'Let us be ready for Kankabatok!' What? Then my cousin repeated it, 'yup, let us explore Kankabatok! As soon I started my assignment there.' These were my cousin's statements before we went to 'Kankabatok'. Nonetheless, I was asking myself then, 'where or what is Kankabatok?' In the last two (2) decades of my life I had not heard that word even once and that was the first time I encountered it. After some research back then, before we went to the place, all the while, I had already encountered 'it' numerous times. It was the City of Tacloban that my cousin was referring to.
'Kankabatok' was the first known name of Tacloban. It was a citation from the first settlers of the place-the 'Kabatok'. The place was once a preferred site for fishing and the natives used a certain piece of equipment made of bamboo called 'Taklub' to catch fish, shrimps and crabs. Thus the word 'Tarakluban' was born, a place where fishermen use 'taklub' as their tool. In time, the word 'Tacloban' took distinction. 'Waray' is the common dialect of this place and it has been officially considered or called as 'Lineyte-Samarnon'. Some noted landmarks of Tacloban City are San Juanico Bridge, Tacloban City Convention Center, Sto. Niño Church of Tacloban, Palo Cathedral, Sto. Niño Shrine and Heritage Museum, 'Crucified Christ' and Madonna of Japan. Christian or Catholic religious influences left significant dent throughout the history of Tacloban City obviously through some of these landmarks.
The logo of Tacloban City has been the summary or more so, a footnote of the city’s significant history and distinct heritage. The ship or the galleon signifies the discovery of the island of Limasawa by the Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan. Limasawa had been referred to as the place in the Philippines where the first celebration of the Holy Eucharist happened. The right side or part of the logo connotes the Leyte side, where Tacloban City is situated. The San Juanico Strait and its scenic beauty had been visualized in the middle or center of the logo. The province of Samar, which is the main provider of marine and agricultural products or commodities to the city, is illustrated at the left portion of the logo. For this reason, Samar greatly contributes the stabilization of trade and business.
As soon as we arrived at Tacloban City, I was able to feel a sense of being 'at home' for some unknown reasons. All of a sudden, I just said 'Kamusta Kankabatok?', (an inflexion of 'how are you doing Kankabatok?', then I observed some faces staring at me with a soft grin on their faces. My cousin and I had to laugh it off. I had indeed a time in my life in my short stay in Tacloban City. My short visit to Tacloban City had been indeed very memorable. Well, as for my cousin, his three(3)-month short assignment had already become a three-year stay and counting because he had found his 'significant' other during his stay and they had decided to tie the knot for good. Right now, I am really looking forward seeing my 'mga inaanak' (godchildren) at Tacloban City.
The City of Davao, nowadays, was able to live up to the meaning of their name which is 'beyond the high ground'. Davao City has been considered as one of the Asia's beloved cities in terms of financial progress. For this reason, the Foreign District Investment Magazine hailed Davao City as the one of the 'Asian City of the Future' bagging the tenth place. Davao City has been indeed the tourism, investment and business hub for the entire southern Philippines. Mount Apo, the highest mountain in the Philippines seems to be deity overlooking the brilliant city.
Mount Apo has been one of the main reasons why nature lovers and especially mountaineers all over the world visit the City of Davao. Considered to be the 'master' or 'the grandfather' of all the mountains in the Philippines, Mount Apo stands 9,692 feet above the ground and pompously looking over, as if guarding, the beautiful City of Davao from possible outsiders or invaders that would threaten the place. Mount Apo is considered to be a potentially active stratovolcano. The towering height of almost ten thousand feet is the reason why it is the most admired and popular climbing destinations in the Philippines. The mountain was considered a national park way back 1930’s. Mount Apo has been a shelter for different flora and fauna and has been considered as one of the highest land-based biological diversity. Reaching its peak would take an average of two-four days of hike and during the trek diverse sights could be seen like the one of the highest lakes in the Philippines which is the Lake Venado. This 'Master Mountain' could be climbed the whole year-round.
The influx of visitors and tourists alike throughout the years has been one of the main reasons why economy has been very competitive in Davao City. To maintain and upgrade this blooming tourism industry, the local government encourage private investors to concentrate in travels and tours agencies. Some noted travel agencies are Ame Travel and Tours (F.Torres Street, Davao City), Davao Allied Travel and Tours (D. Suazo Street, Davao City) and Cynorel Travel and Tours (G/F Apo View Hotel, Camus Street, Davao City). There are a lot of travel agencies listed in some directory websites. It would still be better checking them real-time to get the latest updates regarding information and services they provide. Nowadays, aid and assistance are just a click away through the power of the internet.
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.
A visit to the beautiful city of Laoag in Ilocos Norte can always be fun and worthwhile as long as you are healthy and do not get sick. However, if it boils down to getting the needed medical attention, here are some of the Laoag hospitals and health care options that are available to you.
Dr. Antonio Ranada Lying-in Clinic is situated in Hernando Avenue in Laoag City. A member of the Newborn Screening Reference Center (NSRC) since 2008, it is a duly licensed health care facility which has a 10-bed capacity for the use of its patients.
Laoag City General Hospital
Located in the heart of Laoag, Laoag City General Hospital is headed by Dr. Eleazar Asuncion, its Medical Director. Likewise, this 15-bed capacity has been a member of the NSRC since 2008. It is also a legitimate hospital that caters to the medical and health needs of its patients.
Another hospital worth your consideration for medical and health needs is the Northern Doctors General Hospital. The facility has been accredited by the Philippine Government and has been an NSRC member since June 2008. Compared to other medical facilities in the city, Northern Doctors General Hospital has a 25-bed capacity which is more than what other facilities in the area are offering.
For people who require medical attention for a day or two, Our Lady of Fatima Medical Clinic & Hospital has eight beds which can cater to the health and medical needs of its patients. It is headed by Dr. Reuben Castillo.
Ranada General Hospital is an NSRC accredited hospital since May 2008. It is situated in Balintawak Street in the heart of Laoag City. It has room for around 20 patients and is headed by Dr. Francisco Ranada.
One of the many general hospitals in Laoag City is Santos Clinic & Hospital, with its Medical Director Dr. Ruth Santos. This 6-bed medical facility focuses on giving primary and medical attention to patients.
So next time you become sick when vacationing or taking a trip to Laoag, there is really nothing to bbe worried about because you can rely on Laoag hospitals and health care to get you up and going again. However, just make sure to always check the clinic hours of each hospital.
I had been assigned to a lot of places around the Philippines (mostly around Luzon) and my almost two (2) year assignment in Zamboanga City, had been one of the challenging (at first-since I had set some unlikely expectations-which is my bad) and at the same time most memorable.
The officer-in-charge at the Zamboanga site had to be replaced due to some work related conflicts. I was the lucky one ('unlucky' at first as I had said) to be deployed and be assigned for the next eighteen months. Personally, I did not find any conflict since I do not have had my own family to leave behind. The only family that worried the most was my mom (as always). I pretended that I was okay to ease the tension my mom was dealing with. Nonetheless, I was in a way worried since I was hearing and seeing a lot of not-so good news through media then.
I started my search some historical background of Zamboanga City to make me relaxed in a way. I was confused of what I was reading when it was described as the City of Flowers, 'El Orgullo de Mindanao' (The Pride of Mindanao) and 'Zamboanga Hermosa' (Beautiful Zamboanga). At the back of my head I said then, 'this is interesting!' Zamboanga had been regarded at tourism as the Asia's Latin City.
At the moment I arrived at Zamboanga, I felt a spine-tingling sensation and I know everything was going to be fine. In Zamboanga, for the next couple of months, saw and witnessed how dissimilar cultures of Muslims and Christians jived to come up with colorful festivities and holidays. The 'Dia de Zamboanga' had been a commemoration of the place when it was declared a chartered city during the Commonwealth Government times. It was usually in February that it was commemorated. Usual Christian or Catholic Holy Days like Christmas, Fiesta de Barangay or Fonda de Barangay (feasts in honor of their patron saints), Fiesta se La Immaculada Conception (feast of the Immaculate Conception), Fiesta Pilar or Zamboanga Hermosa Festival, the Santacruzan, the colorful Flores de Mayo and of course, the Holy Week are faithfully observed by Christians, Catholics and devotees alike in a very creative manner. For the first time in my life as well, I experienced some noted Muslim Holy Days such as the Festival of Sacrifice (Eis al-Adha) or 'Greater Eid'-which observed the willingness of Abraham to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God and this had been commemorated worldwide as well. Another Muslim commemoration was the Eid al-Fitr or Hari Ray Puasa which marked the end of fasting period and the Isra Wal Miraj; an event observing the nocturnal journey and ascension of Muhammad.
These festivities or commemorations had really changed my attitude regarding my impression of Mindanao, specifically of Zamboanga City. It had been a home for me for almost two (2) years and the place had welcomed me as one of their natives. I realized after my assignment the first (1st) impressions of the foreign navigators who discovered the place, how they were mesmerized and fascinated by the beauty of now the City of Flowers in the Philippines.
'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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
They say that Puerto Galera is the affordable version of Boracay with its fine sand and calm turquoise waters. What draws people to Puerto Galera is that aside from the beautiful beaches, the accessibility and the affordable rates, Puerto Galera hotels are very accommodating and exemplify Filipino warmth and hospitality.
This Puerto Galera hotel is known throughout Oriental Mindoro and can be said to be one of the best in the area. The total travel time to Sunset at Aninuan Beach Resort from Manila is only 3 and a half hours and that already includes the car or bus ride and the ferry. A reason that this Puerto Galera hotel has become so famous is the beautiful sunset right outside the Sunset at Aninuan Beach Resort and the very romantic yet laid back environment. The rooms at this Puerto Galera hotel don’t just look out to the sea, the entire hotel is studded with palm trees that make it so picturesque. The services offered by Sunset at Aninuan Beach Resort make one feel right at home but with a lot more pampering such as massage and spa. This Puerto Galera hotel also offers various activities such as diving, snorkeling and boat trips to other secluded beaches. The rooms at the Sunset at Aninuan Beach Resort have a certain rustic look and feel but are fully air conditioned with its own bathroom. The sheets and the rooms are refreshed daily at this Puerto Galera hotel and it’s sometimes hard to resist the urge to just stay in bed. The best part about the Sunset at Aninuan Beach Resort is that they are very attentive to their guests needs from food cravings, to toys that the little ones might like to play with.
Now if one is very interested in diving and is on the lookout for a Puerto Galera hotel that offers this sport including certification, a good option would be the El Galleon Beach Resort and Hotel. El Galleon Beach Resort and Hotel has the most comprehensive scuba certification program and facility. Other activities offered by the El Galleon Beach Resort and Hotel are island hopping, beach volleyball, trekking and snorkeling. If a different kind of adventure is what is after and has heard about gold panning in Puerto Galera, El Galleon Beach Resort and Hotel also provides package tours to the mountains of Mindoro where one can try out this activity. The food at this Puerto Galera hotel is also really great and affordable with a very satisfying seafood dish for only Php 400 per head. The rooms at the El Galleon Beach Resort and Hotel all have a verandah that looks out to the bay and for those who constantly need to be in touch with work, WIFI is available in each room.
The titles 'El Orgullo de Mindano'(The Pride of Mindanao), 'The City of Flowers', 'Zamboanga Hermosa' and "Asia's Latin City" can only be donned in this place called 'Cuidad de Zamboanga' (in Spanish) or simply City of Zamboanga. Zamboanga City is also called the city of the Crescent and the Cross. The diverse influence from the different cultures that had been nurtured throughout the history had made the entire cultural and historical heritage of the present Zamboanga City. The marriage of the Christian and Muslim cultures seemed to be an 'ebony and ivory' combination that had played perfect tune, thus made the present Zamboanga City, indeed a wonderful place.
The two dominant cultures (Christian and Muslim) created a strong bond of mutual respect and consideration with each other. For this reason, wonderful festivals are celebrated the whole year round. Christian holidays and feast, or Christian-themed festivities like Christmas (commemoration of the birth of Jesus the Christ), Fonda de Barangay or Fiesta de Barangay (feast of barangay's patron or patroness saints), Fiesta de La Immacula Conception or the Feast of the Immaculate Conception (held every eight of December), Fiesta Pilar (Zamboanga Hermosa Festival), Flores de Mayo (Marian Feast involving processions and flower offerings) and Holy Week (Lenten Season) are celebrated annually with cultural, historical and religious significance. Muslim holy days such as 'Eid al-Adha' (Festival of Sacrifice or Greate Eid), Eid al-Fitr (or Hari Raya Puasa) and Isra Wal Miraj are among popular celebration the locals religiously commemorate or celebrate. The diversity in faith or beliefs, culture and heritage has found its perfect spot at the heart of Zamboanga City. The differences created a wonderful work of art that really attracted tourists and visitors worldwide.
Being at Zamboanga City is definitely a fun and adventure-filled stay. Zamboanga City's local government is already aware of the influx of the tourists from all over the world, tend to flock at Zamboanga to experience and witness the Asia's Latin City. Since 2003, Sky Quest Travel Agency had been one of the leading travel agencies that arrange Zamboanga vacation packages all year round. Their international tour arrangements have been very popular with tourists around the globe who are interested with spending their vacation at Zamboanga City. Sky Quest Travel Agency's website is packed with updated information and some noteworthy trivia or details to promote tourism. Surely, it really pays to be updated.