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.
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.
Cebu City has been regarded as the 'Queen City of the South' of the Philippine. It is the next most significant metropolitan center and the regarded or recognized as the Philippines' oldest city. Cebu City is also regarded as Metro Cebu that includes Talisay, Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue. Significance and importance of this city could be attributed to the historical and cultural heritage of the place.
The city of Cebu is an important center of culture in the Philippines. Since it is the oldest known city in the country, various historical spots of great essence could be seen around Cebu City. Plaza Independencia of Cebu or the former 'Plaza Libertad' is the city’s most historically important plaza. The place was once the location of the building for the old Gobierno Provincial and nowadays, it has become the most preferred picnic spots for locals and tourists. Want to know something about the philosophy and the teachings of the great Lao-Tse? Then visit the Taoist Temple situated at Beverly Hills, Cebu City and be one of those who climb its steps (99) to light joss sticks to check or have their fortunes read. Another Cebu City’s pride is the Fort San Pedro. This citadel is the oldest and smallest tri-bastion fortress in the country. It served as the center if the first Spanish settlement in the Philippines since the 1700's. Its three supports San Miguel, San Ignacio de Loyola and La Conception are still standing on their spots. One of the best, or a tourist and any visitors could never be considered staying at Cebu without checking the most famous historical landmark of the place: The Magellan's Cross. According to history, it was the cross planted by the shores of Ferdinand Magellan in the 1500's. Devout Cebuano Catholics and visitors never fail to drop by, pause for awhile and offer a prayer or two whenever they have a chance to pass by the place. This has been the usual occurrence in this monument for the past four hundred years.
Being the second most significant city of the Philippines only means that the city is very progressive and prosperous in terms of economic and commercial growth or development. Not only for business motives, Cebu is also flocked by tourists around the world because of the significant and historical spots in the city. Keeping up to the pace of tourism and economic expansion, the local government of Cebu City has made use of the power of the internet. The official website of Cebu City (http://www.cebucity.gov.ph/) gives potential tourists or clients an ‘appetizer’ regarding what to expect in Cebu City. Knowledge and information are very crucial factors to consider for tourists and investors. Through the power of the internet or the World Wide Web, the wonders of the Queen City of the South of the Philippines are just a few clicks away.
Makati City is one of the municipalities and cities in the Philippines, specifically situated in the greater metropolitan area of the nation, that is considered to be not only very popular but also very profitable. Located in the Philippines’ National Capital Region, Makati City is known as the country’s central business district or what is more popularly called the Financial Capital of the Philippines. This is because most, if not all, of the headquarters of the international and local companies operating in the Philippines are located in this city. Various forms of businesses or industries are present in Makati City. The most prominent of all industries is the financial services industry. Other establishments include the consumer products industry, the business processing industry, and even the embassies of a number of nations are present in this city. However, we would like to focus our discussion to one of the successful businesses present in Makati City and that is the food business. Countless restaurants will be seen in Makati City and that’s the reason why even such industry is very successful in this city. Let’s mention and tackles some information on some of the restaurants of Makati City.
One of the highly recommended places is the Nuvo Restaurant & Wine Bar, which is located at the Ground Floor of Greenbelt 2, Ayala Center, Makati City. The place is ideal for yuppies or the young urban professionals as the ambience is so relaxing and is a perfect venue to unwind. There are nights when there are featured bands or performers at the Nuvo Restaurant & Wine Bar like Aquarela which plays bossa music. Different events are also conducted in Nuvo Restaurant & Wine Bar such as the Versace Occhiali Night and The Global Art of Mixing event. Nuvo Restaurant & Wine Bar also offers a business menu among other. An example of the business menu is one whole set of Spinach Cream Soup, Grilled Pork Tenderloin in brown jus with potato cubes and assorted vegetables. Another set includes Celery Cream Soup, Pan-fried White Snapper in champagne sauce, under aubergrine zucchini crust, with steamed asparagus and mashed potato. More information on Nuvo Restarant & Wine Bar may be read on the web site nuvophilippines.multiply.com. The contact numbers of Nuvo Restaurant & Wine Bar are +632 757 3699 and +632 757 3698. Interested parties may also e-mail at nuvo.philippines@gmail.com.
The Old Spaghetti House is ideal not only after office but even during lunch time when Makati employees and executives want to have their lunch out. There are several The Old Spaghetti House restaurants situated within the Makati City area. There is one within Salcedo Village and another within Legaspi Village. The Old Spaghetti House is also known as TOSH, which is a term that is very familiar among the people of Makati. From the name of the restaurant itself, one would know tha the kind of food served at The Old Spaghetti House is pasta, more specifically, spaghetti. More information on The Old Spaghetti House may be accessed through their web site www.theoldspaghettihouse.com.
Little Tokyo is another food establishment in Makati City that is highly recommended. This place is ideal for customers who love Japanese food. Different distinctive concoctions are offered at Little Tokyo. To those who are not familiar of this place, Little Tokyo is actually the name of the entire establishment that is composed of several Japanese restaurants that offer various specialties. Those who are interested in eating grilled meats or Yakiniku, this may be ordered at the Kagura restaurant of Little Tokyo. Those who are interested in eating pancake-style foods or Okonomi-yaki, this may be ordered at the Heijyoen restaurant of Little Tokyo. Information on Little Tokyo may be read at various web sites such as www.cosmotourist.com.
Via Mare is another restaurant in Makati that is popular among the people working in Makati. But aside from employees and executives, Via Mare is also ideal for families. Lovers of Filipino food will definitely enjoy eating in this restaurant as traditional Filipino dishes are served in a café setting. Among the foods that are highly recommended to be ordered at Via Mare are Puto Bumbong, Lumpiang Ubod, Pancit Luglog, and Bibingka. If customers would like to order for meals, the recommended ones include Caldereta, Callos, Laing, and Kare-Kare.
These are only four of the countless restaurants established in Makati City, Philippines. Trying out any of these restaurants will definitely inspire one to hunt for more restaurants within the city.
Davao, known as the 3rd largest city in the entire country is the home town of the delicious fruit called durian and is wrapped in a tight embrace by the Davao Gulf. All tropical fruits come from Davao and this is also the center of all logging, agricultural and mining activities in Mindanao. Among the known Davao destinations include plantations, plywood factories, farms, black sand beaches and several resorts.
About 5 kilometers away from Davao City is the Shrine of the Holy Infant Jesus of Prague. Many say that the story of this Davao destination stemmed from a religious experience considered a miracle. As the story goes, the Shrine of the Holy Infant Jesus of Prague started with a dream that the Mayor's wife had. In that dream, there was a compelling force that urged her to go to Czechoslovakia and bring home a replica of baby Jesus. A shrine for that replica was built and it was thus named Shrine of the Holy Infant Jesus of Prague. Although this is not the only replica of Jesus brought back from Europe, the construction of this shrine has led to more replicas being brought to Davao and soon enough an entire complex of altars, chapels and seminar halls have been built in one big complex to honor these replicas. The Shrine of the Holy Infant Jesus of Prague is proof of the Filipinos' devotion to Christianity, the dominant religion in the Philippines.
However, the Shrine of the Holy Infant Jesus of Prague built in honor of Christianity does not mean that this is the only religion in Davao. In fact, Mindano has a large Muslim community and Muslim Village is found in Calinan. This Muslim village is in the list of Davao destinations and what can be seen here are not just towering mosques, this is a good place for shopping both for locally made products as well as clothes, bags and shoes.
Another Davao destination albeit about an hour from the city is the Aguinaldo Pearl Farm. Samal Island is where one will find the Aguinaldo Pearl Farm. This Davao destination as the name implies, is where the locals harvest pearl. Enclosed by a resort with a small hotel and a beach, many tourists flock to this Davao destination because this is where authentic pearls can be bought at far less than anywhere else in Manila.
Emmanuel ‘Manny the PACMAN’ Pacquiao has been the the 'real-life' hero in the Philippines and in the professional boxing nowadays. His stardom was donned by the seven (7) world titles in seven (7) different weight categories or divisions. Most importantly, ‘The PACMAN’ has been the reason why the city of General Santos in Mindanao, Philippines has resurfaced in the limelight.
I love tuna! I remember when my siblings and I were just a bunch of kids concern only with their toys, my mom usually described foods or meals she had to serve in order for us to eat them. When she cooked a certain kind of dish (it was tuna), I remembered her getting a piece of our toy fish and giving us some description of our dish. It was effective, and since then I love eating tuna.
I then realized that my mom’s description was a bit 'short' when I started my formal schooling. Based on the pictures and images I saw in my books, tunas are caught and were carried by fishermen over their shoulders. That means they were usually colossal in terms of size! I immediately confronted my mom about it, and she just laughed. Actually we both had a good laugh.
We had a sort of team building planned by one of our superior at the office. I remembered him saying that it would be held somewhere in Mindanao. We were all excited and since Manny Pacquiao had been hitting the headlines, I thought his hometown: General Santos City. The day before our flight to Mindanao, my superior gave us a sort of documentation regarding his plans for the team building and lo and behold, we were on our way to General Santos City. When we arrived at the place; we were surprised to see and encounter our ‘big bosses’ offshore and gave us warm welcome. These guys were the ones we usually encounter through video phone or live chatting for meeting. It was good to know they were very accommodating. One of them actually admitted that he funded the team building at GenSan (another moniker of the city) because of the number one (1) pound-for-pound boxer in the world today: Manny Pacquiao. He advised us to enjoy and relax for us to be prepared of his culminating activity for the team building.
After a hefty lunch, we went to the Kalaja Eco-Tourism Destination. Kalaja Karsts Land was one of the best sights I was able to see in my entire life. Karsts are terrain formation molded by the dissolution of layers of soluble rock layer. It was called as 'Kalaha' after the name given by the natives because it resembles a cooking ware, particularly of a frying pot. The place was very relaxing because of scenery.
We continued our tour at GenSan and before we arrived in a fish port, one of the big bosses stood up and shouted, 'are you ready for the challenge?' Clueless of what we were about to do, in unison, we just replied 'Yes!' and the boss quipped 'you better be ready guys!' and laughed, since he was the boss we laughed with him as well.
When we entered the post vicinity, we were pleased to see a banner welcoming us. What made us wonder was the settings of the place seemed to suggest a sort of an activity. The host greeted us and gave us instructions of what would be happening after we change clothes and put on some gears. We were geared up for a game involving tunas, not just tunas, they were big tunas! We have had a relay game of transferring of tuna from one station to another. Tunas’ weight was no joke considering the fact that we had to carry them from one point to another. It was a fun-filled and very memorable experience for us. To be exact, it was a humbling experience. As for me, it made me more respectful of the fishermen who would do the activity over and over again to earn for a living. It made me realized as well the value of my present job.
General Santo City or GenSan had been blessed with tons and tons of tuna production the whole year long. This industry made them competitive in terms of economic growth amongst progressive cities in the Philippines. As a sort of thanksgiving, the locals celebrate the 'Kalilangan Festival' to showcase their talents and efforts as a sense of gratitude for an abundant harvest. For me, GenSan is one of the most memorable places in terms of natural resources.
Find a true home when you visit Boracay in the Philippines by checking out the True Home Hotel in Boracay. True Home Hotel promises its guests with a uniquely Filipino touch by ensuring that they could make the best out of their Boracay trip.
True Home is located at Boat Station 1 which takes pride in its marvelous white sand beach. Guests can take a stroll on the glorious white sand beach while being captivated by the bluish ocean. The suite will remind them of being inspiringly Filipino as the architectural design of the house has a mixture of Filipino and Mediterranean accents, topped world-class Philippine-made furniture.
True Home Hotel is a boutique hotel with only nine rooms to ensure that the guests could take advantage of the best privacy that they could have. Having a lazy afternoon at the white sand beach would definitely be a crowd-free experience. Guests can also experience the artistic blend of Mediterranean and Filipino design with the hotel’s captivating interiors. Antique Filipino furnishings are combined with colored glass windows and tastefully-acquired grill works.
The hotel offers two kinds of rooms and suites to suit the tastes of its guests. True Home has five superior rooms which have a queen-size bed or two twin beds and a bathroom. It also offers two deluxe beach front rooms located on the ground floor. The room has a queen size bed, a sofa bed and a bathroom. The Junior Suites are located on the second floor. They have a king size bed with a private veranda to provide the guests a view of the white sand beach. The third floor suites are the Presidential Suites which pamper the guests of True Home Hotel with its modern-inspired designs which are luxurious accentuated by a king size bed, a bathroom, a living room and a balcony for a more spectacular sight of Boracay’s white sand beach.
The rates for the rooms and suites vary depending on the on-peak and off peak seasons. The room rates start from P2,900 to P9,400. These rates change often so ensure you know the going rate before booking your room.
All the rooms are good for two with a maximum of four adults except for the Junior and Presidential Suites. Two to five adults can stay in the Junior Suite while two to six adults can occupy the Presidential Suites.
Recreational activities are also available. True Home Hotel arranges scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, wind surfing, jet skiing and other activities. Interested guests can be picked up from Caticlan or Kalibo Airports and guided to the hotel.
The Philippines is a very nice country with a good education system. For this reason, many people from different parts of the world visit this place hoping that they can get some high quality learning experiences. The Philippines education system is comprised of prestigious universities and colleges spanning the three major islands of the country. They promise students globally competitive academic programs, modern facilities and highly skilled professors.
Founded on April 28th in 1611, University of Santo Tomas is the oldest university, not only in the country, but also in all of Asia. More importantly, it is a reputable educational institution, which is part of the extensive Philippines education system. It is very proud to present Centers of Excellence in teacher education, philosophy and nursing. Likewise, it also has Centers of Development in mechanical engineering, chemical engineering and business administration. This school also has numerous worthwhile student organizations available including UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe, Thomasian Debaters Council and Musikang Sikat ng mga Tomasino. Some of the notable academic programs here are the College of Fine Arts and Design, the College of Tourism and Hospitality Management as well as the Conservatory of Music.
De La Salle University is one of the most prestigious academic institutions that play a huge part in the rich Philippines education system. Because of the superior learning experience and education that it provides, the Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities granted it with a Level 4 accreditation, which is the highest possible. Its academic programs focus on the areas of computer studies, liberal arts and business. Its graduate and undergraduate programs are classified into seven major colleges including the College of Law, the College of Liberal Arts and the College of Engineering.
Founded on December 10th in 1859, Ateneo de Manila University is located within Loyola Heights in Quezon City. Together with De La Salle University, they are the only two private universities that the Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities has granted with Level 4 accreditation. Additionally, it also features professional schools such as the Center for Continuing Education, the Ateneo School of Government and the Ateneo Graduate School of Business.
Mindanao State University was established on September 1st in 1961. Known for its extensive academic programs, it has highly interesting courses under its College of Engineering, College of Education and College of Agriculture. Its notable graduate programs include Ph. D. in Philippine Studies, Ph. D in Language Studies and Ph. D in Educational Management. Likewise, students can enroll in other interesting programs such as the Certificate of Proficiency in Teaching, Diploma in Islamic Studies and Professional Diploma in Physical Education.
Davao is very much known for its exotic fruits and beautiful orchids but aside from these, there are many things that draw visitors to Davao. Davao is the largest city by far in Mindanao and aside from being the crown jewel of the southern Philippines, there are many interesting places to go to here. If one is planning a trip to Davao, aside from reading up on places to go to or things to do here, it’s also a good idea to find out what the available modes of transportation are in the city. One can be sure that public Davao transportation is something that even tourists can take despite the fact that it might be their first time to go here.
The quickest option to get to Davao is via plane and this mode of Davao transportation can easily be done because of the many different domestic carriers that make daily trips to Davao. If flying to Davao, one will arrive at the Francisco Bangoy International Airport and this is a facility that accommodates both local and international flights. Choosing which airline to use to get to Davao is a matter of preference and one can even avail of promotional offers so that ticket fares can be lowered to as little as Php100 per head.
Another way to get to this province is by land and through this mode of Davao transportation especially if coming from Manila, one be prepared to spend 2-3 days on the road. There are buses that leave Manila twice a day to go to Davao and among the options are Victory Liner and Philippine Rabbit. Buses are by far the cheapest mode of Davao transportation via land as compared to using one’s own vehicle or renting a car. Of course, the luxury, comfort and the scenic drive need to be weighed if one is thinking about bringing a car to Davao.
One could also get to Davao by sea and how much this costs depends on the size of the maritime vessel. There are smaller boats and ferries that charge lower amounts while those who are not in a hurry and would even like to go sightseeing on the way there can opt for ferries that make frequent stops to other islands.
Being a highly industrialized city, getting around Davao is not a problem with a multitude of Davao transportation available to visitors. There are buses in the city, tricycles for short distances, jeepneys and taxis that can help one get to one’s destination. When it comes to taxis, there are 2 kinds in Davao, air conditioned and non-air conditioned. The former type of Davao transportation is little bit more expensive but both are safe and comfortable.
The “Pearl of the Orient Seas” has long since relied on ecotourism as a revenue generating industry and it didn’t have a hard time going about it because of the many beautiful Philippine destinations that await the visitor. Which Philippine destinations to see when in the country is a tough decision to make but here are some places that are definitely worth seeing.
Banawe Rice Terraces
One does not have to be a farmer to be able to appreciate the beauty of the Banawe Rice Terraces found in the mountain region of the Philippines. The land of the Philippines is well suited for agriculture and rice being a part of every Filipino’s diet is very important to the locals. The Banawe Rice Terraces can be seen in many postcards about the Philippines and that in itself is enough to prove the majesty of this Philippine destination. A whole mountain that goes as far as the eye can see have been converted by the indigenous group in the area into a massive rice plantation and in so doing they followed the contour of the mountains. The indigenous group responsible for the wonder of the Banawe Rice Terraces is the Ifugaos and they have made sure that the rice lands are well irrigated. Lacking formal education, the Banawe Rice Terraces shows the Filipinos’ ingenuity, determination and strength.
The Philippines’ tropical climate can be very warm and humid between the months of March until early June. A great Philippine destination to visit if one is in the country during the summer season is Baguio City. Dubbed the “Summer Capital” of the Philippines, Baguio City has perpetually cool climate because of its location. Baguio City belongs to the Cordillera Mountain Ranges and there are several tourist spots at this Philippine destination. The famous tourist destinations in Baguio City are Camp John Hay, Burnham Park and Session Road. This Philippine destination is also home to beautiful flowers such as roses that thrive only in cold weather and if should chance upon the Baguio City Flower Festival while here, one is definitely in for a treat.
It’s not only foreign visitors that get to enjoy Baguio City. In fact, this location is frequented by locals because of it is relatively near Metro Manila. Tourism is at an all time high though at this Philippine destination during the summer season and during the Flower Festival. During the Flower Festival, one gets to watch beautifully decorated floats filled with flowers parading the streets, showing the Filipinos’ creativity and passion for beauty.