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.
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 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.
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.
With cities getting more congested and the thoroughfares more clogged---and the prices of fuel soaring, to top it all---the bike is a good transportation alternative.
In fact many have already opted for a bicycle for their transportation mode going to and from the office, daily. Some have alternating days for bike-riding to the work place. Many have been using bikes for cross city or even cross province treks. Biking is affordable, easy, cheaper to maintain, and good for the health. Here are some tips to further enhance the use of bikes as a transportation mode option.
Always wear a quality helmet and goggles when biking. Bike helmets are not that strong against strong impacts, but they’re better than nothing. They’re not designed for head banging competition, anyway, but for added bike transportation safety. It is expected of bikers to avoid any collision. Goggles are important to prevent dust and other small particles from hurting the eyes while biking. They also prevent perspiration from getting to the eyes. These are important transportation safety factors when biking.
Wear light and slightly fit clothes while riding a bike. Loose clothing can easily get tangled with rear view mirrors or any projecting parts from other vehicles. On the other hand, don’t wear clothes that are too tight. Free-flowing blood circulation while biking is important. Remember, this transportation mode is dependent on pedal power, and that means constant leg pumping that perks up air and blood circulation in the body. Let these processes flow freely in the body.
Always wear biking gas masks. Check the pollution level in the city one is in and make some pollution precaution accordingly. Never assume that a place has tolerable pollution levels. With the trend these days, any city in the country, and in the world, is likely to have high pollution levels. Active lungs while pumping the bike pedals would easily take in carbon dioxide. So a health safety precaution for this open transportation mode is the gas mask solution.
Leave early for work or any destination. Arriving early gives enough time for rest and shower after biking. Bring a small back pack to keep extra shirts and the office uniform, if any. A portable clothes iron may also be handy. Usually, bikes take 25 to 30 minutes to travel a 20-kilometer distance. So adjust traveling time for more rests after a sprint with this transportation option.
A practical transportation option today is a bike. It meets the demands of everyday city life.
The beautiful skyline of Legazpi and the tranquil, calm waters of the Gulf all help boost ecotourism in this city. When visiting this province, it’s a good idea to make a list of Legazpi sightseeing places to capture the unique beauty of this part of the Bicol region.
Ranking number one when it comes to Legazpi sightseeing is the Mayon Volcano. One might wonder why the Mayon Volcano is a famous tourist destination and really, this is something that one must see to appreciate. Words cannot describe the majesty of this Legazpi sightseeing spot and the Mayon Volcano stands proud and tall at a little over eight thousand feet. It’s not the height of the Mayon Volcano that makes it special though but rather its perfect cone that is simply captivating. This Legazpi sightseeing spot got its name from the Bicolano word “magayon” which literally means “lovely”. Although the Mayon Volcano erupts frequently, such eruptions are not dangerous and merely add to the majesty of this natural wonder. At night, the bright red lava that pours down its sides is amazing to watch.
Another good Legazpi sightseeing destination which fits all age groups is the Albay Park and Wildlife found just outside the city. One might think that the Albay Park and Wildlife is no different from a typical zoo but on the contrary, this place has several activities to offer both adults and children. The Albay Park and Wildlife is home to some 300 species and its lush jungle makes one feel as if one went right in the middle of the forest. Aside from viewing the animals and occasionally feeding them, children can go on a boat ride which goes around the entire Albay Park and Wildlife for a quick tour of the premises. There are other rides at this well known Legazpi sightseeing destination and these cater to both children and adults.
The Kapuntukan Hill is a landmark in Legazpi with its beautiful hillside that has a unique shape. The hillside here looks like a lion in slumber and aside from being picturesque, many wonder how this came to be. Once at the Kapuntukan Hill, one can trek all the way to the top to get a magnificent view of the entire Legazpi City as well as some distant islands. The ascent itself is not difficult at all and provides one with a natural high.
By just looking at the pictures on the menu your mouth will begin to water. It even has a teaser tempting you to take a fork and stick it in the menu for a bite. You definitely can't do that, but the mere picture alone is enough to make one really hungry. That's what you get when you visit the Italiani's Restaurant.
When you walk at the front door, you can't help but breathe the aroma of fresh ingredients. You can just imagine yourself as one of those old Looney Tunes cartoons where you see cartoon characters floating in mid-air at the smell of food. The Italiani's Restaurant does have that effect.
Let's sample the restaurant's menu shall we? On top of the list is a garlic tuscan bread topped with marinated Roma Tomatoes, pesto sauce and Asiago cheese. That's called the Toasted Bruschetta, sounds yummy.
Italiani's branches are all over Metro Manila. Check out the different Italiani's branches whenever you're around. They have a branch in Alabang Town Center, Muntinlupa City at the Corte De Las Palmas. There's also an Italiani's at Gateway Drive, Araneta Center in Cubao, Quezon City.
If ever you're in the business district of Makati, you'll find an Italiani's Restaurant in Glorietta 4, Level 2, or at the Greenbelt 2. There's an Italiani's at Connecticut Carpark at the Greenhills Shopping Center in San Juan, Metro Manila.
If you're in the business area of Eastwood, just head on to the One Luna Style Center at the Felina Park Place in Libis, Quezon City. There's an Italiani's Restaurant in Parañaque City on Doña Soledad Avenue. And they also have an Italiani's at the ever-popular SM Megamall in Manila.
The Italiani's menu has a wide variety of dishes to tease your eyes and delight your palette. If you're into veggies try the delectable Grilled Eggplant Parmagiana. Its grilled aubregine topped with marinara cream sauce (really spicy!) with parmesan and mozarella.
Seafood, anyone? Try the Fried Calamari, this is lightly breaded fried squid, served with marinara sauce. Or you may want to sample the Mussels Lombardi. These are mussels simmered in white wine, topped by garlic, oregano, and parsley in olive oil.
Italiani's will not be Italiani's without the ever-popular Italian food. Included in our foray, we'll find Margherita, Pepperoni, Quattro Formaggio, Smoked Salmon, and the Classic Italiani's Pizza. Add Linguine, Fettuccine, Lasagna ala Ravina, Seafood Cioppino, Ravioli into the Italiani's entourage.
However you look at it, Italiani's is a great restaurant to take your friends and family for a really great dinner. The many choices among the gourmet dishes in the menu are as wide as your appetite.
Despite being an island, Bohol is very much accessible different modes of transportation. Here we will look at the various Bohol transportation options.
If you are coming from Manila, the most convenient and quickest mode of transportation is to book a flight to Tagbilaran City. There are three major carriers serving the airport namely Asian Spirit, Philippine Airlines, and Laoag International Airlines. While there are scheduled daily flights, the flight schedules may vary so you need to check it with the carriers.
If you are coming from another country and want to avoid Ninoy Aquino International Airport, the best thing to do is book a flight form your country of origin to Cebu City as your entry point. From Mactan International Airport, take a connecting flight to Tagbilaran City. If there are no connecting flights, another option is to spend the night in Mactan or take a boat ride going to Tagbilaran.
Sea travel is the cheaper option if you want to go to Bohol. There are different shipping lines that travel from Manila, Cagayan, Cebu, Dumaguete, and Dipolog. Majority of these ships stop at Tagbilaran City Pier while others make their stop over at Jagna, Jetafe, Ubay, Tubigon, and Buenavista.
Aside from the Super Ferry and other regular boats, there are also fastcrafts available. There are daily trips from Cebu and vice versa and you have the option to take fastcraft or regular boats. Trips from Manila and other points of origin have varying schedules during the week. For island hopping, you can rent small boats or bancas.
There are different modes of Bohol transportation once you are in the province already. Tagbilaran City has tricycles, multicabs, and aircon taxis that will take you to any point in the province. Within the city, the regular fare is P7.00. For taxis, the regular flagdown rate is P35.
From Tagbilaran City to the various towns, there are buses, aircon vans, and taxis that are available. They are easily accessible at the Pier and airport. Depending on where you are going or the duration of use, the rates will vary. Most commuters use public or mini buses located at Tagbilaran City Grand Terminal.
If you are going to the terminal from Tagbilaran City, there are tricycles, taxis, or multicabs that will take you to the Tagbilaran City Integrated Bus Terminal.
With various Bohol transportation options available at your disposal, a trip to this province will be truly worthwhile.
One of the provinces in the Eastern Visayas region that the Philippines boasts of is Leyte. Various festivals and events are held in Leyte which makes this province one of the most-visited places in the country. Let’s take a look at some of the Leyte festivals and events conducted every year.
This festival is held in Calubian, a municipality in Leyte, every August 15. Both locals and tourists look forward to this event because its cultural presentations provide enjoyment and entertainment. The main highlight of this festival is the dance presentations prepared by the locals wherein they emphasize how and why coconut trees are very much valued by the people of Calubian.
The Sanggutan Festival is one of the famous Leyte festivals and events that both tourists and locals also love. It is held in Barugo, a municipality of Leyte, and is celebrated every May 18. While the Lubi Lubi Festival gives importance to coconut trees, the Sanggutan Festival gives importance on the old coconut wine processing that was used in Barugo. Commemoration is shown by the locals through interpretative dances.
Just like the Lubi Lubi Festival, the Pasaka Festival is also celebrated in August. This festival is a major event in the municipality of Tanauan, that’s why locals really look forward to this event. What the locals celebrate during the Pasaka Festival is the richness and prosperity of their lives. Various activities are done during this festival but the main highlight is a dance-drama number.
The Alikaraw Festival is also one of the Leyte festivals and events that local residents look forward to. The people of Hilongos are the ones who organize this event as they really exert effort to entertain people and inform people of their ancient rituals. Tourists are always left in awe every time they witness this festival because of the colorful presentations such as song and dance numbers.
The Sangyaw Festival is held in the capital of Leyte, Tacloban City, in June. What makes this festival different from the other Leyte festivals and events is the effort exerted by Tacloban locals to wear make-ups that are artistically done to look somewhat similar to the appearances of various flowers.
Other Leyte festivals and events include the Buyogan Festival and the Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival. These are all very entertaining events that regular tourists look forward to every year. Those who have not visited Leyte are encouraged to visit this province.
Manila transportation takes you not only to the major thoroughfares of the city but also to anywhere in the country. Land, air, or sea, one would surely find a mode of transportation that would take them to their target destination. Here we will look at the various transportation options that are available in Manila.
As one of the major cities in the Philippines, Manila has several modes of transportation to boast of. One of the most popular public transportation in the city is the jeepney. Used since after the post-World War II years, jeepneys showcase the artistry and creativity of Filipinos. The minimum fare is P7.00 for the first 4 kilometers and an additional 50 centavos for the succeeding kilometers.
Taxi cabs are also regular fixtures in Manila transportation. This mode of transport has two kinds, the regular metered cab and FX taxis. The former will take you anywhere in the city while the latter has a limited route just like buses and jeepneys. Aside from that, regular cabs have a flag down rate of 25 pesos while FX cabs have a minimum fare of 30 pesos and can take up to 12 passengers, including the driver.
If you are looking for a really quick means to get to your destination, the Light Rail Transit (LRT) and the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) is the best option. The LRT plies two routes – Monumento to Baclaran and Divisoria to Cainta. The MRT, on the other hand, traverses EDSA from North Avenue to Taft Avenue bypassing two important commercial centers in Ortigas and Ayala Avenue. The trains are suspended 20 – 25 feet above the major roads ensuring a traffic-free trip. However, things could get messy during the rush hours.
In some districts in Manila, one could still see horse-drawn carts plying the interiors of the city. In the old city of Intramuros, for instance, calesas can take passengers to a trip to some of the country's historical places for a minimum of P100. Another mode of transportation used in traveling to inner roads or streets is the tricycle, a motorcycle with sidecar capable of carrying up to 3 passengers. A fourth passenger can sit in the driver's seat.
Aside from public modes of transport, Manila transportation likewise offers air and sea options going to other cities and provinces. The Ninoy Aquino International Airport serves as the main entry and exit point going to domestic as well as international locations. The North and South Harbor provides maritime transportation to other parts of the archipelago.
Manila transportation is very convenient with all these options available at your disposal.
The Samar Group of Islands has gained so much popularity after its natural beauty and astonishing landmarks were made known. Whether it is the east, west or north of this province that one is going to visit, there are surely Samar destinations that if not visited would be a great opportunity loss. Although it is said that Samar is less developed as compared to other provinces, it is precisely the virgin and unspoiled state of many of its Samar destinations that draws visitors here.
The Calbiga Whitewater River is for the adventure hungry visitor who wants to experience rapids and go rafting or kayaking. The Calbiga Whitewater River passes right through rugged hills and a thick forest and is 18 kilometers long. Watch out for rapids when at this Samar destination and the thrilling drops that range from 3 to 6 meters. In fact there are 70 rapids all in all at the Calbiga Whitewater River and over 120 drops. For those who have never tried rafting, this is definitely one of the things that one should do at the Calbiga Whitewater River and in fact without doing this, the trip is incomplete. Activities such as kayaking and rafting are provided by the Leyte Park Hotel regardless of whether one is a guest or not. These activities are supervised by experts who know how to maneuver the raft and live vests are available. In fact, the Calbiga Whitewater River activities can be enjoyed by children as long as they are 10 years old and above.
There is just something very mesmerizing about caves and one should be prepared to be mesmerized by the Sohotan Cave. This Samar destination was formed over centuries by rock build up and the Sohotan Cave served as the hiding place of our ancestors from tribal battles to the wars. This Samar destination is accessible via public transportation and one just has to get to the town of Borong and take the jeepney or tricycle headed straight for the Sohotan Cave. Once at this Samar destination, there are tourist guides that will walk visitors through the Sohotan Cave and be more than happy to give a little history of the civilizations that used this place as a sanctuary as well as the archeological finds made here. The Sohotan Cave is exceptionally fun for big groups or families who want to spend some quality time bonding.
I remember during my primary and secondary education years in school, whenever somebody would be asking me what would be the best beach resort for me, I always replied, 'Rizal Beach!' Then, everybody around me would gave me their straight faces with the usual question, 'Rizal Beach?' Almost everybody in the classroom did not have any idea what or where Rizal Beach was located; except of course to some of my fellow ‘kababayan’ (native of the same province or region) who knew of the place. Honestly, I felt a bit of disappointment and regret to know that only a few had an idea where or what is Rizal Beach. Nonetheless, I was never embarrassed every time it happened because Rizal Beach was certainly one of the best getaways especially during summer days.
My father was born and lived his first years of his childhood in Gubat, Sorsogon. Some of his siblings as well were born and raised in the same town until our grandparents took risk to have a better life in the concrete jungle of Metro Manila. Since my papa is a Bicolano, as always, whenever we planned to stay in Bicol for quite sometime, we would be staying at Legazpi City (on one of my father's ancestral homes) for a day or two to prepare ourselves as we go to Gubat, Sorsogon. I really love the place because, as we always claim, we have a good 'swimming spot' at the back of our home! There is seashore waiting for us to swim and enjoy. Not to mention the best delicacies our relatives would be giving us.
Whenever my father would be telling us to prepare ourselves to go to Rizal Beach, It would always be a mixed feeling of excitement and lonely anticipation. The 'Rizal Beach Trip' was the signal that our Bicol escapades would soon be over. It was always like that. Nevertheless, the thought of being in this cool place always made me awake the whole night because of exhilaration. After taking out hearty breakfast, we would now be headed to Rizal Beach for the next almost half-a-day of fun. Even the scorching heat of the sun could not tone down our enthusiasm a bit. Since it was our clan's place, we would just stay on one of the best and biggest cottage or cottages available by the shore to secure our things. Cottages during that time were for rent and it was always a 'first come-first serve' policy. We were definitely exempted of this rule since it is 'our place'. Just a short phone call and our relatives would be preparing the place for us. After a long and fun-filled day, we knew that within a day or two we would be going back to Manila.
After finishing college and receiving my diploma, I decided to have a trip to Gubat, Sorsogon after almost ten (10) long years. The accommodation was still the same and certainly it was very special. For years that I had not been here, the local government boosted their efforts in fostering the Eco-Tourism. What I liked best was the ‘Butanding’ or Whale Shark interaction. I was lucky that I was there at one of their peak months (February until May) that I was able to swim with these gentle giants. I never failed to visit my favorite place which was the Rizal Beach and it had surpassed my expectations. Ten (10) years ago, the place was not that developed until my last visit that there were now accommodations along the shore! I was surprised to see some of the famous movie stars relaxing with me as well enjoying my 'favorite' beach.
Sorsogon nowadays is one of the best places to be here in the Philippines. The accommodating and hospitable natives of this wonderful place this feat possible. I am definitely one of the proud Bicolanos to have had witnessed the place's development throughout the years. As our relatives would greet us, 'Dagos Tabi!' which means 'hop in or come in, you are very welcome!'