Overview

Tagbilaran is the capital of Bohol and it is a place that has deeply embedded in its history centuries of friendship and peace. Dubbed one of the friendliest places in the Philippines, Tagbilaran destinations are not only places of learning but are also locations where lasting friendships are made.

Blood Compact Site

One might think that a blood compact and a whole site dedicated to it is something very morbid but contrary to one’s first thoughts, this Tagbilaran destination is part of the place’s rich history. The Blood Compact Site is where the chieftain Datu Sikatuna forged a blood compact with the then King of Spain as a signal of friendly relations between the two nations. The marker that points to the Blood Compact Site is said to be the place where the very first Friendship Treaty was entered into without the need of a common language and it was done in 1565. The Blood Compact Site is where friendship between the brown and white skinned first fostered. This historic event is indeed historical because it was one of the contributing factors that caused the Filipinos to welcome the Spaniards with open arms and it was the start of the latter’s peaceful reign. It is just as important in Philippine history as the President Carlos P. Garcia Memorial Park.

President Carlos P. Garcia Memorial Park

Since we’re into history, another good place to visit aside from the Blood Compact Site is the President Carlos P. Garcia Memorial Park. This Tagbilaran destination is located right in Tagbilaran City and it is meant to honor the late President Carlos P. Garcia, a figure admired by many Filipinos up to this very day. President Carlos P. Garcia Memorial Park was built through joint efforts of Boholanos all over the country and even abroad and the bronze statue is the main attraction here. This statue that stands in the middle of the 11 hectare property of this Tagbilaran destination is life-size and made by the national artist Abueva. The President Carlos P. Garcia Memorial Park is just as important and historic as the Blood Compact Site because Former President Garcia was the 4th President of the Philippines, 1st of the 1971 Constitutional Convention and did many good things to alleviate the plight of Filipinos living in poverty.

The Beaches

Moving away from historical sites such as the President Carlos P. Garcia Memorial Park, among the many Tagbilaran destinations are the beaches in the area. There are several beaches that make excellent Tagbilaran destinations such as the Anda Beach, Bay Watch and Darak Beach. These beaches provide the perfect place for unwinding and relaxation.

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.

Overview

The province of Bohol has beautiful beaches, excellent dive sites and many amazing landmarks that have survived the test of time. For those who are thinking about vacationing in Tagbilaran, it’s a good idea to learn a little about this city and of course the different modes of Tagbilaran transportation that one can avail of to go sightseeing.

Getting to Tagbilaran

The fastest way to get to Tagbilaran is to hop on a plane from Manila and fly direct to Bohol through one of the domestic carriers. Among the airlines that provide Tagbilaran transportation via air are Asian Spirit, Philippine Airlines, Zest Airways and Laoag International Airlines. If one is going to Bohol during off peak season, one will most likely chance upon low fares and promotional offers. In fact, during these times, a plane ticket to Tagbilaran could cost less than Php1000.

However if Manila is not the starting point but rather Cebu and one still wishes to take the plane, flights leave Mactan International Airport daily and a short boat ride can be made from there to Tagbilaran itself.

Another Tagbilaran transportation that many travelers coming from other provinces prefer is maritime vessels. There are several choices when it comes to ferry boats depending on one’s starting point. If one is departing from Manila, going to one of the major ports is the best way to start. An option to get to Tagbilaran faster is to ride a fast cat or catamaran which cuts travel by sea to half an hour less than the usual. Major maritime vessels that offer daily trips to Tagbilaran are Negros Navigation and WG & A.

Getting Around Tagbilaran

Once in Tagbilaran, there are several modes of Tagbilaran transportation to choose from including motor vehicles such as mini buses, tricycles and jeepneys. Although there aren’t that many taxis in Tagbilaran and these are usually confined to certain areas only, a mini bus is a comfortable and a more affordable way to get around. When it comes to mini buses, these types Tagbilaran transportation charge varying fees depending on where one is going but the good news is, they are relatively easy to find, thanks to the bus terminals that are found every couple of blocks in the town proper.

Now if one is working on a budget and would like the cheapest mode of Tagbilaran transportation to get to a particular destination, there are many options from tricycles that can go as far as 10 kilometers to jeepneys that have designated routes. Whichever mode of transportation one prefers though, rest assured, one will find something in Tagbilaran that will suit one’s needs.

Overview

Bohol festivals are not just colorful events but are also very lively and the best part of the celebration is always the delicious array of food served during the event. In fact, it’s not only the panoramic sites that Bohol brags about, Bohol festivals also draw thousands of this tourists every year to this province.

Sandugo Festival

Bohol has a rich history and the Sandugo Festival is an annual celebration that clearly depicts this. Every March, the Sandugo Festival draws tourist to Bohol since this colorful event is an opportunity to relive a very significant event in Philippine history. This Bohol festival remembers the pact of friendship between the Spaniard Miguel Lopez de Legazpi who conquered the Philippines and the Filipino leader Datu Sikatuna. The Sandugo Festival made a very big impact on the lives of our Filipinos ancestors because this was the starting point for embracing the culture and religion introduced by the Spaniards. Up until this very day, the Spanish influence is still very much alive with every single Filipino. The reenactment of the blood compact is done during the Sandugo Festival and the other activities done on this day are church ceremonies, parades on the streets and various contests are held. There are cooking contests during the Sandugo Festival as well as a beauty pageant.

Bolibong Kingking Festival

The name of this Bohol festival sounds very interesting and so is the event itself. If one thinks hard enough and keep pronouncing Bolibong Kingking Festival, one will realize that it sounds like empty barrels being used as drums by either a spoon or a fork and that’s exactly what happens on this day. The Bolibong Kingking Festival is a Bohol festival that is a religious event where drums and gongs are played all day and the sounds have several purposes. The beating of the drums is supposed to attract visitors and at the same time remind the residents that the Bolibong Kingking Festival is a chance to relive Bohol’s rich history and well entrenched traditions. This Bohol festival is held every May and it is in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the patron saint of Bohol. The Bolibong Kingking Festival is held in Loboc which is a place that is not only rich in flora and fauna but also has several interesting places to visit. In fact if one is going to Bohol to see the Bolibong Kingking Festival, it’s a good idea to dine at one of their restaurants on stilts or take a boat ride in the beautiful Loboc River.

Subic Bay offers many types of activities and places to visit for sightseeing tourists. This former American naval base is now a center for business and tourism. Below are some of the places that make Subic Bay unique.

Extreme Adventure Park

As the name implies, Extreme Adventure Park has facilities that will make anyone’s adrenaline pumping. With Subic’s jungle setting, it is expected that there are many exciting activities within Extreme Adventure Park. This park is usually used by groups on a teambuilding outing. In the face of unique and challenging circumstances, they learn to trust in each other to complete an activity. Safety professionals and top-notch equipment ensure the visitor’s safety.

Visitors will get the thrill of their life in Slide For Life, Hanging Bridge and The Wall. In Slide For Life, a person will be suspended on a cable tied on top of two trees. The person will then slide from one tree to another. In Hanging Bridge, adventurers will be walking a wooden bridge suspended atop the Subic jungle. This activity seems like they are walking on top of the forest. The Wall is designed for endurance and bravery. Tourists need these attributes to scale over the wall from one side to another.

JEST Camp

No, it is not a place for clowns and comedians. JEST stands for Jungle Environment Survival Training. Local Aeta guides give demonstrations on how to survive in a jungle. Getting drinking water, starting a fire using a dried bamboo, detecting edible plants, cooking rice inside a bamboo, making tools out of nothing are some of the skills that a visitor will learn from JEST Camp
The camp also has a butterfly garden, cafeteria, mini-zoo and souvenir shop

Hiking in Subic

For the more adventurous who wants to explore the Subic jungle. The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Tourism Department and Freeport Services Corporation offers tours that will take an adventurer deep in the forest of Subic. Visitors will be accompanied by a guide and be led to some of the best places inside the Subic jungle like Baton Falls, Hidden Falls, El Kabayo Falls, Pamulaklakin Forest Trail and Pamulaklakin River.

Racing

For those who are into car racing, Subic Bay has Subic Le-Man’s Go Cart Track and the Subic International Raceway. The Subic International Raceway is used for races for Formula 3, motorcycles, Philippine National Touring Car series and SVI Grand Prix. For those who are not content in just watching these exciting motor racing, the Tuason Racing School and Ramirez Racing School instruct wanna-be racers on race car driving.

Ocean Adventure Amusement Park

This park is a haven for those who want to see and experience marine life. There are a lot of activities for visitors inside Ocean Adventure. The Discovery Aquarium and Learning Center are activities that showcase and teach about preserving marine life. In the The Dolphin And Friends Show, tourist will get to see tricks being performed by killer whales and dolphins. The Sea Lion Marine Patrol Show showcases sea lions performing amusing tricks.

Zoobic Safari

This facility offers safaris where visitors get to ride inside a specially equipped vehicle. While inside the vehicle, visitors get to see tigers up close. Aside from the tiger safari, other features and activities include Adventure Animal Rides. Croco Loco, Educational Show, Savannah, Serpentarium, Rodent World and Zoobic Park.

Puerto Galera in Mindoro is blessed with pristine seawater, white sand beaches and lush vegetation. It has many destinations for different kinds of activities or just for sightseeing.

For the beach bodies, Puerto Galera has several white sand beaches. White Beach and Sabang Beach are the most popular destinations. One can just lounge in the shade and drink a cool glass of refreshments. Bars and restaurant line the coastline of these beaches. Water activities such as jet skiing and banana boat riding are also popular in these destinations. These beaches turn into a lively night spots as bars lining the shore start blaring party music.

The waters off Big and Small Lalaguna, Talipanan, Aninuan, Haligue, Long Beach, Dulangan (Bulabod), Boquete and Villaflor offer a visitor to go under water and scuba dive. Magnificent natural coral formations and exotic colorful fishes await the diver.

Coral formations and exotic fishes are available not only to divers. While on board a motor boat, one can visit several destinations near and around Puerto Galera. Medio Island, Minolo Paradise, Sabang Plateau, San Antonio Point and Tangalan Point are excellent sites for this activity.

The flora and fauna of Puerto Galera are points of interest for naturalists. Once can visit the Mangrove Forest Park to see and appreciate the trees in this mangrove park. For the animal lovers, Paradise Zoo is the place to visit. Over 1,000 different species of animals are showcased in this zoo.

The more active traveler will be happy to know that there are several adventures available to them in Puerto Galera. Aninuan Falls, Tamaraw Falls and Talipanan Falls can be reached by easy to moderate hiking. Those who want to thread the unbeaten path will be happy to see to cascading waters of these falls and swim in its cool waters.

For the history buffs, the Excavation Museum is a place of interest. This museum contains several artifacts and antiques unique only in the area. A visit to this museum will help one realize the importance of Puerto Galera during pre-Spanish time as one sees many Chinese and Siamese potteries. The Cross at Muelle in the town proper is another good destination. A visit to the Baclaran Mangyan Settlement makes tourist appreciate the culture of the Mangyans, an ethnic tribe found only in Mindoro.

Island hopping is another good activity for tourist in Puerto Galera. Nature lovers will enjoy Alibatan Island because it is a breading site for seagulls and turtles. For those who want to go deep see fishing, the waters off Buyayao Island are an excellent destination.

Entertainment Capital of the Central Luzon

The Province of Pampanga-the Philippines' Culinary Capital would never be completed without the existence or presence of Angeles City. The city of Angeles is a highly-urbanized and first class metropolis. An international airport (Diosdado Macapagal International Airport) made the city very accessible to international visitors and potential business investors. The city was also the former home of the largest United States army facility and for this reason, the city, especially in Subic Bay, is loaded with first class amenities and buildings.

Sites to See and Visit in Angeles City

The city of Angeles had a very colorful history being located at the central part or area of Luzon. Both the Spanish and American regime had left the place a big dent in the place's culture. The following places would give a sort of a glimpse of the history that shaped Angeles City. Parade Ground of Fort Stotsenburg (name after Colonel John M. Stotsenburg) was then the permanent quarters of the American fleet in Sapang Bato, Angeles City. It was the venue for significant celebrations even before the establishment of the Philippine-American bases. The Old Pamintuan Residence was considered the seat of the First Philippine Republic under General Aguinaldo way back 1899. It was also Major General Arthur MacArthur, Jr.'s (father of General Douglas MacArthur) Central Headquarter. Nowadays, it is now the Central Bank of the Philippines that occupies the location. The main landmark of the Angeles City is the Salakot Arch. It was a commemorative edifice about the America-Philippines agreement regarding military the bases. Today, the structure serves as the symbol of the renewed Filipino spirit.

Angeles City in the World Wide Web

There are actually a lot of internet sites attributed to Angeles City. One of the best websites of the city of Angeles (http://www.angelescitysite.com/) provides easy access to the places' information and some related facts. The site is literally navigated with just few clicks. There is a tab for photos of the city (Photo Gallery), a tab for map (Map of Angeles), a tab for noted sited (What to see), a section for available activities in Angeles City ('What to do' tab), since Angeles City is situated in the Culinary Capital of the Philippines there is a 'Where to eat' tab to access and a 'Getting there tab to make sure of the way going to the city of Angeles. Certainly, this site is jump packed of stuffs tourists are looking for.

The Gleaming Gem of Ilocos Region

Laoag City, a lively and energetic development core in the northern part of the Philippines, is definitely a one of kind destination or spot that offers delightful surprises, panoramic sand mounds, flourishing plant life, picturesque beaches, cultural and historical sites. The place is certainly a must for tourists and visitors a like. The industry of tourism in Laoag City has been recognized and awarded several times for obvious reasons.

Location and Best Spots

Laoag City is more or less 500 kilometers away north of Metro Manila and six (6) hours away from the Philippines' Summer Capital, Baguio City. One of the noted landmarks of Laoag City is the Saint William Cathedral's bell tower which is also known as the Sinking Bell Tower. The Tobacco Monopoly Monument and the Iloko Museo are spots that should not be missed as well. Laoag City’s location is very strategic to tourism because of its surrounding area.

These sites are must-see for visitors and tourists alike. Tourist sites Karinking Falls of Solsona, Badoc Island, Kaangriyan Falls of Burgos, Patapat Viaduct and Kaibigan Falls, Maira-ira Cove, Coral Formations of Currimao, Paoay Coral Cliffs and Paoay Lake National Park, Santa Monica Church, Bacarra Belfry, Burgos Lighthouse, San Agustin Church and the Suba Sand Dunes never fail to amaze tourists who love nature and value cultural heritage. As for information, the city of Laoag is the gateway of tourism to the North Luzon Tourism Hub and Growth Quadrangle.

The Center of Trade and Commerce of the Ilocos Norte

Laoag City Commercial Complex is one of the business monument of Laoag City that showcases Ilocano trade and products like Sukang Iloko, Longanisa, Bagnet, Inabel and various local products. As the trading capital of Ilocos Norte, business related establishments are thriving and flourishing in the city.

Moving Forward to the Future

The progress of economic stability and the industry of tourism of the city of Laoag have been made 'accessible' by just doing some few clicks browsing the internet. The local government of Ilocos Norte, particularly of the Laoag City made use of the power of networking through the internet. Laoag City official website (http://www.laoagcity.gov.ph/) is filled with noteworthy historical and cultural write ups and real-time or updated information regarding the city.

Checking the site as a tourist or an entrepreneur, checking the website is definitely the best thing to do or consider. Through the World Wide Web or the internet, the Sparkling Gem of Ilocandia is just a few clicks away.

Cebu hospitals and health care provides one of the highest quality service and facilities in the country. Here are some of the medical facilities in the province.

Cebu Doctors’ University (CDU) Hospital

Cebu Doctors' University Hospital is a 300-bed tertiary hospital established in 1972. It began as an infirmary designed for patient care, treatment, rehabilitation, monitoring, improvement, and health purposes. It is manned by the best and most qualified medical staff in Cebu City. It thrives on the philosophy that caring for patients require medical and spiritual care. It works on partnership with the Sisters of St. Paul de Chartres.

CDU Hospital also serves as a center for research in the country, with its modern facilities in the field of neurology, obstetrics, pediatrics, EENT, cardiovascular surgery and high technology equipments such as Fenwal Amicus Separator, APERTO, Hsiangtai Centrifuge, Hematology Analyzer, to name just a few.

Perpetual Soccour Hospital

Perpetual Succor Hospital in Cebu City began in 1936 as a rundown hut for poor patients manned by a couple of nuns and a young nun-nurse. In return for their kindness, patients gave them vegetables and fruits as a love gift. On other occasions, they received chickens.

In April 1959, a new 100-bed capacity hospital was established in Cebu City. The facility established itself as a center providing medical care with focus on the heart, cancer, kidney, and rehabilitation. It also specialized in blood donating and feeding indigent kids.

Cebu City Medical Center

Cebu City Medical Center is a government-owned infirmary providing a holistic approach in patient care and treatment. It takes pride in offering medical and paramedical programs and training facilities. The facility provides a wide range of services, ranging from medical and dental, ancillary. Nursing, administrative, to name just a few. Cebu City Medical Center has satellite clinics in two barangays.

Cebu (Velez) General Hospital

Cebu General Hospital is a 200-bed capacity hospital serving around 8000 patients a year. It is manned by the best medical personnel in the city, majority coming from the Cebu Institute of Medicine, a very popular medical school.

Chong Hua Hospital

Chong Hua Hospital is a 600-bed capacity medical facility complete with state-of-the-art equipments and facilities. It is an 11-level twin tower hospital that can be easily located in the heart of Cebu City. It was established in 1909 providing Cebu residents with excellent medical and hospitalization facilities and care and was one of the first hospitals established in Visayas and Mindanao.

If you are looking for quality service and medical facilities, these are just some of the Cebu hospitals and health care that are available.

Overview

Manila is usually the entry point to the Philippines for tourists. From the plane, one will see the towering skyscrapers of the commercial business districts and a city that is well into progression. While there are other places in the Philippines that one should visit, while in Manila, take in the sights and sounds of this thriving city and go to Manila destinations frequented by tourists.

Manila Ocean Park

Themed after the Ocean Park in Singapore, the Manila Ocean Park is one of the biggest oceanariums in the whole of Southeast Asia. Found very close to the Quirino Grandstand, this theme park that showcases marine creatures was built on some 80,000 sq feet of land. Fishes are not the only things to see at the Manila Ocean Park, the Bahura reefs are also on display here and there are replicas of different corals found in the country. When at this Manila destination, one will be amazed by the Living Ocean, which is a walk through a tunnel that is surrounded by an aquarium. Fishes swim freely above and on one’s side at the Living Ocean of the Manila Ocean Park including several species of sharks and sting rays. There is also a small pool at this Manila destination where one can dip one’s feet in and the small fishes swimming in it will nip away at dead skin cells. Not to worry though, this is not painful and is very useful in helping the skin cells regenerate. The Manila Ocean Park also has a shells museum where collections of different types of shells found in the Philippines are on display, contributed by resort owners. The Manila Ocean Park is a great Manila destination for families and young children.

Luneta Park

The national hero of the Philippines, Dr. Jose P. Rizal was executed at the Luneta Park. Dr. Rizal wanted equal opportunities for Filipinos and fought a long battle of words with the Spaniards so that his fellowmen be educated as well. Luneta Park is a massive national park where one can take a stroll or visit other attractions such as the lake, the gardens, the monuments and the Planetarium. One will notice that at this Manila destination, the statue of Dr. Rizal is guarded by two soldiers around the clock. Luneta Park provides a means to get in touch with nature while in the middle of the metropolis. The Chinese Gardens should also be visited when at this Manila destination. Learning about the solar system has never been as fun as visiting Luneta Park’s Planetarium. Luneta Park provides a whole day fun for the entire family.