You can visit numerous places and enjoy various activities in the city of gentle people but you cannot do it all without the proper Dumaguete transportation. Yes, you heard it right, even a small city such as Dumaguete has its own special system of public, private and semi-private transportation. Be pushed into the interesting world of Dumaguete transportation.

One of the oldest ways of getting around in this city as well as all across the Philippines is by a so-called “Kutchero” which is a horse attached to a tinier version of a sleigh. It only fits two people at most who however have to be at their ideal weight. The sleighs are often lavishly decorated in reds, pinks and other bright colours. You pay approximately five to ten Philippine pesos which are equivalent to 25 cents for a ride. The rate however differs from locality to locality but the Dumaguete transportation prices for horse rides are usually below 10 pesos.

The next novelty that can be found in the Dumaguete transportation system is the Tricycle or commonly known as Pedicab. A Pedicab consists of a motorcycle and an attachment where four to six people can be seated on. The Philippine pedicabs can be compared to rickshaws. These are very common in Dumaguete and in other Visayan cities. The usual fare is 5-8 pesos if you are heading somewhere within 1 km. Farther than 1km will cost you an additional 1 peso per km.

Common vehicles in the Dumaguete transportation system that take you to far destinations are the Jeepneys and the Multicab which are also known as Easy Rides. The Jeepneys are larger in size and charge from 5 pesos to 30 pesos depending on their destination. The Easy Rides usually take the same. There are also big buses to be found in the Dumaguete transportation system and they are called Ceres Liners. The Ceres Liners have connections throughout the Visayas and other parts of the archipelago and their bright yellow colour cannot be missed. There are also private taxis that you can hire for a flat rate of 200 pesos and there are so-called V-Hires which are family vans that take you across the island.

A couple of years ago Dumaguete was a small city with only few cars but now the city has grown and you can see more and more car owners out there roaming the streets of the city. The Dumaguete transportation system would however be nothing special without all the motorcycles. There are more motorcycles in this city than anything else and the city was in fact crowned the Motorcycle City of the World.

Now you learned plenty of interesting facts about the Dumaguete transportation system and what is hot to ride with and what is not. Have a safe drive and do not get ripped off of those drivers.

The Gateway of Bohol

'The City of Friendship'-this is the moniker of the wonderful city of Tagbilaran. The Institute for Solidarity in Asia considered Tagbilaran City as one of the eight (8) Philippine Dream Cities (along with Surugao City, Calbayog City, Naga City, Marikina City, Iloilo City, Cebu City, La Union City, San Fernando City and Samal City. The city’s economic stability and progress was recognized by the Asian Institute of Management Policy Center as being one of the 'Most Competitive Cities in the Philippines'. These acknowledgments made Tagbilaran City one of the best cities in the Philippines for leisure and business.

Tourism in Tagbilaran City

The city of Tagbilaran has been the start-off to Bohol Island's main attractions: aged stone churches, heritage sites, dive sports, white sand beaches, the Philippine Tarsiers sanctuary and the world-renowned Chocolate Hills. Eco-Tourism is one of the main economic drivers of the progressive island of Bohol. Literally speaking, the whole island is but a taste of paradise on earth. In order to maintain, upgrade and promote tourism in Bohol Island, the local government made sure that accommodations and means of transportation are provided. Aside from these wonderful spots, the island's culture is being showcased through their colorful festivals (like the Sandugo Festival in Tagbilaran City which commemorates the Blood Compact between Datu Sikatuna and Miguel Lopez de Legazpi during mid-1500). Thus, history could definitely assert how friendly the first settlers or locals of this wonderful place were, since they were the first to welcome international diplomacy. This only proved how thankful and generous the Boholanos were with their place and wanted it to share with others.

Tagbilaran City, Bohol: Outlook to the Future

The city of Tagbilaran in the island of Bohol is one of the most progressive cities in the Philippines. Though Philippines is an archipelagic country (made up of many islands), access or getting through sea and air posts no problem or difficulty. Since tourism and business attract possible visitors and investors, the local government created an official website (http://www.tagbilaran.gov.ph) to access Bohol Island, especial the city of Tagbilaran online or through the World Wide Web.

The official website contains vital information, a glimpse of the wonders of the Bohol Island as a whole, interactive page wherein individuals could leave a message or remark and many more. With the help of the power of the internet, getting to know Tagbilaran City and the overall beauty of Bohol Island is definitely just a few clicks away.Tagbilaran City has been regarded as the gateway to the wonderful island of Bohol. Being a City of Friendship is highlighted annually by the Sandugo Festival-a commemoration of the first international pact the locals made during the 1500's with Spain.

Puerto Princesa on the island of Palawan is a city blessed with natural wonders. A visit to the city will include not just sightseeing but also communing with nature. Island hopping, trekking, scuba diving and river exploration are some of the activities that a tourist will enjoy in Puerto Princesa.

View decks are littered across the city. Visiting this view decks offers a visitor a panoramic view of the city. The notable of these are the Buenavista View Deck (offers excellent view of Ulugan Bay), Salvacion View Deck (the panoramic vista of Honda Bay can be seen here), and Santa Monica Ranch.

Strolling around the Santa Monica Heights affords the tourist appreciate the city. Santa Monica Heights is where the city hall is located. Near this area is the bay walk where a leisurely walk includes a stunning sunset view with the sea in the foreground and the mountains in the background.

The city is famous for the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. This natural river-cave system is on the UNESCO Heritage List. Tour this subterranean river park on a guided boat tour. One will see breathtaking cave formations studded by different stalactites and stalagmites. This is a unique sightseeing activity as one gets close to seldom-explored wonders of caves. Also, nature buffs will enjoy this place as they go bird watching and appreciate the endangered Palawan peacock and other 60 bird species. Hiking in the Monkey Trail of this park will complete a visit to this park.

Puerto Princesa gives tourists the chance to enjoy aquatic activities. Honda Bay Islands, with its white sand, beautiful corals and clear waters are perfect for snorkeling, swimming or just sunbathing. The coral formations off Pandan Island, Panglima Reef and Arreceffi Island offer a chance for scuba divers to engage in their favorite activity. The beaches of Negation Beach and Naps and Beach have power white sands and clear waters for waders and swimmers.

Mountaineering and rock climbing is another activity Puerto Princesa is known for by tourists. Atop Cleopatra’s Needed offers a breathtaking panorama of the city. This 1,600 meter-mountain is perfect for hiking and mountaineering as one gets to ford rivers and streams and appreciate the flora and fauna endemic to the city. Also, the limestone and marble cliffs or Karst Mountains in Cabayugan and Tagabinet are famous among rock climbers.

A tourist who is a consummate shopper will not be disappointed in Puerto Princesa. The Iwahig Souvenir Shop is very unique since the souvenirs sold at this shop are made by inmates from the Iwahig Penal Colony. Kamantian Handicraft, on the other hand, sells handicrafts and hand-woven items.

Overview

Makati is known as the most progressive city in Metro Manila and this can be attributed to the central business district found here. The Philippine Stock Exchange for instance has made Makati its residence as well as the elite Makati Business Club. Despite all the economic activity in this city, Makati sightseeing is still very much possible and one can expect a pleasant mix of something modern and something historical.

Ayala Museum

Very near the commercial business district of Makati is the Ayala Museum and one might initially think that this Makati sightseeing destination is just like any other museum but once one goes here, one will see the big difference. Makati sightseeing has never been this educational and fun at the same time. The Ayala Foundation erected the Ayala Museum sometime in 1967 but one should not think that this is a dilapidated building that has not been maintained. On the contrary, the ambience of the Ayala Museum is something very fresh and modern and it has an expansive collection of artifacts, paintings, ethnic tools and many others. The Ayala Museum presents Philippine history in a completely different and amusing way through dioramas and there are paintings here of renowned artists from the 19th century. After a tour of the Ayala Museum, one can try out the unique dishes at the Museum Caf' on the ground floor. This Makati sightseeing destination aims to mix history with our modern lives and it has done so successfully.

Fort Bonifacio

The vast area of Fort Bonifacio is a combination of classy residential condominiums and bustling commercial establishments. This Makati sightseeing destination is a great place to go to if one wants to see an American suburb with a touch of Filipino. Fort Bonifacio has roads that are wide and well paved, there are restaurants that cater to whatever dish one might be looking for and when night falls, neon lights from bars and clubs light the streets for some ultimate partying. The attraction to this Makati sightseeing destination is the fact that everything one might think of doing can be done at Fort Bonifacio. The residents of Fort Bonifacio would attest to the fact that one never has to leave this area to go shopping, clubbing or get one's car fixed. Fort Bonifacio is so named because it was formerly a US military base that was turned over to the Philippine government in 1949. The local government then decided to sell its vast area to real estate developers.

Overview

Puerto Princesa is all about pristine beaches made of fine white sand and the tranquil turquoise seas. Puerto Princesa is also about nature and other natural wonders. With ecotourism booming in the capital city of Palawan, it is no surprise that Puerto Princesa resorts are also booming and have taken hospitality to a higher level.

Daluyon Beach and Mountain Resort

Found on Sabang Beach, Daluyon Beach and Mountain Resort does not just have the advantage of looking out to the beautiful Puerto Princesa sea, it is also walking distance from one Mother Nature’s wonders, the Underground River. Declared a national park, this Puerto Princesa resort offers tour packages to the Underground River where one can view the amazing limestone caves and navigate the river. The Daluyon Beach and Mountain Resort also offers island hopping and several water sports such as diving, snorkeling, kayaking and banana boot rides. The swimming pool at the Daluyon Beach and Mountain Resort is big enough to accommodate several individuals doing laps and it is surrounded by lush gardens that are well maintained.

The rooms at the Daluyon Beach and Mountain Resort all have air conditioning, generator on standby, LCD television with cable, DVD player and free WIFI. The 16 rooms of Daluyon Beach and Mountain Resort look out to the beach and one has the option of watching the sunrise or sunset at the verandah of this Puerto Princesa resort.

Kawayanan Resort

If something right in the bustling city is what one is after, the Kawayanan Resort offers a secluded getaway that is near all modern conveniences and the commercial district. This Puerto Princesa resort does not look out to the beach but because it is nestled on a hilltop, the view is just amazing. The Kawayanan Resort has a very big pool in the middle of its grounds and children can also enjoy swimming here. Nipa huts surround the pool and the landscape is just picturesque.

The rooms at the Kawayanan Resort are fully air conditioned, made entirely out of bamboo and the family room even has a receiving area. Each room at this Puerto Princesa resort looks out to the swimming pool, has cable television, hot and cold shower and a small verandah. Kawayanan Resort’s restaurant is a short distance from it and this is a good spot to indulge in Filipino dishes and grilled seafood. One can opt to dine at the main restaurant or have food brought to one of the nipa huts outside for a romantic evening under the stars. Room rates at the Kawayanan Resort start at Pgp 1,500 per night, making it a very affordable Puerto Princesa resort.

'Love, Peace and Progress'. These three (3) simple words are the motto of wonderful city of Davao. This city is considered one of the best known places for eco-tourism and business ventures in the southern part of the Philippines. There are actually ten (10) good reasons why Davao should be considered first in the list of 'where to go next'.

Forward-Looking and Responsive Government

One of their city tenets in their motto is 'Progress' and it is not just written in their city provision but it is also seen or could be realized in the place. Modernization is the focus of their development. Since this has been their élan for expansion, they made sure that accessibility (building seaports, airports, roads, bridges and all related infrastructures) is their priority. For this reason, sustainable development could be achieved.

Investor-Friendly City

The city of Davao knows how to do business, and commerce does not only mean providing materials like network of accessibility (such as roads, bridges, etc.) but the locals of Davao approach doing business with a humane consideration. They provide this consideration by giving professional attention or guidance putting up business in Davao City.

Philippines’ Fruit Basket

The city of Davao is very blessed in terms almost all types of frits grow in profusion. There are many fruit plantations in the vicinity of the city. Davao City holds the prestige of one of the Asia’s principal banana exporters.

Recognized Laborers and Best Professionals

Davao City really values human resource as one their assets in keeping the business sustainable. Professionals and laborers of the city of Davao are cost-effective, can speak English, highly literate and competent.

Competitive Cost of Doing Commerce

Quality does not mean spending to much in Davao City. Compared to other major cities in the Philippines, quality products are cheaper and more affordable. The city’s reasonable rates in terms business related inputs are main factors why the place is best in putting up a business.

Southeast Asia's Most Peaceful City

Believe it or not, in 10000 persons, only 0.8% is Davao City’s monthly crime rate. The implementation of similar laws of peace and order and the established central communications and emergency hotlines with the authorities made sure that everything is under control.

The Regional Core of the Southern Philippines

Davao City is the financial center of the Mindanao Island composed of financial and lending agencies. For this reason, small businesses have a place in the city of Davao to thrive and develop.

Public Utilities are Very Efficient

Davao City is a highly developed place that is very conducive for business and for residential living as well. Basic needs, supply of eater and electricity, communications and transportations are well provided and readily available. The local government of Davao City continues to improve such amenities.

The City's Perfect Weather

Davao City is definitely a very fortunate city considering the fact that it is situated in a typhoon-free zone the all-year round. Weather has been relatively predictable compared to other places in the Philippines. This makes the city a location very strategic for leisure, business, agriculture and other related activities.

Accessibility and Connections

The city of Davao is advantageously situated in Mindanao, the southern part of the Philippines and has an air and sea connections in the country and all over the world (like the Philippine-Japan highway). The existence or emergence of the Davao International Airport had made Davao City very accessible within local and international investors, tourists and visitors.

Davao City: Sustaining its Progress

To answer the calls of changes, the local government of Davao City uses new innovations to keep up with the fast pace demands of tourism and economic wave. To present the beauty and advantages of Davao City, the local administration make use of the power of the internet (http://www.davaocity.gov.ph/) to make Davao City accessible by just doing some few clicks. The official website is very user-friendly and full of helpful information. It is certainly a glimpse of Davao City’s definition of 'Love, Peace and Progress'.

Iloilo is also caleld the economic capital of the regions in the south western part of the Philippines. Iloilo is the city with some of the progressive establishments including the restaurants.Their economy is booming also because of tourism.There are good places where you can eat with your family or friends while you stay
to visit Iloilo.

1. Kublai Khan’s Mongolian Restaurant- This restaurant is at
the third level of the Robinsons mall in Iloilo on Ledesma Street.
They serve unique dishes focusing on mostly Mongolian dishes. The
cost of the food is two hundred pesos. Guests can choose from different dishes that have unique taste. They also have other specialites. The whole restaurant is overflowing wtih an ambience so positive and lively. They always give the guest the good feeling. Their best sellers are check-a-bowl,eat-all-you-can and one-time fill all you can serving. They also have the super bowl, warrio's bowl and emperor's merienda.

2. Numtah Bar and Restaurant - This is located on the Huervana
Street. In La paz,Iloilo. Numtah is a restaurant that gives guest
the chance to chose among several international dishes. The people
can enjoy a casual atmosphere inside the restaurant. Many locals
celebrate their birthday and get togethers in this restaurant. It is
a good place to spend time with your friends too. The price of the complete meal can range from two hundred pesos up to five hundred pesos. Their best sellers are Basil pork Kretek, Crispy Pata and Numtah pizza. Dining here is considered fine. Their drinks are best sellers as well which include dewberry and jackieberry juice.

3. Pizza Hut- You can find this restaurant at the first floor of Robinsons Place Iloilo along Ledesma Street. This is an international pizza chain that is also a hit in the Philippines. Their best seller of course is their pizzas.They aslo serve other dishes from Italian and American cuisine. Guests also like trying their potato mojos and drinks like shakes. Many locals also celebrate their birthdays in this restaurant. Their best sellers today include cheesy pizza, cheesy pops. You should bring a budget of at least five hundred pesos. Foreign tourists like ordering the spaghetti with the tasty meatballs and the spicy chicken wings.

4. Ted’s Oldtimer La Paz Batchoy - This is a restaurant on the lower level of the Robinsons mall. Ted's is a restaurant for the ultimate fine dining experience. Ted’s Oldtimer La Paz Batchoy is an extremely fine dining facility that serves original Filipino cuisine. Inside, the great-tasting food blends well with the casual atmosphere of the place. A person must have two hundred pesos with him to enjoy the best selling batchoy. They also offer other variations of the Iloilo's favorite dish.

5. Mango Tree - This is restaurant inside Mandurriao in the city. The give a relaxing ambience to the guests. The owners have adorned the whole restaurant with grasses, bamboos and candles. Their best sellers are beef shank,bulalo steaks and the sizzling gambas. The price of the food is between two hundred pesos up to five hundred pesos.

Getting to know some information some information on a certain vacation spot should always be considered before going into the place. It does not really matter (unless the trip is all about serious investigation) whether the information is noteworthy or not the point is; information gives a sort of an idea of the place in a way or two.

Destination: Samar Island

The island of Samar is located within the central Philippines. It is specifically, an island of the Visayas Region. It is actually the easternmost island of the Visayas Region. Before the Spanish regime, the island had couple names attached to it. Names like Tanday, Samal and Ibabao were attributed to this island until the late 1500’s. The rough physical features of the place were the main reasons it was named 'Samar' (from the word 'samad' meaning a wound or cut). The province of Samar involved the island of Samar as a whole until it was divided into three main provinces namely Western Samar (officially known as Samar), Eastern Samar (capital-Borongan) and Northern Samar (capital-Catarman).

The Best of Samar Island

The island of Samar has been showered by nature's beauty like other noted places in the Philippines. Tourists could enjoy unexplored terrain and caves defined by exotic flora and fauna or wildlife. Sohoton Cave, which is located inside the Sohoton National Park is a cathedral-like ground with a parabolic arch-type entrance for approximately fifty (50) meters high. The Panhulugan Cave 1 and 2 are also considered places to check in Samar. The Panhulugan Cave 1 is recognized with a cliff-forming letter 'H' and snow-white gleaming stalactites of various proportions characterized Panhulugan Cave 2. Both wonderful caves are located at Sohoton National Park in Basey. Another special spot at Sohoton National Park is the Sohoton Natural Bridge that extends through the Sohoton River. This huge arch-shaped rock has a vertical clearance of about 23 feet. It is natural bridge is 40 meters long and 8 meters wide.

Soing to Samar Island

The wonders of the island of Samar and of some proximate islands or spots are the main reasons why there is a steady influx of tourists in the Visayas Region. As we all know, tourism means a lot to have a more stable economy. One of the travel agencies that answered the heed to maintain and tourism as a vital industry is the Leyte Gulf Travel and Tours or LGTT. They are specialized in setting up educational and family tours around the Visayas Region. To further enhance tourism, Leyte Gulf Travel and Tours is trying their best to unravel undeveloped and untapped tourist destinations in the said region. The name 'Samar' may bear a tinge of imperfection in its name; nonetheless, Samar Island is the one of the perfect places to enjoy the wonders of nature.

Dumaguete City, being the capital of Negros Oriental, has many interesting places to visit for a tourist. Different kinds of activities like sightseeing, nature-tripping, swimming, diving can be engaged in by travelers. Parks, animal sanctuaries, historical landmarks, museums, religious shrines, natural landmarks and beaches are destinations that will make tourists enjoy their visit to Dumaguete City.

Right inside the city are destinations for different kinds of activities. Aquino Freedom Park is an ideal place for promenading. Another good place for promenading is Rizal Boulevard. One can stroll along the street and enjoy the waterfront scenery. Perdices Avenue, on the other hand, has many shops for dining and shopping. Meanwhile, the Center For Tropical Studies in Siliman University is an ideal place for nature-loving tourists. Animals endemic to the area like the spotted deer (Cervus alfredi) are showcased in this zoo. For tourists who love arts and culture, the Mariya Gallery and Silliman University Ethno-Anthro Museum are the places to visit. The Dumaguete Belfry in the Cathedral of Saint Catherine of Alexandria, Dumaguete City Hall, and Provincial Capitol are places to visit for history buffs.

Beaches near Dumaguete City are not just for sightseeing and swimming. Snorkeling and scuba diving are popular activities in some of the beaches. Antulang Beach in Siaton boasts of white pebble beach, clear blue water, magnificent rock formations and lush marine life. Apo Island in Dauin is a popular spot for diving. The beaches of Camangyawon Beach, Lag-it Beach, San Moritz Beach,White Sandbar Reef and
Talisay Beach Park are ideal for swimming or just strolling around. Mina’s Undersea World and White Sandbar Reef are ideal places for snorkeling. Diving enthusiasts will enjoy going to Balatong Point.

The more adventurous tourist will not be disappointed with Dumaguete City. Cave formations and mountain trails are available for tourists who want to go trekking. Mabinay Caves has many places to offer for a spelunking tourists. Cayaso Cave boasts of an underground river while Odloman Cave was just cited as the second longest cave in the Philippines. Other caves worth visiting in Mabinay are Baliw Cave, Crystal Cave, Mambajo Cave, Panligawan Cave and Pandalihan Cave.

Mountaineering and trekking are popular activities in destinations like Camp Mapot and Mountain Park, Makawiliwili Ridge, Mount Canlaon and Mount Talinis. For picnics and camping, Forest Camp, Whuthering Heights and Veranda of the World are the places to visit.

Nature and animal lovers have several destinations to choose from. One can visit Bais City for dolphin and whale watching. Talabong Mangrove Park offers tourist to see the diverse flora and fauna within the mangrove forest.

Overview

Many know Zamboanga because of the beautiful flowers that grow here and the thriving businesses but not all are aware of the brilliant Zamboanga festivals that keep visitors coming back to this region in the southern part of the Philippines. One might be wondering what makes these Zamboanga festivals different from the events celebrated in other parts of the country but once one has attended a single celebration, it is a hundred percent guaranty that there are no other festivals that can compare to it.

Regatta de Zamboanga

Let’s take the Regatta de Zamboanga as an example. Done annually during October this Zamboanga festival is one of the most entertaining and colorful. Boat racing has never been this fun or amusing to watch. The locals make their own vintas or sailboats just for the Regatta de Zamboanga and regardless of whether they win the race or not, they go home proud and happy that they are able to showcase something that they have worked on for several months. Every history book about Zamboanga would have something in it about vintas but very few would be able to describe the Regatta de Zamboanga with such conciseness. The atmosphere at this Zamboanga festival is almost party-like with all the colorful sails and the contestants dressed to kill in equally colorful costumes. The Regatta de Zamboanga is an event sponsored by the local government and hence one can expect prestigious awards at this event.

Flores de Mayo

Derived from the Spanish term that means “Flowers of May”, Flores de Mayo is a Zamboanga festival that has been celebrated for over a century, dating back to the Spanish occupation of the country. Flores de Mayo lasts for a whole month and no other Zamboanga festival will exhibit the devotion of the Filipinos to the Catholic faith. Flores de Mayo is in honor of the Virgin Mary and this is an event that is participated in by children as they are the ones designated to bring flowers to the statue of Zamboanga’s patron. Although Flores de Mayo is not really unique to Zamboanga, but the way that this province celebrates it is different. One of the highlights of this Zamboanga festival is the Santacruzan which is a series of parades held in the streets where Christian items such as bibles and statues of saints are showcased. The children in particular look forward to the game at the end of the Flores de Mayo called “pabitin”, where children are blindfolded one by one and would have to crack a clay pot filled with goodies.