Baguio has been dubbed the “Summer Capital” of the Philippines because it is the only place that is saved from the intense heat during the months of February to early June. Baguio is accessible 
by land from Manila by bus ride of about 6 hours. Of course, one can also opt to bring one’s vehicle to make going around Baguio easier but if that is the main concern, rest assured there’s plenty of public transportation there. Baguio is also accessible by air. The best time to go to Baguio would be when festivals such as the Kadayawan Festival and the Baguio Flower Festival are celebrated.
One of the reasons that people go to Baguio is to watch the Baguio Flower Festival called Panagbenga. Because of the cool climate in Baguio and the rich topsoil, there are a lot of flowers that grow here that would normally not last a day in Manila. During the Baguio Flower Festival, a parade is held along Session Road of the most beautiful and uncommon flowers which are uniquely designed and placed on mini stages. The fragrance of the flowers as they pass by is heavenly and visitors line the street snapping pictures of the parade.
Panagbenga is an event of its own and one of the reasons that tourists visit Baguio. The Baguio Flower Festival began in 1995 when the then Director of Camp John Hay spearheaded the project and solicited the support of the different sectors of the community.
Today, it is organized annually and has become a major tourist attraction in the city. History The first Flower Festival was only for three days. It was held at Camp John Hay with the aim of celebrating the flowers of Baguio. The Baguio Flower Festival is now an annual event and is held every year around February.
To watch the Baguio Flower Festival will not cost anything and it’s loads of fun. The community comes alive with dances, colorful outfits and the participants spend days preparing their designs. The goal of the Baguio Flower Festival is to increase awareness on the need to preserve the environment.
The Kadayawan Festival is another event that plays an important role in increasing tourism in Baguio. The local government units take part in the Kadayawan Festival by participating in dances 
known as Indak-Indak.
In the town’s main plaza, a stage has been set up and a crowd of about 10,000 people has gathered to listen to a group of musicians and dancers perform traditional dances from various parts of the Philippines.
This 19 year old festival is made colorful each year with new segments being added. From the very first time that the Kadayawan Festival was celebrated, it has undergone a lot changes and now there are more dances, there is now a festival hymn and the tribal community also participate.
The Kadayawan Festival is Baguio’s way of showing the world that no matter how different the Filipinos may be, they stand united.
Dumaguete is a place that holds many wonderful surprises for visitors and among the main attractions here are the beaches amidst a tropical island background and the encounter with the indigenous groups. A variety of activities can be done here and of course several visits can be made to Dumaguete’s historical sites. These Dumaguete destinations all hold a piece of the puzzle to this city’s rich history, culture and heritage.
Apo Island is synonymous to a great beach experience in Dumaguete. This Dumaguete destination is a good way to cool down this summer and it is a 2 hour boat ride from Siliman Beach. Apo Island is also a favorite spot for divers in the Visayas and the best part about it is that one does not have to be a certified diver to be able to enjoy the underwater paradise. Diving lessons are offered on Apo Island and everything one needs to become a certified diver including equipment is provided by the dive shop in this area. This Dumaguete destination is a marine sanctuary protected and maintained by the Global Science Community. Apo Island is said to be home to close to 700 species of fish and about 400 different types of corals. If one does not want to venture into diving while on Apo Island, snorkeling is also an option and because the water is so clear, many fishes can be seen just swimming by.
Dolphin Watching is one of the things that one must do while in Dumaguete. Dolphin Watching can be done at Tanon Strait and this Dumaguete destination is where one can watch the playful creatures of the sea frolic in the water with sperm whales. Although Dolphin Watching can be done pretty much all year round, the best months to go would be anytime between May and September since these months are the times when numerous dolphins are here. Dolphin Watching is supervised by the city hall of Bais and the cruises made to this Dumaguete destination are under their close watch for the protection of the species.
After Dolphin Watching, a visit to the Canlaon Volcano is a must. This Dumaguete destination is said to be the tallest peak in the whole of Visayas and the Canlaon Volcano stands at about 8,100 feet tall above sea level. Many mountain climbers attempt this active volcano found in Canlaon City. Canlaon City is about 170 kilometers from the bustling Dumaguete City.
Laoag City, a lively and energetic development core in the northern part of the Philippines, is definitely a one of kind destination or spot that offers delightful surprises, panoramic sand mounds, flourishing plant life, picturesque beaches, cultural and historical sites. The place is certainly a must for tourists and visitors a like. The industry of tourism in Laoag City has been recognized and awarded several times for obvious reasons.
Laoag City is more or less 500 kilometers away north of Metro Manila and six (6) hours away from the Philippines' Summer Capital, Baguio City. One of the noted landmarks of Laoag City is the Saint William Cathedral's bell tower which is also known as the Sinking Bell Tower. The Tobacco Monopoly Monument and the Iloko Museo are spots that should not be missed as well. Laoag City’s location is very strategic to tourism because of its surrounding area.
These sites are must-see for visitors and tourists alike. Tourist sites Karinking Falls of Solsona, Badoc Island, Kaangriyan Falls of Burgos, Patapat Viaduct and Kaibigan Falls, Maira-ira Cove, Coral Formations of Currimao, Paoay Coral Cliffs and Paoay Lake National Park, Santa Monica Church, Bacarra Belfry, Burgos Lighthouse, San Agustin Church and the Suba Sand Dunes never fail to amaze tourists who love nature and value cultural heritage. As for information, the city of Laoag is the gateway of tourism to the North Luzon Tourism Hub and Growth Quadrangle.
Laoag City Commercial Complex is one of the business monument of Laoag City that showcases Ilocano trade and products like Sukang Iloko, Longanisa, Bagnet, Inabel and various local products. As the trading capital of Ilocos Norte, business related establishments are thriving and flourishing in the city.
The progress of economic stability and the industry of tourism of the city of Laoag have been made 'accessible' by just doing some few clicks browsing the internet. The local government of Ilocos Norte, particularly of the Laoag City made use of the power of networking through the internet. Laoag City official website (http://www.laoagcity.gov.ph/) is filled with noteworthy historical and cultural write ups and real-time or updated information regarding the city.
Checking the site as a tourist or an entrepreneur, checking the website is definitely the best thing to do or consider. Through the World Wide Web or the internet, the Sparkling Gem of Ilocandia is just a few clicks away.
Celebration of life and all the blessings received are the central themes of Samar festivals and for those who like watching Filipino merrymaking, nothing compares to how the inhabitants of this region celebrate. It is said that the best of all the Samar festivals are held mid year, in between the start of the summer in March until the rainy season August.
Some Samar festivals are confined to certain towns but the Embajada Festival is something that is celebrated by the entire province albeit at different dates. The very first towns that celebrate Embajada Festival right after New Year, in January, are Catubig and Laoang. Similar to a domino effect, the nearby towns follow and come mid June, this Samar festival would have reached Catarman. The Moro-Moros, an indigenous group in Samar is said to be the first Filipinos ever to celebrate the Embajada Festival and being a tradition, they have been celebrating it for centuries.
This Samar festival depicts a time in history when conflict prevailed between the Moro-Moros and the Spaniards although nowadays it is presented in a comical fashion. During the Embajada Festival, street dancing is common and there’s always the delicious array of food served in the town center as night sets in. The Moro-Moros themselves take part in the Embajada Festival and this Samar festival is also a good opportunity to learn so much about one of the oldest tribes in Samar.
The main source of livelihood of the inhabitants of Samar is farming and harvesting is something that is celebrated, being considered by the locals as a time of abundance and blessing. The Parayang Harvest Festival is just one of the few festivities that center on harvest but this Samar festival is primarily held in the town of San Roque. The Parayang Harvest Festival is a day filled with celebration with several contests being held throughout the day such as cooking competitions and beauty pageants.
There’s also street dancing during the Parayang Harvest Festival where both young and old practice both modern and traditional dances prior to the event. There are of course prizes given out to winners of these competitions and at the end of the Parayang Harvest Festival, families and friends gather to enjoy a sumptuous feast together. The Parayang Harvest Festival is so much a part of Filipino tradition having been celebrated for a little over a century now.
Planning for a trip to Boracay could sometimes be stressful, which should not be the case since vacations are supposed to be refreshing and relaxing. One of the most helpful services comes from Boracay travel agents, who are willing and always cheerful in extending their services to individuals who want that perfect and stress-free Boracay trip.
Boracay travel agents are accessible as their services can be found online. In this case, there is no need for personally visiting a particular office and wait through the lines before one is given the information and service needed. There are Boracay travel agents who provide their contact information and one only need to call or send a message.
The Boracay travel agents arrange vacations that help people enjoy and appreciate the beauty and experience provided by the island. The agents are the ones who are responsible for making flight arrangements with a particular air carrier. The Boracay travel agents also arrange hotel accommodations and transportation within the island so that tourists enjoy a smooth and continuous travel from the airport to their hotels. From there, the Boracay travel agents, depending on the vacation package, availed may arrange water activities such as snorkeling, diving, water skiing, kite flying, and others.
Aside from the arrangements, the agents also provide useful information about the island. They would not leave you only with the place to stay and the flight to take but would go beyond and tell you interesting facts about the island. These facts include the places to visit once you are there, the best bars and restaurants for night socialization, the best islands that have the finest sands, the most affordable way to have a good time, and others that would make the vacation a more memorable one. General information such as the size of the island, how to roam around, history, and others may be obtained through the agent or the brochures available in the stores. Likewise, safety reminders and information may also be obtained from the Boracay travel agents for better awareness and security.
Going to Boracay has become more enjoyable with the luxury of worrying nothing with the help of the travel agents. Everything is taken care of and the only task of tourists is enjoy, relax, and rejuvenate as every other arrangements have already been taken care of. Information is also provided to help in making most out of the Boracay experience.
Known for its extraordinarily friendly residents, Tagbilaran has excellent tourist sites, great hotels and Tagbilaran restaurants that serve mouth watering dishes. For those who are visiting Tagbilaran, it’s a good idea to check out options when it comes to dining to get the most out of one’s holiday.
Carlos P. Garcia is where one will find the famous Ruby Stone Music Bar and Restaurant where good food is not the only reason people go here. Entertainment is the other reason why visitors try out this Tagbilaran restaurant and they play various genre of music from local artists. For those who want to listen to a live band, the Ruby Stone Music Bar and Restaurant offers this every day of the week and Tagbilaran has some great talents when it comes to singing. When it comes to dining, Ruby Stone Music Bar and Restaurant serves Filipino dishes including Tagbilaran delicacies. One should try this Tagbilaran restaurant’s famous Chicken and Pork Adobo as well as their Pancit Guisado. Pancit Guisado, although originally a Chinese cuisine, is cooked and served Filipino style at the Ruby Stone Music Bar and Restaurant. Food at the Ruby Stone Music Bar and Restaurant starts from Php 150 and this is a good deal considering the ambience and the great sounds at this Tagbilaran restaurant.
A couple of blocks away from the Ruby Stone Music Bar and Restaurant is a highly recommended Tagbilaran restaurant that serves Filipino food with a twist. Saya’s Restaurant is also found on Carlos P. Garcia Avenue and one will notice upon walking in that this place has a warm and cheerful ambience. The staff at the Saya’s Restaurant are very accommodating and they take time to explain how each cuisine is cooked and the ingredients used so one doesn’t end up ordering something that one will not like. Saya’s Restaurant is very affordable, with meals starting at Php 85 and among its specialties are Calamari and Fried Chicken. If one thinks that there’s nothing special about Fried Chicken, one has not tried Saya’s Restaurant’s version of it and they serve the dish with local condiments. Another must try at this Tagbilaran restaurant is the fresh fruit shakes which are prepared only upon ordering. These drinks at the Saya’s Restaurant are not only refreshing but are made out of real fruits so they’re completely healthy and definitely something that the kids will enjoy.
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.
Davao, an hour and a half away from Manila has become a well developed and competitive region. Businesses are thriving in Davao and the influx of tourists increase every year. It is therefore not a surprise that there are 5-star hotels and resorts to choose from in Davao.
The Marco Polo Davao is a 5-star hotel under the Marco Polo group that has excellent facilities such as a business center, a gym of its own, a spa, a recreation area and a large swimming pool. If one wants to feel rejuvenated at the end of a long day or is preparing for a challenging day, Marco Polo Davao would be the place to stay.
Rooms at the Marco Polo Davao are tastefully decorated and most of them look out to Mount Apo. This is a large hotel with 245 rooms and rates start at Php 4,000. Located on Recto Street, the Marco Polo Davao is right in the center of the capital and provides instant access to the booming commercial district.
If something a little more affordable is what one is after, then the obvious option from the Marco Polo Davao is Green View Palace. Green View Palace does not feel so much like a hotel unlike Marco Polo Davao and can be likened more to one’s apartment at home. A mere 15 minutes away from the airport, Green View Palace offers a different type of accommodation and their fully self contained units are designed for big groups traveling together and families. The guest can opt for either a one, two or three bedroom suite and all have its own living room. The common area at Green View Palace is the reception aside from their first class amenities. There is Internet access in their business center, a swimming pool with a wading pool for the children, secure parking, a sun deck roof and among they offer laundry services.
One of the things one might particularly enjoy about Green View Palace is its dedication to preserving the environment and minimizing its negative impact on it. Green View Palace has lush gardens and fully support Davao’s effort to become the cleanest city in the Philippines. Room rates at this hotel start at Php 3,000 and that is very affordable for a self contained apartment. So if one wants to simulate the feeling of home, Green View Palace is the place to stay at.
Puerto Princesa is composed of one main health center, 18 barangay health stations, three hospitals, and five satellite clinics. The hospitals in the city are 175-bed capacity: 75 for the government-owned Puerto Princesa Provincial Hospital, and 50 beds for the two privately-owned facilities. The five satellite clinics has a 4 to 5-bed capacity. It serves not only the residents of the city but also patients coming from the nearby municipalities of Palawan.
Before 1991, Puerto Princesa is spending around P6.5 million for health services, representing 7.5% of total expenditures. In 1994, city spending went up to P20.1 million but it only represented 5 percent. Basic spending for health services dropped to 74 percent of overall health expenditures with the development of satellite clinics offering medical services. From 1995 – 1997, the City Health Office and satellite clinics comprised 4.4 percent of the entire city budget.
As part of Puerto Princesa hospitals and health care, the satellite clinic project has the following objectives:
1.Make medicines and medical care accessible to rural residents
2.Reduce the rate of mortality in the rural areas
3.Decrease the rate of unnecessary suffering due to illness
The first satellite clinic was established on January 12, 1993. Currently, there are five situated at strategic areas in the far-flung rural areas with no means of getting health services. They provide medical and dental consultation, health education, and emergency response and rescue. For weak patients or those who require more observation or waiting for transport will be confined in the satellite clinics for a few days.
The satellite clinics are manned by a doctor who stays for a couple of days weekly. There is a dentist that drops by every couple of weeks. Likewise, standing by are two midwives, a radio operator, driver, and utility man.
It used to be that the people in the barangays did not have access to medical services. The minimum time of travel from the nearest barangay to Puerto Princesa, where most health services are accessible, is an hour. Aside from that, there are rough roads and the frequency of transportation is two times daily. As a result, many people do not seek medical care, resort to quack medicine, or visit doctors only when their sickness has already become worse. Sadly, others die without getting treated or while waiting for transport to take them to the hospital.
Thanks to the satellite clinics, the people of the barangays were able to have access to medical treatment. They were able to get emergency care and cure for simple illness. There are ambulances ready to transfer the patients to hospitals in case of serious and complicated sickness. They provided a crucial link to the referral system of Puerto Princesa.
In conclusion, the satellite clinics were able to address the failure of Puerto Princesa hospitals and health care to provide medical attention to its residents.