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.
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.
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.
Laoag City in Ilocos Norte has many destinations for sightseeing and other activities. This city has many attractions for sightseeing such as historical sites, natural wonders, cultural locations and religious shrines. Other destinations in and around the city offer activities such as spelunking, trekking, kayaking, sand dunes riding and swimming.
Laoag City, being a historic town, has many destinations for the sightseeing tourists. Visiting Cape Bojeador Lighthouse in Burgos, Juan Luna Shrine in Badoc, Marcos Museum and Mausoleum in Batac, Tobacco Monopoly Monument, General Ricarte National Shrine and Aglipay Shrine will give tourists a chance to know and appreciate the rich historic heritage of Laoag City.
For those sightseeing tourists who want to see the rich culture of Laoag, various places are found in and around the city. Malacanang of the North can be found in Paoay. Also, one can appreciate Paoay by visiting its shops to know the rich heritage of the town on loom weaving. For those who are interested to know the religious aspect of Ilocos Norte, going to Paoay Church, Saint Williams Cathedral and Santa Monica Church are the places to visit.
Laoag is also abundant in natural resources. Nature tripping and sightseeing are some of the popular activities for tourists visiting the place. Waterfalls such as Anuplig Waterfall in Adams and Abang Falls offer activities such as hiking and swimming. Sightseeing tourist will also enjoy visiting the Paoay Lake National Park. Inside this national park, one can enjoy seeing the lush vegetation and soothing waters of Paoay Lake. The Ilocos Norte Sand Dunes gives a chance for tourists to explore the sand dunes atop a four-wheel drive vehicle.
Bagui-Pagudpud Beach is a popular destination among tourists. Its clear waters and fine sand offers a chance for tourist to relax by swimming or just lounging on the beach.
For those seeking thrill and adventure, destinations in and around Laoag City offer tourists to experience adrenalin-pumping activities. The magnificent cavern formations in Pasuquin Cave are the attractions why the place is frequented by spelunkers. Bulu River’s clear cool waters and lush vegetation along its banks are the reason the site is popular for kayaking and white water rafting.
Other places of interest to visit are the Sinking Bell Tower near Saint Williams Cathedral and the Bangui Wind Farm. The Sinking Bell Tower is Laoag’s version of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. On the other hand, Bangui Wind Farm’s wind turbines are so picturesque that they are a photographer’s dream.
Aside from the many tourist attractions in Butuan and the warm hospitality of the locals, there is another reason why visitors often go here. There are many Butuan festivals all year round that are only celebrated here and every year these events become more colorful and livelier thereby drawing more and more visitors to this place.
Like the rest of the Philippines, Butuan has its patron saint and it is the Santo Nino. The Santo Nino is the Spanish word for baby Jesus. The Kahimunan Festival is in honor of Santo Nino and this Butuan festival has been celebrated since time immemorial. The word ‘kahimunan’ from the Kahimunan Festival means get together or gathering. During this Butuan festival the streets are lined with locals who have prepared dances for the occasion, theatrical performances and other religious ceremonies. The street dancers during the Kahimunan Festival practice months before the event and on the actual day they are dressed in traditional colorful costumes complete with accessories. One should think of the Kahimunan Festival as the one day of the year where all performances are offered to the Santo Nino so that He may continue to bless this province and its harvest. This Butuan festival is held in January on the third week thereof, and the Kahimunan Festival can be said to be a combination of something cultural and something religious.
Since Butuan became a city, the Adlaw Hong Butuan has been celebrated year after year. During this Butuan festival, government and non-government organizations honor its present government as well as its former leaders who have contributed a great deal to Butuan becoming a chartered city. One must bear in mind that before a place can be declared a city, there are certain legal requirements that must first be met relating to economic status and population among others. The Adlaw Hong Butuan is held every August 2nd and the activities that are done on this day are held at the City Hall. Among the activities during the Adlaw Hong Butuan are beauty pageants where the Ms. Butuan City is crowned, it is a time when there are beautiful decorated floats that roam the streets, motorcades and of course, street parties complete with local bands. The main event though of the Adlaw Hong Butuan is the Palagsing Festival which is a contest of who can make the longest sticky rice cake. The best part is yet to come though because at the end of the contest, everyone gets to try the sticky rice cake. The Adlaw Hong Butuan is truly very different as compared to other Butuan festivals.
Puerto Galera is located in Oriental Mindoro, Philippines. It may only have a total population of 21,925 as estimated by the 2000 census, but tourists that visit Puerto Galera do not only double or triple the population. Thousands of tourists visit Puerto Galera because of its beaches and the nightlife. But diving, snorkeling, and partying are not the only activities that may be enjoyed in Puerto Galera. Believe it or not, tourists may also enjoy shopping there.
Why don?t we do some shopping at the White Beach.
White Beach is the most famous beach in Puerto Galera for party people as nightlife in this beach is really spectacular. White Beach has a near proximity to the town proper and going to this beach is very accessible as there are ferry routes from the Batangas Pier to the resort itself. Moreover, only one ferry ride is needed to reach the Muelle Pier. Diving, snorkeling, partying, beach volleyball and other water activities are present in the White Beach Resort but those who have not yet visited this beach may be surprised to know that this place is actually ideal for shopping too!
A tourist may come to White Beach without bringing anything as all kinds of beach wear may be bought in the countless stores established in the place, such as bikinis, board shorts, and sandos. Aside from swimwear, clothes after swimming may also be bought there such as T-shirts, shorts, pants, and sarong. These items come in cheap prices and what's even more interesting is the fact that one can even ask for more discounts! Sarongs or the cover-ups may be bought for only Php120 but the tie-dyed ones are priced at Pho180. Souvenir shirts may be bought for as low as Php100 but these are adult sizes. Sizes for children are priced at Php80. Different bathing suits are also sold in the stores in White Beach and what's interesting is the fact that all come in different interesting styles. There are even crocheted bikinis as well as crocheted cover ups.
Aside from shopping for clothes, shopping for accessories is also feasible at the White Beach. Different accessories are being sold in this beach such as accessories for the hair, bracelets, anklets, necklaces, belts, and others. If one is interested in creating sandcastles, toys for making such may be bought in the stores at the White Beach. If one forgets to bring slippers, thousands of flip-flops are being sold at the White Beach too! And it seems that one is just in the metropolitan area as the designs of the flip-flops are also cute and interesting! Those who are interested in shopping for bags will also find different kinds of bags at the White Beach. The most visible kind of bags are those that are Mangyan woven.
Before going home, do some more shopping for souvenirs. One might want to bring home key chains made of sea shells which can be bought for only Php10. There are also thousands of key chains being sold for Php20 or Php20 with designs like tiny slippers, tiny frogs, tiny lizards, and other tiny animals. Aside from key chains, one can also go shopping for refrigerator magnets. These also come in different designs such as sea shells and slippers, too.
Indeed, Puerto Galera is not only for beach lovers but it is also for shoppers. White Beach is perfect for shopping as the prices are very affordable.
Also known as the City of Friendship, Tagbilaran serves as the economic center of the province of Bohol. To contribute to the improving tourism and economy of the city, Tagbilaran shopping centers offer affordable and high quality products to local travelers and foreigners. Aside from malls, people can also have a nice and enjoyable experience at nearby dry markets. To have a look at handicrafts and native products, tourists are encouraged to visit the famous and accessible souvenir shops in the area.
Considered as the premier and largest shopping center in Bohol, Island City Mall features different boutiques, specialty shops as well as a department store. To offer comfort to shoppers, this mall has a secured and capacious parking space. Some of the shops featured at this mall are V. T. Cellmart, Bench as well as Dickies. When it comes to dining, people who want to eat at fast food chains can try the delicious and affordable meals at McDonalds, Jollibee and Pizza Hut. In addition to this, the mall has a food court where shoppers can eat delectable snacks for as low as 50 pesos. Customers can also visit some of the fine restaurants inside this establishment like the famous Prawn Farm.
Aside from Island City Mall, local tourists and foreigners in Tagbilaran can also visit the popular Bohol Quality Mall. Some of the stores that shoppers can find inside this place are the National Bookstore, Bargain Shop, Sports World and Dakki. Customers who are in search for home improvement stores, this shopping center features Handyman and the Do It Best Home Center. Shoppers who crave for delicious Filipino meals and grilled dishes can relax and have an enjoyable dining time at Gerry’s Grill. To accommodate customers who have limited budget, the establishment features different fast food chains, which include Jollibee and McDonalds.
Plaza Marcela is a simple but convenient Tagbilaran shopping center to visit. Like the other malls, this establishment features retail stores such as Hammerhead Jeans and Shirt as well as Mona Lisa. Additionally, it has a home and fashion department store. For the recreation and enjoyment of shoppers, this mall features an inviting gaming center. In terms of dining, Plaza Marcela plays home to different fast food chains including Greenwich and Jollibee. Moreover, it has a small food court that offers Filipino delicacies and sizzling dishes. Tourists can easily find this mall because it is very accessible to the different modes of transportation available in the city.