Although Ormoc is recognized as a bustling commercial city, it is also becoming famous for its tourist sites. As this Ormoc beach guide will indicate, there are several places the tourist can go to for some swimming & diving.
One of the most desirable destinations that this Ormoc beach guide can point at is Sabin Beach. The site is replete with several resorts that can provide you with all the amenities and accommodations that you will need in your stay. Of course, the main attraction is the beach itself, and the water and sands will definitely not disappoint. The clear blue skies are also only matched by the purity of the air you can breathe.
This Ormoc beach guide can also testify to the beauty of the surroundings at San Roque Beach. San Roque is a name that diving aficionados will recognize very well, as it is the site of several diving sites like Turtle Rock and the Coral Garden. However, the view from the beach itself is breathtaking.
The waters in San Roque Beach, as this Ormoc beach guide can point out, is very clear and the depth is perfect for those that just want to go swimming with their friends or family.
Not far from San Roque is Bitu On Beach. This Ormoc beach guide can indicate to you that apart from the untainted waters and the unspoiled white sands, the skies are also brilliantly set. Some prefer to watch the sun rise, while others prefer to gaze at the setting of the sun. Or you may just marvel at the myriad types of seashells along the coastline.
A good Ormoc beach guide should also include Kuting Beach. As one of the up and coming beach destinations in the Philippines, the number of cottages and resorts in the area are growing in number, which will make your stay in the area more comfortable and enjoyable.
Maamo Beach is the destination of tourists and travelers who want to do some exploring along with their swimming. This Ormoc beach guide can attest to the existence of a number of exotic fish and other underwater denizens that can only be found in this part of the Philippines, making it a haven for underwater explorers.
What this Ormoc beach guide has indicated is that there is more to the city than what most people believe. If you love going to the beach but want to experience something different from the usual, then you might want to include these beaches in your travel plans.
Makati City is known as the most progressive city in the Philippines. Towering skyscrapers and the most successful businesses have their office in Makati but this is not to say that the city has forgotten its residents and the spirit of being a community. The community celebrates festivals annually and among those are Bailes Delos Arcos and the Xong Di Festival.
Bailes Delos Arcos has been dubbed as one the most exciting festivals that the city celebrates every 29th of June. Its literal translation is “Dancers of the Arch” and this festival both the older and the younger generations participate. Bailes Delos Arcos is no small time festival since the dancers that perform have to practice for a whole year for this one day event. Being a devout Christian country and in honor of Makati’s patron saints Virgen Dela Rosa, St. Peter and St. Paul, the female dances put on a spectacular performance dedicated to them. Only certain families in Makati perform this and the tradition as well as the method of dancing Bailes Delos Arcos have been passed on from generation to generation. Bailes Delos Arcos is performed annually in Barangay Poblacion.
Xong Di Festival on the other hand is considered the most educational of all the festivals celebrated by this high class city. Xong Di Festival, is highlighted by colorful costumes and accessories similar to those worn by the ethnic tribes in China. This festival is more for the Chinese community and its aim is to show that there is so much similarity between the Filipinos and the Chinese. Xong Di Festival, shows the brotherhood between the Chinese and Filipinos and how the two Asian cultures have embraced each other through the centuries and continue to do so today. A street parade is held during the Xong Di Festival, and this is celebrated right after the Chinese New Year so there is no ficed date for this.
If the Xong Di Festival is festival that celebrates the brotherhood between the Chinese and Filipino communities and the Bailes Delos Arcos commemorates the patron saints, Ganito Kami Noon is a tribute to the past. Ganito Kami Noon is held every June 1 at the city hall and all participants can wear either native clothing or what they used to wear and what was considered stylish during their time. Ganito Kami Noon is a festival celebrated only by Makati and its purpose is to make sure that no one particularly the youth forget about the past, the Filipino culture and the lessons that can be derived from years back. Ganito Kami Noon is a ball open to all residents of Makati at the end of which, the Mayor gives out awards to outstanding government officials. Ganito Kami Noon closes with a spectacular fireworks display.
The province of Zamboanga is but one of the beautiful provinces found in the southern part of the city and a place that one must definitely go to when visiting the Philippines. Flowers and fruits are just a few of the things that Zamboanga offers aside from its diverse culture. Good hotels in Zamboanga are easy to find and here are a few of them.
Found on Governor Camins Road, this modern Zamboanga hotel offers the facilities that we simply can’t live without in this day and age. Garden Orchid Hotel has a well maintained garden thriving with orchids, some of which are rare finds and this 4 star Zamboanga hotel is a great option for businessmen and families alike. The swimming pool can accommodate very young children and adults, and the rooms at this Zamboanga hotel are cozy and elegantly furnished. The lobby itself is huge and welcoming and everyone is always so warm and friendly at the Garden Orchid Hotel.
There are 3 types of rooms at the Garden Orchid Hotel and they are the executive suite, superior and deluxe room. All are air conditioned, equipped with cable television, radio, telephone and a private bathroom. The executive suite though at the Garden Orchid Hotel has a receiving area and this first class home away from home looks out to this Zamboanga hotel’s expansive gardens and it has a king sized bed. Room rates at the Garden Orchid Hotel start at Php 3,000.
From the outside the Hotel Perlita looks like a hotel straight out of the Spanish times but once inside, one will realize that this Zamboanga hotel is very modern. The front desk and the lobby are made from marble and the furnishings are straight out of the modern age. Hotel Perlita has a ballroom perfect for events such as birthdays or wedding receptions and the function room can accommodate up to 50 people. There are two restaurants at this Zamboanga hotel and they are the Lobby Café and the more stylish Montemar Restaurant. The Lobby Café of Hotel Perlita is perfect for breakfast and snacks while Montemar Restaurant is more for couples or families who want fine dining. Although there is no swimming pool, the Montemar Restaurant of Hotel Perlita does have a rooftop deck where it’s very breezy and one gets a picturesque view of the town.
Found on Mayor Jaldon Street in Zamboanga Street, Hotel Perlita’s room rates start at Php 1,800 per room on a nightly basis and each room can accommodate 2 people.
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.
Dipolog City in Zamboanga has many places of interests for tourist activities like sightseeing, pilgrimage, nature tripping. Historical landmarks, religious shrines and pristine natural formations are some of the places to visit in Dipolog City.
Those who want to go on a pilgrimage trip or go hiking should go to Linabo Peak. The feature of this destination is the more than three thousand concrete steps going up the summit. Lush green vegetation and fresh cool air accompany the visitor while navigating these steps. Linabo Peak is the location where the Katkat Sakripisyo takes place every Lenten Season. Devotees go up the peak to ask for absolution, self-sacrifice and comtemplation. At an elevation of four hundred eighty six meters above sea level, Linabo Peak offers sightseeing tourists a spectacular bird’s eye view. One can behold the cities of Dipolog and Dapitan amidst the azure sky and sea.
Sightseeing and communing with nature are activities that can be enjoyed by tourists while they are in Cogon Eco-Park. This reforested area offers sightseeing visitors and adventures the chance to hike a forest trail that has lush vegetation of different kinds of trees like Acacia, Mahogany, Lumbayao, Teak, Molave, Yamane, Lauan, Narra, Mayapis, Marig, Duguan, Nato and Rattan. Inside this park is the Sungkilaw Falls, where one can swim in the cool refreshing pool created by the waterfall.
For the beach lovers and enthusiasts of aquatic activities, the Sicayab Beach is the place to go. This beach is popular among local and foreign tourists. This long stretch of beach boasts of clean clear waters that are ideal for swimming, picnics, snorkeling and jet skiing. Dakak Beach, on the other hand, boasts of fine white sand. The islands of Aliguay and Silinog Islands are points of interest for those who want to avoid the usual crowd.
Dipolog also boasts of destinations for sightseeing under water, also known as scuba diving. Liuay Rock, Mushroom Wall, Cesar’s Reef, Octupus Wall, Romy’s Reef and Eskuelahan are the popular dive sites where one can see the colorful marine life interaction of graceful fishes swimming among magnificent coral and reef formations.
Several landmarks are up for visit for the sightseeing tourists whose interest inclines towards history. The Santa Cruz Holy Rosary Cathedral is one of these landmarks. The highlight of this visit is the altar that was believed to be designed by the national hero Jose Rizal. Dipolog City Hall offers history buffs three monuments of historical persons that had significant contributions to Dipolog.
Finally, a sightseeing tourist should visit the Dipolog Fountain. This is an iconic Dipolog symbol. It was build to give thanksgiving for the blessings received by Dipolog City.
Looking for a place of natural beauty and magnificence? Then, the one of the best place in the Philippines is Legazpi City. Located at the Bicol Region (Region Five), Legazpi City is famous for its 'magayong maray!' ('very beautiful'-in local Bicol dialect) Mayon Volcano. Its world-renowned ‘perfect cone’ had been the reason why tourist and visitors were flabbergasted and dumbfounded throughout the years. Nonetheless, throughout recorded history, its eruption had been proved lethal and had compromised the lives and properties of locals. Still, nobody can fathom its irresistible aura and charisma. One of the best sites here in Legazpi City, is the Cagsawa Ruins where tourists and visitors would see the bell tower which stand as a silent witness and survivor of one of the most violent upsurge of this beautiful volcano.
If visitors and tourists alike want some nature tripping, the right place is definitely the Albay Park and Wildlife. Tourists can experience a taste of heritage and culture at the only public museum at the Bicol Region-The Legazpi City Museum. Visitors could appreciate and see the other side of Mayon Volcano by checking the Lignon Hill which is located at the back of the Albay Park and Wildlife. These noted places would in a way or two, would emphasize the stay or visit in this lovely place.
As always, tourists and visitors should never forget to capture these moments by having a camera. Of course, knowing where to stay and where to go would definitely make the visit worthwhile. Adventure is one facet of the journey, but planning is certainly a crucial factor to make things okay for the rest of the tour. Travel agencies are available to ensure this need. One of the noted agencies is the EnGrande Tours and Travel. Located in Metropolitan Manila at Parañaque City, the company has been helpful for tourists for the past five years. They cater international and domestic tour the whole year round. The full company profile is available at the internet. Better be checking it real time for latest updates and information.
Mayon Volcano has been the symbol of the Bicolanos (native of Bicol) throughout the years. The volcano has been the representation of the warm welcome Bicolanos give to their visitors through their food (literally speaking) since they love to put spices on their menus or dishes and their special hospitality. 'Mos kita na! Magayon digdi!' (Let us go! It is wonderful (to stay) here!
Palawan is a known vacation getaway for both the locals and foreigners. It is not just the charm and beauty of this place that attract visitors, it is also the history and culture that Palawan has managed to preserve for centuries that draws them. Palawan sightseeing captures a moment in history of this island and certain places have been well preserved so that the tourists know and the Filipinos remember.
In Puerto Princesa itself which is the capital of Palawan, there are several places to visit. Palawan sightseeing in the capital city should include a visit to the museum which is located in the heart of this bustling metropolis and this showcases the history of the island from the Spanish occupation. There are artifacts that have been preserved for centuries. The Underground River is also a place that one must visit as part of Palawan sightseeing and this declared national park is a breath taker. The river is not only the longest river in the world it is also navigable and among the sites to see here are the limestone caves.
Palawan sightseeing is a chance to appreciate the beauty of Mother Nature and it allows us to go on an adventure with the many different Palawan activities that we can do. Palawan sightseeing is not complete without a trip to the El Nido beach and on this island alone, there are so many things to do that can be enjoyed by every member of the family.
El Nido beach, found on the island of Coron outside of Puerto Princesa City is a protected area known for ecotourism. Aside from the pristine white sand and turquoise sea of the El Nido beach, among the Palawan activities that should be on one’s agenda are a visit to the lush forests, the limestone caves, the mangrove river and if we are to include shopping, there are many souvenir items sold in small stores in the area. El Nido beach is among the places that are frequently visited when tourists go on Palawan sightseeing.
There are many resorts along El Nido beach that range from 3-star to 5-star accommodation. These resorts allow their guests the luxury of water sports and at the end of a very busy and tiring day, provide utmost comfort in one of their beach front cottages. Among the water sports offered at these resorts along El Nido beach are kayaking, jet skiing, diving to name a few and the good part is, they also offer tour packages that allow one to fully explore the island of Coron.
Referred to by many people as the ‘Orchid City’ in the Philippines, Dipolog is home to numerous shopping malls, specialty stores and other commercial establishments. With all their beautiful features, efficient services and convenient locations, these facilities contribute to a very exciting and totally fun Dipolog shopping experience like no other.
As one of the newest malls in the area, Lee Super Plaza greatly helps in the continuous growth and development of the Dipolog shopping industry. Primarily a three-storey building, owner Dynamic Development Corp. has designed the place to become one of the largest, nicest and highly inviting shopping hubs in the city. It has a spacious supermarket where people can purchase their different needs including food, groceries and other important personal items. It also has a gaming area for kids and the young-at-heart, featuring a complete lineup of highly advanced videogames. For food enthusiasts, they will surely have fun at the spacious food court. More importantly, it features advanced cinemas where the entire family can watch their favorite films. People can find this mall just along Quezon Avenue.
Because of its position right in front of the public market, people find it very hard not to recognize Dipolog Shopping Center along Rizal Avenue. Comprised of three floors, this place features a number of fast food chains and restaurants inside including Greenwich. It also features Gibi Shoes, a specialty shop that offers various kinds of casual and leather footwear, both for men and women. There are also several appliance centers available inside, where customers can purchase some of the latest electronic home appliances. For medicine and other personal needs, this mall has an HBC outlet that guarantees new medicines all the time.
People can find Dipolog Friendly Mart just close to Lee Super Plaza along Quezon Avenue. Made up of four floors, this building features a grocery store inside. Likewise, it also has a bakeshop where customers can buy bread, pastries and cakes. There is also a meat shop available, which offers some of the freshest cuts of beef, pork and chicken. For those who wish to go online, they can easily do so almost anytime they want by visiting the Internet café inside this mall. In addition, a bookstore is also present, which offers affordable school supplies like notebooks, pencils and pens.
One of the highly noticeable shopping centers in the area, Dipolog Center Mall features different kinds of stalls and retail shops. For those who want to buy jewelries and other accessories, they can go to Broadway Gems. Meanwhile, individuals who want to know the latest trends in fashion can go to RRJ and purchase some of the coolest and hippest clothes including jeans, shirts and many others. Moreover, this mall also has a phone shop, numerous mobile phone stalls and a photo-processing center.