Menu: Lechon Baboy (Roast Pig)

Lechon baboy is one of the highlight of Filipino
festivities, birthdays, wedding, family reunion and christmas parties. the dish was introduced by the Spaniards centuries ago while some evidence link it to Chinese immigrants. the most favorite part of Lechon is its crispy skin then dip into a liver base sauce yum. Lechon is a very delicious dish but some wasn't cook right thats why the skin was not that yummy and crispy. and what i like the best about lechon is its left over and transformed into another dish called Lechon Paksiw. pig is not the only animal that can be roast other popular form of lechon are chicken and cow. chicken is very much affordable and can be bought almost in every corner of the country. La Loma the area between the boundary of Manila and Quezon City is the "Lechon Capital Of The Philippines" many restaurants sell lechon there and the best of them all Mila's Lechon. Lechon of Cebu City is among the best in the Country.

Travel News: Tourism Sector Believes 2007 Will Be a Milestone Year

“This will be a milestone year for the tourism industry,” Tourism Secretary Ace Durano declared. “First semester statistics registered more than 1.5 million foreign tourist arrivals, and with the upbeat and sustained momentum of visitor influx into the country, we are looking at breaching, for the first time, the three million mark by year end,” he added.

Latest figures released by the Department of Tourism (DOT) show that arrivals for the first half of the year registered a 7.6 percent growth compared to the same period last year –a figure that supports the optimistic forecast.

With this welcome development and the upcoming peak season, the department also foresees increased visitor receipts to as much as US$2.9 billion or PhP133 billion this year. Visitor expenditure growth averaged 20.11 percent over the last three years, making the industry one of the top dollar earners.

Private sector and industry stakeholders continue to benefit from this growth as the amount goes directly to the hotels, restaurants, spas and resorts, souvenir shops, entertainment and transportation services – front liners of the tourism sector.

In 2006 alone, travel and tourism contributed an estimated 3.49 million jobs, strengthening the position of the sector as one of the employment generating industries of the national economy.

More than increased visitor arrivals, revenues and jobs generated, over US$2 billion investments have been poured into tourism estates, hotel and resorts developments in the country spread out into other emerging destinations such as Marinduque and Eastern Samar. The DOT, together with the local governments, is positioning other destinations such as South Cotabato, Bantayan Island, Pampanga and Camarines Sur for both travelers and investors to consider.

Durano revealed that an international luxury resort company is developing a six-star hotel in Elephant Island, Marinduque –a prime example of the global business community’s revived interest in the country.

Moreover, additional new routes have been opened such as Korea-Davao, Korea- Kalibo, Taipei-Cebu, and Shanghai-Cebu, among others. With India and Russia identified as the emerging and fast-growing travel markets, the department is currently negotiation new routes from these countries. Together with the Department of Foreign Affairs, visa-upon-arrival arrangements are also being finalized. Inter-island connectivity has likewise improved with flights increasing over the past year.

“It is still very much a supplier’s market for the industry as resorts and hotels are overwhelmed with the strong demand for rooms. It is a good challenge to have and we need to ensure that infrastructure development preserves and sustains the natural resources in these areas,” Durano noted.

“Our country is a multi-destination, offering a wide variety of activities and attractions anywhere from historical walks to water sports. This effectively reflects our culture, a total experience we aggressively and proudly promote in our target markets. More than activities and destinations, our strength and best asset is our people. We are famous worldwide for our warmth, generosity and hospitality. The milestone the industry has achieve confirms that we are on the right track and that we have set the momentum for 2008 and beyond,” Durano enthused.

Sources: Tourism Authority of The Philippines.

Destination: Batanes

Batanes is the northernmost and the smallest province in the Philippines. it also has the smallest population in the country. the province is made up of 10 islands often called as the Batanes Group of Island. the province i can say is the most Beautiful province in the Philippines so beautiful that some Filipinos asked whenever they saw pictures of Batanes if its still a part of the country. the islands is made up of rolling hills, mountains,rocky and some white sand beach thats very rich with marine resources and rarest corals in the world. another good thing about Batanes is it has the lowest crime rate in the country so not just beautiful its also very safe to go there. visiting the island will be a great adventure and will be very relaxing you will be able to discover the province rich and colorful history plus you will be able to meet the Ivatans(people living in Batanes) the most friendly people in the country. so what are you waiting for lets go to Batanes.

Getting There:

By Air

SEAIR flies to Batanes from Manila three times a week using a 19-seater Let 410 with the following schedules: Manila 6am to Laoag City 7:30am, Mondays, PhP2,000; Laoag City 8am to Basco 9am or Basco 9:30am to Laoag City 10:30am, Wednesdays, PhP1,950; Laoag City 11am to Manila 12:30pm, Fridays, PhP2,000. Fare excludes Insurance Fee of PhP150 and Security Fee of PhP15.

By Sea The Batanes Multi-Purpose Cooperative now carries the MV Ivatan Princess which runs the Currimao, Ilocos Norte - Basco, Batanes route. It leaves Ilocos Norte at 8pm on Wednesdays and Sundays and arrives in Basco at 4pm the next day. From Basco, it leaves at 3pm on Tuesdays and10 pm on Fridays. Fare is PhP1,200 and travel time is about 18 hours.

What to do:

Historical

Old Loran Station used to house a US coastguard detachment for almost two decades and is about 25 kilometers from Basco.

Radiwan Point at Ivana Seaport is where the Katipuneros landed in September 18, 1898. It is also the ferry station of the falowas plying the islands of Sabtang and Itbayat.

Cultural

Ruins of Songsong A “ghost barangay” which is really a cluster of roofless shells of old stone houses abandoned after a tidal wave that hit the island of Batan in the 1950s. The area has a long stretch of beach. Located 23 kilometers from Basco.

Boat-shaped Stone Grave Markers Chuhangin Burial Site - located at Ivuhos Island, Sabtang, Batanes.

Lime And Stone Houses And Churches Buildings are traditionally two-storey with meter thick cogon roofs believed to last 60 years. These houses were built around 1795 with the help of imported masons, stone cutters and carpenters from the Province of Cagayan. These stone houses, found all over Batanes, are worthy subjects for photography.

Natural

Sabtang Island Chosen as one of the 12 Best Destinations in the Philippines by the Department of Tourism in 1994, this island southwest of Batan Island remains undisturbed and unspoiled. It has intermittent white sand beaches, steep mountains, and deep canyons with small level areas sporadically found along the coastline. Accessible in 30 minutes by falowa from Radiwan Port in Ivana. Also the take off point for Ivuhos Island from Barangay Nakanmuan.

Itbayat Island Located north of Batan Island, it is surrounded by massive boulders and cliffs rising from 20-70 feet above sea level and has no shoreline. It has a dirt airstrip for light aircraft. Ferries run the Batan-Itbayat route; travel time is about four hours by falowa from the Basco Seaport. Light planes fly from Basco Airport to Itbayat in 12-minute trips at PhP700.00/pax.

Batan Island The center of commerce and seat of the provincial government. The most populated island of the province, it is composed of the municipalities of Basco, Ivana, Uyugan, and Mahatao.

Mount Iraya A dormant volcano standing at 1,517 meters whose last eruption was recorded in 505 AD. Ideal for mountaineering, trekking, and trailblazing. It is a walking distance from Basco and can be climbed to the top in about three hours.

Di-atay Beach A beautiful cove with multi-colored rocks and white sand. Ideal for picnics and beach combing. Located along the national highway between Mahatao and Ivana; 9.85 kilometers from Basco.

Songsong (Chadpidan Bay). Famous for its beautiful sunset view and big stone boulders. It is three kilometers or an hour of exhilarating trek from Basco proper.
Naidi Hills. A walking distance from Basco.

White Beach Located in Vatang, Hapnit, and Mavatuy Point at Mahatao.
Religious

San Jose Church (Ivana). Built in 1814 although its foundation dates back to 1795. Of all the old churches in Batanes, it is the only one that was not built in the espadaña style. It has a crenellated fortress-like campanile or belltower that gives the appearance of a fortification. Fronts the Ivana Seaport and offers a commanding view of the sea and surrounding countryside due to its elevation. Located 14 kilometers from Basco.

San Carlos Borromeo Church & Convent (Mahatao). Founded in 1789 and built in 1873, it has a façade modeled after that of Basco Cathedral, with two round arches at roof level for the bells. On its outer walls are massive buttresses that used to serve as stairways to the roof – a thing of convenience in the olden days when frequent repairs had to be made to the cogon grass roofing. The church still retains its centuries-old features. Located six kilometers from Basco.

Church of Sto. Domingo de Basco (Basco Cathedral) Established in 1783, it is the oldest and most important church in Batanes. To give the façade stability and strength against earthquakes and typhoon winds, the church walls were buttressed with massive pilasters from foundation to top. The church is dedicated to the Immaculate Concepcion, patroness of Batanes.

San Vicente Ferrer Church (Sabtang Island). Another church modeled after the one in Basco. Following an unfortunate incident in 1790, when Spanish emissaries sent to procure goods from the parish were killed by some natives, the people of Sabtang were forcibly resettled across the channel to Ivana and not allowed to return until 1844 when the foundations of the present church were laid.

Others things to do are Surfing,Trekking and Bird Watching.

Where to Stay:

Pension Ivatan
Basco,Batanes
www.pensionivatan.com

Batanes Resort
Tel No. +632 922-9621

Batanes Seaside Lodge and Restaurant
Tel No. +639212290102 or +639178825609

Ivatan Lodge

Shanedels Inn and Cafe

Photo Gallery Of Batanes















































For More Info About Batanes Visit:

Batanes Online

Images Via

Adlaw

Top Dive Sites in the Philippines

Here are some of the most sought after dive sites in the Philippines. so gear up and lets get wet.

Apo Island, Dumaguete

Apo Island is a small volcanic island, 7km off the southeastern tip of Negros Island. it is one of the worlds best known community-organized marine sanctuary.

Getting There:

Negros Oriental is accesible by land, sea and air transportation: It is one hour and 15 minutes by plane from Manila, and 40 minutes from Cebu to Dumaguete City, capital of Negros Oriental. There are daily direct flights from Manila and Cebu. There are also daily sea voyages to and from different points in the Visayas and Mindanao and twice a week to and from Manila.




Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park, Sulu Sea

Its the Mother of all the Dive sites in the Philippines. the Tubbataha's thousands hectares of reefs is a Unesco World Heritage Site. it is also home to big fish,killer currents,manta's,white tip reff sharks,hammerhead,whale sharks and the list goes on and on. getting into the reefs is not that easy you need a "visitor's permit" to be able to dive in. this is not for the beginner so if you are you need a few more dives.

For more information about diving in Tubbataha Click Here




Puerto Galera, Mindoro

It is probably one of my most favorite destination in the country why not you got sun,sand,sea and a wild nightlife. i cant forget my first time in this island i was just supposed to stay for about 2 or 3 days but because it is so beautiful i extended my stay up to 8 days. ok for your info about Puerto Galera it is also designated a Man and Biosphere Reserve of UNESCO in 1973 and it has the most diverse coral reef diving in asia. there are two famous beaches in Puerto Galera Sabang and White beach. Sabang mostly caters to foreigners and divers especially those who are into an adult kind of fun while White beach is the choice of local tourist for its cheaper accomodation and more finer sands.

Getting there:

A tourist transport operator SIKAT LTD operates from the City State Tower Hotel in Mabini St., Ermita Manila. The tourist coach leaves at precisely 8am---7 days a week. You alight at the port of Batangas for your ferry to Puerto Galera. The bus and ferry trip takes about 4-5 hours. Cost is approx US$15 per person return. The ferry leaves Puerto Galera also everyday at 9:00am to connect to the bus in Batangas. More economical are the commercial buses of BLTB, JAM and TRITRAN which has terminal in Pasay,Cubao and Taft Avenue the earliest schedules of these busses is 6 am usually Fare on these buses range from Php 130 to 150 (3 to 4 $) depending on whether it is regular or an air-con bus.



Anilao, Batangas

Anilao is very popular to weekend divers as it is not so far from Manila. but offers a wide variety of marine life plenty of corals and amazing diversity of fishes.

Getting There:

Anilao is no longer as difficult for visitors to get to as in the past. It is accessible by land. From Manila, one can typically get to Anilao by taking a bus bound for Batangas City(Buendia /Cubao/Alabang Terminal) and asking the conductor for drop off at the Mabini/Bauan jeepney terminal. By request, a Mabini jeepney driver will then take passengers to the Mabini dock area. From the Mabini docks, visitors can hire a driver to any one of the resorts.



Moalboal, Cebu

Moalboal is a 4th class munipality in the province of Cebu Philippines. the tourism industry in this province can be traced back into the 70's. The municipality had the sole two white sand beaches on the western shore of Cebu Island,

Getting There:

Cebu City ia an hour away by plane from Manila almost all domesti airlines do have everyday flight to the City some international flight like from Singapore can go directly to Cebu. it is also accesible by boat from Manila. then from Cebu City you can get to Moalboal by hiring private car, taxi or if your on the budget side you can get there by passenger bus.




Coron Bay, Palawan

Coron doesnt need a further introduction as it is one of the most favorite among the top dive site in the country. but just for those who are clueless about Coron it is famous for its wreck diving not only in the Philippine but in the whole world it has a large amunt of historic sunken ships which can be visited and seen with great clarity. some of these famous wrecks are Irako Wreck,Okikawa Maru Wreck,The Akitsushima Wreck,Kagyu Maru Wreck,Olympia Maru Wreck and more.

Getting There:

Coron is accesible by air from Manila via Busuanga. and by sea with Superferry and Negros Navigation.




Camiguin, Mindanao

Camiguin is a small volcanic island in the Philippines actually its the second smallest province in the country but as they say small things comes with big package cause this tiny town has a lots to offer from its white sand,hot springs and dive spots.

Getting There:

Camiguin is accessible by air and sea from Manila and Cebu City. Most fly in to Cagayan De Oro in Misamis Oriental Province, the gateway to Northern Minadanao One would then take a 1.5 hours bus or hired van from Cagayan de Oro City to the port of Balingoan Ferries leave Balingoan to Camiguin Island every hour from 6:00 am until 5:00 pm.



(Images Via p@ragon, Bern,laz'andre,Knox,srcuerpo)

Fly For One Peso

The No. 1 domestic airline Cebu Pacific in the country is giving us another reason to go island hopping and visit the 7,107 island of the Philippines all for just 1 peso per seat or around 21 cents(excluding government taxes and fuel surcharge) the promo started last Sept 7 and will go up to Sept 11 so hurry biyahero's and biyahera avail of this fabulous promo travel perios is from Nov 1 to December 20.

Destination: La Union

La Union is located in the southwestern part of Luzon It is bounded on the north by Ilocos Sur, on the south by Pangasinan, on the east by Benguet, and on the west by the China Sea. the town was been famous by the apparition of virgin mary back in the 90's people from all over the Philippines including my family went to La Union to witness the Dancing Sun and The Crying Virgin Mary which later on declare hoax by the catholic church. well i wasn't sure about whats happening back then as i was only 9 or 10 years old all i know is that the world is gonna end anytime soon and makes me soooo scared of La Union. fast forward 10 more years and I'm so eager to comeback to La Union not for the miracle anymore but for its tourism attraction. La Union is fast becoming a favorite among local and foreign tourist especially for surfing enthusiast it is dub as the "Surfing Capital of the North" as well as " The Pilgrimage Capital of the North". The stretch of white and gray sand beaches along the towns of La Union is the main attraction to tourists. beaches to check out are Buang Beach,San Juan Beach, Agoo -Damortis National Seashore Park,Agoo,Caba and White Sand. while in La union you can also enjoy its historic landmarks, cultural and man made attraction.

Getting There:

Five hours from Manila by bus, you can take a Philippine Rabbit, Times Transit or Farinas Trans bus going north to San Fernando,La Union,When you get on the bus, tell the conductor you want to go to La Union.


What To Do:

Historical

Bacsil Ridge
Located 9 kilometers northeast of San Fernando town proper through the San Fernando-Bagulin Road, Bacsil Ridge was the last bastion of the retreating Japanese Imperial Army in the province.

Wallace Air Station
These 101 hectares of base land located at the end of Poro Point in San Fernando were acquired in 1903 for the United States Cavalry. It was the home of the 848th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron which provided logistics and administrative support to other radar detachments under its chain of command. Formally turned-over by the United States to the Republic of the Philippines on September 16, 1991,

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Built as a tribute to the heroism of the soldiers who fought during the last World War, the marker stands at the junction leading to the Poro Point.

Battle of San Fernando Marker
Situated at the northwestern portion of the Town Plaza, inscribed as an account of how the Battle was started and won, enabling the establishment of the United States Army Base at Poro Point, which was eventually used as a build up area for the projected invasion of Japan. San Fernando is 264 kilometers north of Manila.

Luna Watchtower
This rotund structure built along the shore in Luna during the pre-Spanish time was used as lookout point for impending attacks by pirates.


Cultural

Museo de La Union
Located at the Provincial Capitol ground in San Fernando, the Museum showcases archaeological finds in La Union during the pre-Spanish period. The Museum is open on Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday visit is by arrangement.

Pottery-making
Clay products are on display and produced in Taboc, San Juan utilizing the same age-old procedure in pottery-making. Taboc is about 9 kilometers away from San Fernando City.

Museo de Iloko
The old “presidencia” of Agoo houses artifacts and other pieces of cultural importance to the Ilocanos. The Museum is open from Monday to Friday at 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday visit is by arrangement.

Natural

Bauang Beach
Lined along the fine grayish sand of Bauang Beach from Baccuit to Pagdalagan are establishments providing accommodation and other amenities. The beach is 6 kilometers south of San Fernando.

San Francisco-Canaoay-Pagudpud Beach
Tourism-related establishments dot the beach area in San Fernando

San Juan Beach
Approximately 8 kilometers north of San Fernando, the beach stretching from Urbiztondo to Ili Norte is dotted with tourism-related establishments. The surf in the area is ideal for amateur surfing during the months of November to February.

Agoo-Damortis National Seashore Park
Declared as a National Park, the beach stretching from Sta. Rita, Agoo up to Damortis, Rosario is proposed for development as a tourist destination in La Union.

Religious:

Shrine of Our Lady of Namacpacan
The century-old church of St. Catherine in Luna, formerly called Namacpacan, houses the miraculous image of Our Lady of Namacpacan, patroness of Ilocano travellers. The shrine is located at the town proper of Luna, approximately 40 kilometers northwest of San Fernando.

Agoo Apparition Site
The much publicized divine visitations of the Virgin Mary in San Antonio have established Agoo as a destination of Marian devotees.

Macho Temple
This Chinese temple believed to be the only one built with five gates sits on a promontory north of the town proper of San Fernando and overlooks the San Fernando Bay. The temple enshrines the image of the Virgin of Caysasay, the patroness of the Filipino-Chinese residents.

ManMade

La Union Botanical and Zoological Garden
Located in Sitio Japan, Cadaclan, San Fernando, La Union. Showcased are the following: Shade Garden, Sunken Garden, Medicinal Garden, Chinese Garden, Japanese Garden, Evergreen Garden, Arid Paradise, Fragrance Garden, Fernery and Palmery.

You Can Also Go Surfing,Trekking,and Scuba Diving.

Where To Stay:

Sea and Sky Hotel/Restaurant
Pagdaraoan,San Fernando City
Tel Nos: (6372)2425579 • (6372)2425581

Mikka Hotel
Quezon Ave,Sn Fernando City
Tel Nos: (6372)7005737

Villa Estrella Resort Hotel
Buang,La Union
Tel Nos: (6372)2425643

Southern Palms Beach Resort
Buang,La Union

Bali Hai Beach Resort
Buang,La Union

Oasis Country Resort
San Fernando City

Koala Lodge
Buang,La Union

Coconut Groove Beach Resort
Buang,La Union
www.coco.com.ph

Photo Galerry of La Union

Macho Temple






La union Sunset


Beach Cottage


Girl Surfin


San Juan Beach




Philippine President Surfin


Photo are Exclusively owned By:
Carambs!,Francesbean,Jnetsworld and Banggigay