua Island and Camotes Islands are prime destinations for water activities. For the sightseeing tourist who is more adventurous Kawasan Falls is a perfect site to hike for picnics and bathing. The Olango Wildlife Sanctuary, on the other hand, allows one to see migratory birds.
For sightseeing about religion and culture, Cebu City has several destinations for the traveler. The Catholic and Spanish influences are evident in the historic Basilica Minor del Santo Nino. Other noteworthy destinations are the Taoist Temple and Phu-Sian Temple in Beverly Hills, Heavenly Temple of Charity in Peace Valley, Chapel Of The Last Supper and Celestial Garden.
Other noteworthy destinations are the Liloan Lighthouse, Beverly Hills, Cebu Golf and Country Club, Alta Vista Golf and Country Club and Fuenta Osmena.
One of the favorite things that tourists and local visitors do when in Dumaguete is participate in Dumaguete festivals. Dumaguete festivals are among the most unique and colorful in the entire country and because these events are lively and enjoyable, many people flock to Dumaguete particularly on these occasions.
One of the most highly anticipated Dumaguete festivals is the Sandurot Festival held every November for 5 days, starting from November 21. For those who particularly want to learn about the rich history of Dumaguete, should make it a point to attend the Sandurot Festival since this is a depiction of the lives of the early inhabitants. The history of Dumaguete from the time that the foreigners entered the city from the Dumaguete seas is depicted at the Sandurot Festival through dances, parades and plays. This Dumaguete festival traces history from before to now so all those who are watching begin to understand the journey that this city has made. The Sandurot Festival is organized by the local government and the organizers make it a point to represent all the foreign cultures that have had an influence on Dumaguete such as the Spanish, Americans, Japanese and Chinese. Of course, no Dumaguete festival is complete without the rhythmic street dancing and this is definitely part of the Sandurot Festival.
The Buglasan Festival is held for 10 days every October and this event kicks off with dance competitions. All the inhabitants of Negros Oriental culminate at Dumaguete City for this much awaited Dumaguete festival. During the 10 days that the Buglasan Festival is celebrated, there are even singing competitions for all age groups. One of the good things that happen during this Dumaguete festival is the cultural shows that exhibit the talent of the inhabitants. The Buglasan Festival also has booths with local handicrafts for sale. There are also other competitions during the Buglasan Festival such as chess, cheer dance, folk dance, and pyrotechnics. In this Dumaguete festival, there is something for everybody whether it be a cultural show display, shopping or just a day of dancing.
This Dumaguete festival is somewhat similar to Buglasan Festival. The Santa Cruzan Fiesta is held every May and it is where the prettiest girls and some showbiz icons walk the streets adorned in beautiful dresses. The Santa Cruzan Fiesta is a religious event celebrated as far back as the time of the Spaniards so this Dumaguete festival will give one an opportunity to appreciate the history of this city.