Subic Bay is an accessible vacation place. It can be reached within less than two hours of land travel from the Philippines capital, Manila. Yet, it offers a wide array of adventures for every kind of exploring tourists.
Food lovers, for example, will enjoy a high time in Subic Bay restaurants. There are lots of grills, bars, cafes, and whatnots that builds up Subic Bay restaurants. They certainly offer a number of choices that will satisfy all kinds of cravings.
Seafood By the Bay Restaurant – As with any other seaside places, seafood is a major feature in Subic Bay food fare. This fabulous restaurant at the Moonbay Marina will give you a good impression of what to expect from other Subic Bay restaurants. Filipino and Chinese favorites like Halabos na Hipon and Sashimi are among the top choices. [http://www.seafoodbythebay.com/; Block 1 Lot 5, Waterfront Rd., Moonbay Marina, Subic Bay; (6347) 252 8199, (6347) 252 1584, (639)17 881 4366]
A Tavola Italian Restaurant & Bar – Italian cuisine is best enjoyed in this amazing restaurant. Pizzas, pastas, and salads are made of the finest ingredients spiced with fresh herbs. The wide array of pizza flavors are most visited at A Tavola, however. The authentic taste of Italy is best showcased with the thin crust pizzas that are all mouthwatering. And oh, don’t forget the bread served before every meal. They make good starter especially with the olive oil dip. [Argonaut Highway, Royal Duty-Free Shopping Center, Subic Bay; (6347) 252 6556]
Xtremely Xpresso Cafe/Restaurant – Dining healthy is always welcome for individuals who are mindful of their wellbeing. Eating healthy is best done in this cool nice place that provides a casual and warm ambience that’s great for nice conversations. It serves pizza that is loaded with healthy ingredients that make for a good munch. The cakes and pastries are also must-tries. [Lot 1 Parcel 18, Dewey Ave, Subic Bay; (6347) 252 3681]
The Magic Lagoon – If Filipino food is what you crave for, The Magic Lagoon is the perfect place to be in. It serves a hefty line of Filipino dishes made of seafood and meat and vegetable. What’s more, the store is open 24 hours a day. It is always open to serve the food cravings of almost every kind of diner. Their fried rice and Steamed Alimango are a good pair, especially if the meal is finished off with a sweet serving of leche flan or milk custard. [Bicentennial Park, Rizal Highway, Subic Bay (6347) 252 1475]
Eastern Visayas is very proud of Tacloban not just because it is the largest city in the area but also because it is the center of all commerce, culture, tourism and government. The history of Tacloban is interesting and if it weren’t for these events that transpired in the past, Tacloban wouldn’t be where it is today. Many Tacloban destinations commemorate these significant events in history and these places are definitely worth visiting.
The Boy Scouts of the Philippines is a movement that is truly admirable because of the training they undergo to pursue their mission of serving the needs of many Filipinos. The Boy Scout Monument in Tacloban is in honor of the brave boys who strive to make a difference in today’s world. The monument itself at this Tacloban destination shows a boy holding a bamboo staff that has 8 nodes. The Philippine eagle on the flag held by the Boy Scout Monument shows this group’s concern for ecology and the rocks that are underneath the staute’s feet are meant to be the solid foundation of principles and values that the boy scout will bring into adulthood. The Boy Scout Monument is a favorite Tacloban destination because of the values it upholds and it is a constant reminder that there are still people who are trying to make a difference. On the very site of the Boy Scout Monument was held the 12th National Jamboree in 2002 that aimed to promote “scouting.”
This Tacloban destination also holds significance just like the Boy Scout Monument. The Leyte Landing Memorial was where General MacArthur first landed and the entry point of the American forces. The Battle of Leyte was held at this Tacloban destination and it was an event that saw the brotherhood of Allied forces and Filipino guerillas in their quest for freedom from the Imperial Japanese army. Leyte Landing Memorial shows the very spot where General MacArthur landed with his troops and there are even statues of the General and his men partly submerged in water walking towards land. The Leyte Landing Memorial was also the site of the biggest naval battle that the country has ever seen and it was a fight between the Allies and Japan. Although the Japanese troops resisted and put up a fight, they were defeated and this was the last naval battle of World War II. The historical significance of the Leyte Landing Memorial should not be undermined and this place has been recreated to make the visitor feel as if one is living during that time and seeing all the events unfold. To visit the Tacloban destination of Leyte Landing Memorial, there is a small entrance fee to be paid which is about Php 100.
A trip to the Philippines may never be completed without having a chance to stay or at least have a glance of the main place or capital of the Philippines: The City of Manila. It is one of the cities that composed of the greater Metropolitan area of Manila or Metro Manila. Manila City has been the center of the Philippines in terms of trade and culture. In a sense, Manila is Philippines and the Philippines is Manila.
Being the Philippines main city or the capital, significant events and places had defined Manila City's history. One of the known landmarks of Manila is the Fort Santiago or Fuerza de Santiago (in Spanish). This citadel or stronghold has been the location of the kingdom and the palace of Rajah Suleiman (a Muslim ruler before the Spanish regime). When the Spanish fleet came in the late 1500's, the fortress was destroyed and eventually the new settlers erected the Fuerza de Santiago. The Philippines' national hero, Jose Rizal, was actually detained in Fort Santiago as an enemy of the state (of Spain) before his execution. Both the Spanish and the Japanese armies used the facility as prison dungeons. Another notable place in Metro Manila is the Manila Cathedral or the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. This almost 500 year-old cathedral has been the seat of the Archbishop of Manila. According to history, the cathedral was made of materials available for natives during that time. Meaning, the first constructed cathedral was made of bamboo and nipa. Unfortunately, these materials did not stand up against a strong typhoon and feisty fire before 1600's. From then on, the cathedral had been reconstructed using stronger materials such as stones. Nonetheless, this did not spare the church from natural calamity like earthquakes and the destructions of wars throughout its history. The latest, event of historical significance that happened in Manila Cathedral is the when it hosted the funeral of the eleventh (11th) President of the Philippine, Corazon Cojuangco Aquino.
The past years of progress in all known fields to humanity has been very drastic and at the same time very dramatic. Changes have been in a constant flux and its movements are getting really faster as time goes by. Information has been the most powerful tool for survival. The late Philosopher Francis Bacon was right, knowledge can give the edge. Certainly, knowledge is power. This development also conquered the way of life in Metropolitan Manila. As the capital of the Philippines, Manila City has to keep up with the pace of this new wave. To promote business and tourism, there are Manila websites that can be accessed using the internet. The local government’s official website (http://www.manila.gov.ph/) provides an easy access regarding the definition of Manila City in a nutshell. This official government website allows individuals to gain information regarding best sites, possible business venues and some current events happening around the Metropolitan Manila. With the help of the internet, in a way or two, Metropolitan Manila is just a few clicks away.
When it comes to traveling options, there are several forms of Ormoc City transportation that one can use to get to and to get around this high class city in the province of Leyte. What brings a lot of visitors to Ormoc City is not just the beautiful white sand beaches and the warm residents, but also how easy it is to take Ormoc City transportation to get to one’s destination.
The fastest and the first option that one should consider is to take a plane to Ormoc City. This type of Ormoc City transportation can be availed of for about Php1000 if one chances upon promotional offers from domestic airline companies such as Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific and Zest Airways. Promotional offers are usually done during off peak season, around June to September. Any other time, flying to Ormoc City could cost about Php3000 if it’s a direct flight. However, one can get cheaper airfare if coming from Manila by flying to Tacloban and from there take a bus to Ormoc City. The bus ride takes about two hours.
For those coming from Cebu, chances of getting a direct flight are slimmer. However, one can fly to Manila and then book a connecting flight to Ormoc City from there. This type of Ormoc City transportation should take about 2-3 hours at most.
Getting to Ormoc City can be done by combination of a plane ride and bus. For instance if one is coming from Angeles City, it’s sometimes necessary to first drive to Manila and from there take a connecting flight to Ormoc City.
Another way to get to Ormoc City is via ferry and this is a mode of Ormoc City transportation that is available to everyone regardless of whether one’s starting point is Ormoc City or Manila. Be prepared to spend around Php2000 when availing of this option.
Once in the beautiful Ormoc City, the most common modes of Ormoc City transportation are jeepneys and tricycles. For short distances and if one wants to avoid frequent stops, a tricycle might just be able to get one to one’s destination faster. Jeepneys on the other hand have designated routes and riding one is recommended for those who are familiar with Ormoc City or if one is simply feeling adventurous. Wherever one might be headed in Ormoc City, there is definitely an Ormoc City transportation that can be ridden to get to one’s destination in the soonest possible time.
Iloilo has always been considered as a gateway to Visayas and it is the economic hub of the western part of the region. Iloilo restaurants are among the outstanding and impressive places to dine at in the Philippines.
Shopping and dining does not have to be two separate activities in Iloilo since Robinson’s Place found on Ledesma Street is not only a mall of great finds, but it also has on the 3rd floor an authentic Mongolian Iloilo restaurant called Kublai Khan’s Mongolian Restaurant. Aside from the unique and mouth watering selections there are exciting dishes that one can try aside from this Iloilo restaurant’s specialties. The environment of Kublai Khan’s Mongolian Restaurant is very lively and cozy at the same time and the delicious smell that emanates will surely have one’s mouth watering. For those who are really hungry, the Kublai Khan’s Mongolian Restaurant has a Fill-All-You-Can Bowl which is similar to a buffet and allows one to try the different dishes offered by this Iloilo restaurant. For an Eat-All-You-Can, Kublai Khan’s Mongolian Restaurant is very affordable with prices ranging from Php 200 to Php 300 per head. If one isn’t too hungry though, there are smaller ala carte dishes that one can choose from. Aside from the usual lunch and dinner crowd that this Iloilo restaurant caters to, tea time or what the Filipinos call as “merienda” is also something to look forward to especially with the Emperor’s Merienda which is a filling meal.
If one isn’t too keen on Mongolian and the Kublai Khan’s Mongolian Restaurant and one is craving for European dishes, Numtah Bar and Restaurant is a good choice. This Iloilo restaurant isn’t in the mall but it is easy to find and it’s just in La Paz, Iloilo City. Italian delicacies are the specialty of Numtah Bar and Restaurant and dining here is an interesting mix of a laid back atmosphere but with topnotch facility. This Iloilo restaurant also serves a couple of Filipino dishes which are just as good as their European ones. Aside from the good food at Numtah Bar and Restaurant this is also a good venue for family gatherings and celebrations with several private dining areas to accommodate more than one event in a day. Prices at the Numtah Bar and Restaurant range from Php 200 to Php 500 but considering that what this Iloilo restaurant serves are delicacies, this is very affordable. The Numtah Bar and Restaurant is also a good place to grab a couple of drinks with friends at night.
The Island of Bohol has truly been blessed by Mother Nature. Wonderful beaches and unique flora and fauna (courtesy of the Philippine Tarsiers) are some prominent marks of the Bohol Island. Nonetheless, the most famous, extraordinary and remarkable feature this blessed island has is the geological or terrain formation known as the 'Chocolate Hills'. This wonders of nature would surely make tourists and visitors be charmed and most likely asked the question: what is the origin of the 'Chocolate Hills'.
Ancient people, before the establishment of educational system, relied on myth, legends and folklores to explain the phenomena happening during those times. The 'Chocolate Hills' certainly have had their own share of these 'bed time stories'. One of the legends said that there was once a certain Dano, a giant with a huge appetite and devoured everything in his way. One instance he approached to a plain and saw the alluring and beautiful girl named Eng. Dano fell in love with Eng, but before Eng said her precious 'yes' to Dano, he had to loose weight. For that reason, Dano expelled everything he consumed and his mounds of wastes scattered and covered the place until he gained the heart of his precious Eng. Here is another story, just to redeem the 'not so-good theme' of the last legend, right now it is a 'real' love story. There was again a giant and his name was Arogo. He was described to be very youthful and powerful. His heart was captured by a lovely Aloya, a beautiful and attractive mortal. One day, Aloya died and this had caused the strong giant much misery and pain. He started crying and he could not be stopped. His tears created the mounds and as soon they dried up they became the Chocolate Hills. These stories convey the rich literature of the ancient Boholonos.
Reading scientific and empirical explanation may give reasoning how and what Chocolate Hills is all about. Nonetheless, experiencing Bohol, is 'knowing' the Chocolate Hills. Enjoying Bohol Island without the time-consuming and hassle-free dealings with the technicalities of traveling and touring could be taken cared of few preparations. Travel agencies in Bohol provide traveling and touring assistance to ensure a hassle-free trip. One of Bohol Island's premiere travel and tours agency is the Isla Grande Island Travel and Tours. They offer travel packages for reasonable prices. They are in charge from dealing with travel details up to accommodations and travel itineraries. The Isla Grande Travel and Tours is located at The Courtyard Building, Airport Road, Tagbilaran City, Bohol Island. As a final note, always check the internet for latest updates and information.
Despite the fact that Dipolog is where most mines are and this is the most successful industry in the area, tourists can’t resist a glimpse of the rolling hills or the beautiful seas that are in this place. Aside from the many tourist attractions in Dipolog, food is also something that visitors enjoy and it’s not just because the Dipolog restaurants are cozy and the food service personnel pleasant.
The specialty of this Dipolog restaurant is seafood. Cooked however the diner prefers, the Port Orient Restaurant makes sure that the food they serve is always fresh out of the sea. Port Orient Restaurant is actually Dakak Park Beach Resort’s in-house restaurant but non guests are always welcome. Located right in Dipolog City which is the center of commerce of Zamboanga del Norte, this Dipolog restaurant can be considered as fine dining. The blue marlin and tiger prawns are really good at the Port Orient Restaurant cooked Asian style so all their flavors are locked in. If one isn’t too keen on seafood, this Dipolog restaurant has other things on their menu like pizzas and a couple of Filipino dishes. The Port Orient Restaurant is where many families spend Sunday lunch or dinner together and where the romantics can bring their dates. Aside from the delightful dishes, another noticeable thing about Port Orient Restaurant is the service. The personnel are always so warm and friendly and would be more than happy to suggest dishes that one will surely not regret.
What better way to cap a great meal than to have a tasty dessert? Pastries is the specialty of Grandma’s Best Bakeshop and aside from the sumptuous cakes that are just heavenly and irresistible, they have one of the best brewed coffee in Dipolog City. However, cakes are not the only things that this Dipolog restaurant has in its menu and it also has a couple of Filipino dishes straight out of Grandma’s kitchen. Arroz Caldo for instance which is Chicken Porridge and served by Grandma’s Best Bakeshop is definitely comfort food. There are other meals available at this Dipolog restaurant including baked Macaroni, Lasagna, salad and other light meals perfect for snacks. The items at Grandma’s Best Bakeshop are also priced reasonably and a satisfying meal can be enjoyed at less than Php 100. Aside from the food, the ambience of Grandma’s Best Bakeshop is something very cozy and the place is always so clean. Grandma’s Best Bakeshop is on the corner of Mabini and Arellano Streets.
One of the most generous and hospitable people in terms of accommodation and warm welcome is the Ormocanons. Ormocanons are the people or the locals of Ormoc City. They are for the most part Cebuano-speaking natives (since they are Cebuano-speakers in Southern Leyte and Leyte, they are also referred as 'Kana'). This Cebuana influence was due to the fact that Ormocanos relate more to Cebu and other neighboring municipalities and towns than to the eastern Leyte itself. Catholic-themed religious festivities are celebrated and observed the whole year round and these feasts have been the clear manifestation of the influence of Catholic religion.
Getting a chance staying at Ormoc City should be capped by visiting these beautiful landmarks and tourist attractions. Situated at the north part of Brgy. Hibunawon, Ormoc's pineapple plantation could be visited. Unoficially, this plantation is an icon of the city since it produces the Queen Pineapple of Ormoc. These pineapples unique taste is absolutely fitting for a title of a queen and best for ‘pasalubong’ (tagalong term for a ‘to go’ meal intended for relatives or acquaintances). If tourists would like to do some bonding times or picnics, the Centennial Park (which is located in the city), is one of the best places to consider. The Tongonan Hotsprings National Park is the home for geothermal power supply for the whole region. It is the first operational geothermal plant in the Philippines. The Leyte Golf and Country Club provides an eighty-hectare of golfing field suitable for tourists who are aficionados of the sports or game. A tourist could not be considered to be at Ormoc City without checking out the violin-shaped Danao Lake. Around the lake are boats and floating cottages for rent.
Enjoying the Ormoc City and its wonders is just a fraction of the adventure. Another thing to consider is how a tourist could have a worthwhile stay in Ormoc City. Travel agents and as per recommendation, refer and suggest the Sabin Resort Hotel. It is a beachfront facility just a few minutes away (though riding a jeep or driving) from the city vicinity or proper of Ormoc. Accommodation in this hotel resort is very good. The swimming pool is very cozy and well-lit. A touch of the Filipino spirit is showcased at the living rooms where native furniture or fixtures are displayed. There a lot of travel agents from noted travel and tours agencies listed on the internet. The booming industry of eco-tourism made an impact for the local government to take heed or answer the call of necessity in terms of the needs of tourists and visitors alike. Just relax: the journey has just begun.
Knowing how to get to the province of Legazpi and learning how to get around the city using public modes of transportation is an exciting adventure. Aside from the fact that Legazpi transportation is safe, this is also an opportunity for one to experience the culture of the province and explore the tourist attractions in the most affordable manner.
There are three ways to get to the province and these types of Legazpi transportation can be by air, land or sea. For those who want to get to Legazpi in the soonest possible time, the best mode of Legazpi transportation is by air and a direct flight will take one to Legazpi airport right in the hustle and bustle of the city. Legazpi has a moderately sized airport, with a runway that is about 2,500 kilometers long. The Legazpi airport is open to both domestic and international flights so if one is coming from abroad, all one has to do is to find a flight that goes straight here. Once at the airport, getting around the city is no problem with public Legazpi transportation waiting right outside and consists of jeepneys, buses and tricycles for short distances.
Another way to get to Legazpi is by land and although this is longer, expect the drive to be scenic. Whether one opts to ride the bus or a private vehicle, this mode of Legazpi transportation will give one a tour of the nearby provinces and the landscapes to be seen are picturesque. From the capital of the Philippines to Legazpi, the drive should take at most 14 hours.
The final option to get to Legazpi is by sea and this is usually the mode of Legazpi transportation taken by visitors coming from other provinces such as Cebu. There are many maritime vessels that can take one to Legazpi including WG & A, Negros Navigation, Super Ferry and Trans-Asia. All these vessels go to Legazpi City and pass through Masbate.
Once in the city itself, Legazpi transportation is easy and there are many options to choose from. Public utility vehicles such as jeepneys, tricycles, buses and even taxis will get the visitors to their destination. The cheapest mode of Legazpi transportation though is the jeepney and although these are not air conditioned, one will not mind the drive because of the cool Legazpi breeze that constantly blows in one's face.
The southernmost island of the Philippines, Mindanao, is very proud of Dipolog City and it can definitely be said that a tour of the south starts here. There are many interesting Dipolog destinations unlike other tourist spots in the country that can enrich one’s vacation in Zamboanga del Norte
Even if one is not a health freak and does not like exercising very much, hardly anyone can resist making that climb up Linabo Peak. This Dipolog destination has contributed immensely to the growing tourism industry in this city and upon reaching the very top of Linabo Peak, one will experience a certain natural high. Aside from the endorphins that the body releases during the climb, the view is just fascinating at the peak of this Dipolog destination. Linabo Peak looks out to the clearest blue skies, the calm seas and the rolling hills of Dipolog. It has been said that this Dipolog destination is good for lamenting and recollecting and if what one needs is just a moment to see things clearly, then a climb up Linabo Peak is suggested.
There’s exactly 3,003 steps to reach the top of Linabo Peak and this Dipolog destination is especially popular during Holy Week when devotees find the time to go here to establish connection with a Higher Being. The drop off point for Linabo Peak is about 15 minutes away from Dipolog City and the fare is about Php 50.
A tourist attraction and extremely popular among kids is Cogon Eco Park because of the many different kinds of trees and species of animals that can be found here. Cogon Eco Park is part of reforestation project initiated by the local government of Zamboanga del Norte and it is a constant reminder of the necessity to protect our environment. Children especially love this Dipolog destination because it gives them a chance to be outdoors with their families and parents take this opportunity to help their children appreciate nature. Some of the wild animals that can be found at the Cogon Eco Park are reptiles and birds. The Cogon Eco Park also allows trekking and camping for those who want to do more outdoor activities. Another attraction at this Dipolog destination is the Subanen Village where an indigenous tribe resides. A visit to the Cogon Eco Park does not just allow one to get back in touch with nature, it’s also an opportunity to learn about the rich culture of Dipolog.