TravelPhilippines

Microtel Mactan

2009-11-28T19:28:00.004+08:00

Hello everyone its been a while since i last update this site i have been busy and really don't have time to update.anyways i will try my best to update it now. so first up is about our recent stay at Microtel Mactan we have avail of their leisure within reach promo 2500 php for room only we didn't avail of breakfast as we don't wake up early anyway. the resort was pretty neat and relaxing the interior is very nice and The staff are very accomodating although the location is kinda far from the city but really the hotel is great. i also love thier pool and the beach bar. will definitely comeback in this place if we ever stay in lapu-lapu city again.

here are some pics of the hotel.

Our Room

View From Our Room

Restaurant/Lobby

Pool Area

44 Places To Go In 2009

2009-02-11T17:45:00.005+08:00

The New York Times have release its 44 places to go in 2009 last month and our fabulous island of boracay was one of the places to visit this year. Im happy that our boracay made it its just the description bein compare it to phuket makes me kinda sad. well its not bad to be compared to phuket it is one of the top destination in the world after all but i think boracay has its charm and phuket has it so the two great island should not be compared. boracay is one of god's best gift to the filipino people so i hope we will continue to love and preserve it.

anyway here is the post in the new york times website.

For The Complete List Click Here

Source: New York Times

Travel News: PUERTO PRINCESA UNDERGROUND RIVER MAKES HISTORY-Official Philippine nominee to the New 7 Wonders of Nature

2009-01-08T17:00:00.003+08:00

The people have spoken: Palawan's Subterranean River will represent the country to the world.

Winner of the national qualifiers category, the renowned Underground River will be the Philippines' bets in the New7Wonders of Nature race. Results of the first phase of voting in the Official New7Wonders of Nature campaign were revealed today at the New7Wonders Foundation headquarters.

"We are proud to announce that the Philippine marvels have stood strong in the first round of voting. This affirms us of the support of Filipinos as well as other tourists in helping our natural sites make their mark in the global scale," Tourism Secretary Ace Durano said.

Recently awarded for his efforts and advocacy in ecological tourism, he added, "With billions of supporters all over the globe, promotion of spectacular sites from all over the world has been set to greater heights. It is also very important to call on the sustainable promotion of these tourism sites, which are nature's blessings."

The first stage of the Official New7Wonders of Nature campaign officially ended with the old year. At midnight on December 31, 2008 on the International Date Line, all voting was suspended on the New7Wonders website until today, January 7th, for the organizers to tally and verify all votes.

Tia Viering, Head of Communications for New7Wonders, says "We congratulate the successful qualifying locations from the Philippines and wish them the best of luck in the second phase of voting."

She added, "We also at this time highlight the strong and enthusiastic participation of the other national nominees that are not proceeding—many have already benefited from a significant increase in worldwide awareness, which in itself is a recognized important benefit for all involved in the New7Wonders campaigns."

According to the Foundation, these magnificent natural sites are amongst the 261 nominees now one step closer to potentially being chosen one of the Official New7Wonders of Nature by the people of the world.

"The Philippines' wonders besting the others truly give us more reasons to strengthen not only the promotion, but the preservation of our natural sites," Eduardo Jarque, Jr., Undersecretary for Tourism Planning and Promotions remarked.

Jarque further said, "The New 7 Wonders campaign, gaining participation from numerous supporters will inevitably translate to increased interest in seeing these magnificent places. We thank and congratulate all Filipinos who have made their voice heard through the online polls."

The Philippines' Underground River shares the spotlight with the Coral Triangle, a multinational participant. Spanning eastern Indonesia, parts of Malaysia, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Timor Leste and the Solomon Islands, the Coral Triangle is the global center of marine biodiversity and one of the world's top priorities for marine conservation.

Of the original 441 nominees, 180, or more than 40%, were eliminated as the next stage begins today until July 7, to select the Top 77 - the pool from which the 21 Official Finalists are chosen.

The qualified 261 national and multinational nominees from the 222 participating countries feature iconic locations such as the Grand Canyon, Loch Ness, the Black Forest, and Mount Fuji, alongside the Amazon, the Danube, the Dead Sea, the Great Barrier Reef, Iguazu Falls, the Kalahari Desert, Mont Blanc, and Niagara Falls.

As in the original successful campaign that chose the Official New 7 Wonders of the World thanks to more than 100 million votes, the N7W Panel of Experts will select the 21 Finalists from the top 77, which will be announced on July 21, 2009.

At that time the third and final phase of voting will begin, and the people of the world will then have approximately 2 years to vote amongst the 21 Finalists for the Official New7Wonders of Nature, to be revealed in 2011. Over 1 billion votes are forecast.

Source: tourism.gov.ph

Destination : Bantayan Island Cebu

2008-11-11T00:22:00.006+08:00

Bantayan island is one of cebu's not so best kept secret. it is located off the northwest of cebu mainland. the island is still not that developed if you compare it to the sprawling island of boracay and bohol so it is definitely not overcrowded and over priced so this place is definitely for people looking for a great beach like boracay but hates the crowd and noise of the island and just want a total relaxation. aside from being a great beach destination the island is also consider as a lenten destination for catholics devotee during the holy week people gather in the town center of the island to witness one of the most solemn holy week procession in the country so reservation to the island during this period is a must. the town of bantayan is also known for its mouth watering dried fish and freshly catch seafoods like squids,lobsters and crabs. and also the island is rich in history and other natural wonders some of the oldest churches in the visaya is situated in the island. now i think thats just enough reason for you to visit the island great beaches great food and i forgot to mention bantayanons are simple hearted and friendly...

Getting There:

To get to bantayan you can take a 30 mins plane ride from cebu city mactan airport via SEA Air(temporary suspended) or you can go by land by taking a bus at north cebu bus terminal traveling by land may take 2 to 3 hours to hagnaya and then take a ferry boat from hagnaya to sta fe where most of the beautiful beach of bantayan is located.

Where To Stay:

Marlins Beach Resort
Prices: US$20-40
Address: Santa Fe

Kota Beach Resort
Prices: US$20-40
Address: Santa Fe
Contacts: (63)32- 4196135, (63)32-4389042

Budong Beach Resort
Prices: Less Than $20
Address: Santa Fe
Contacts: (63)32-4389040

St. Bernard Beach Resort
Prices: 40 to 80$
Address: Santa Fe

Sugar Beach Resort
Prices: Less Than $20
Address: Santa Fe

Photo Gallery Of Bantayan Island

Bantayan Island

Old Churches

Marlins Beach Resort

Cross-Country Bus Terminals in Metro Manila

2008-10-28T19:31:00.003+08:00

Planning an out of town trip by land? and you dont wanna drive? then ride a bus. there are several bus company that travel in and out of metro manila from north to south all you need is a lot of time and a lot of patience as some of the journey will take you more than 10 hours. anyway here are some of the bus company that do a cross-country journey in the country.

Alladin Transit
Destination : Cagayan Valley
Terminal: Cayco Street, Sampaloc, Manila
Tel No: 63(2)781-9168

Autobus Transport System
Destination: Baguio, Laoag, Cagayan Valley, Dagupan, Ifugao, Kalinga and Isabela
Terminal: Dimasalng cor. Laong Laan Street, Sampaloc, Manila
Tel No: 63(2)735-8098

Baliwag Transit
Destination: Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Isabel, Cagayan, Tarlac, Pampanga
Terminal: New York EDSA Cubao, Quezon City
Tel No: 63(2)912-3343

BLTB
Destination: Laguna, Batangas, Quezon, Bicol Region, Leyte and Samar
Terminal : EDSA Pasay City, Cubao, Quezon City
Tel No: 63(2)833-5508

Dagupan Bus Line
Destination : Pangasinan and Baguio
Terminal : Cubao, Quezon City
Tel No: 63(2)727-2330

Dangwa Tranco
Destination : Baguio City, Ifugao and Kalinga
Terminal : 1600 Dimasalang Street, Sampaloc, Manila
Tel No: 63(2)731-2879

Dominion Transit
Destination : Abra, La Union and Ilocos Sur (and all provinces on the way)
Terminal : New York Street, Cubao Q.C.
Tel No: 63(2)741-4146

Eaglestar Transit
Destination : Samar, Leyte
Terminal : Ali Mall 1, Cubao, Q.C.
Tel No: 63(2)913-1510

Fariñas Transit
Destination : Pampanga, Tarlac, La Union, Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte (and all provinces on the way)
Terminal : Laong Laan cor de la Fuente Sts., Sampaloc, Manila
Tel No: 63(2)731-4507

Franco Federico Lines
Destination : Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte
Terminal : Sampaloc, Manila
Tel No: 63(2)731-4473

JAC Liner
Destination : Laguna, Quezon
Terminal : EDSA cor. Kamias St., Quezon City
Tel No: 63(2)682-5750

JAM Transit
Destination : Batangas, Laguna, Quezon
Terminal : Timog Ave. cor. EDSA, Quezon City
Tel No: 63(2)541-4409

Maria de Leon Transit
Destination : La Union, Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte (and all provinces on the way)
Terminal : Dapitan cor. Gelinos St, Sampaloc, Manila
Tel No: 63(2)731-4907

Partas Transit
Destination : La Union, Abra, Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte (and all provinces on the way)
Terminal : 816 Aurora Boulevard cor. Arayat St., Cubao, Q.C.
Tel No: 63(2)725-7303

Philippine Rabbit
Destination : Bulacan, Pampanga, Bataan, Zambales, Tarlac, La Union, Abra, Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte (and all provinces on the way)
Terminal : Rizal Avenue, Manila
Tel No: 63(2)734-9838

Philtranco
Destination : Bicol region, Samar, Leyte, Davao, Iloilo, Kalibo; Shuttle bus to and from Diosdado Macapagl International Airport (Clark International Airport) in Angeles City, Pampanga
Terminal & Tel No: EDSA: 63(2)851-8077, 8079; & Cubao: 63(2)722-7567

RCJ Transit
Destination : La Union, Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte (and all provinces on the way)
Terminal : España St. cor. Gov. Forbes Ave., Sampaloc, Manila; Tel No: 63(2)731-4907;
For Schedule Information Only: Libis, Quezon City; Tel No.: 63(2)912-9378, 911-3978

Saulog Transit
Destination : Cavite, Bataan and Olongapo
Terminal : 1377 Quirino Ave., Paranaque
Tel No: 63(2)825-2926

Tritran Transit
Destination : Batangas, Quezon
Terminal : EDSA, Quezon City
Tel No: 925-1758

Victory Liner
Destination : Olongapo, Zambales, Tarlac, La Union, Baguio, Pangasinan, Isabela and Cagayan
Terminal : 561 EDSA Pasay City
Tel No: 63(2)833-0293

Viron Transit
Destination : Pampanga, Tarlac, Pangasinan, La Union and Ilocos Sur
Terminal : 1209 Blumentritt cor. Dapitan Street, Sampaloc, Manila
Tel No: 63(2)741-6588.

Travel News : Philippines, ‘Ecotourism Destination of the Year’ awarded by FRANCE

2008-10-05T19:45:00.002+08:00

MANILA, Philippines - The French can’t seem to get enough of the Philippines these days.

Fresh from being featured in two seasons of “Koh Lanta,” the French version of “Survivor,” the country recently clinched another honor: the coveted “Ecotourism Destination of the Year” title in the 2009 edition of Nature, one of France’s biggest travel fairs.

A jubilant Joseph Ace Durano, secretary of the Philippine Department of Tourism, broke the good news at the recently concluded Top Resa travel fair in Paris.

Colleagues from DOT and the Philippine Tourism Authority as well as representatives from the government and private sectors, which included some of the country’s biggest tour oper ators and resort establishments, joined him in the four-day fair.

The country’s participation culminated in a cocktail party hosted by DOT for France’s top travel executives. Dubbed as “Mabuhay Night,” the affair was hosted by Frenchman and “Koh Lanta” star Denis Brogniart and featured the Bayanihan Dancers, May Bayot and Acoustic Jive, champion bartender Ryan Burgos and “Koh Lanta” finalists.

Unlike Top Resa, which marked its 30th year, Nature appeals more to direct consumers as opposed to industry movers. The Philippines has been joining Top Resa for the past three years, and will debut next year in Nature. As the sole featured destination, all eyes will likely be on the Philippines.

“An adventure travel fair like Nature mirrors the French people’s preference for ecotourism,” said Durano. “It combines nature-based travel with a bit of physical activity and cultural immersion.”

Unprecedented

Durano attributed this latest development to a number of factors, foremost of which is the country’s selection as site of “Koh Lanta” for two years in a row. After shooting in El Nido, Palawan, in 2006, the show’s producers were back in late 2007, this time in Caramoan, Camarines Sur, with a new batch of competitors.

“This is unprecedented in ‘Koh Lanta’s’ history,” he said. “Since it debuted a few years ago, the show is watched by almost 8 million people every week.”

Images of the Philippines are likely to linger in French living rooms a year or two from now, as Durano finalizes details with producers of the French version of “Great Amazon.” The show, which reportedly has a bigger following than “Koh Lanta,” also wants to shoot an entire season in the Philippines.

“Based on exit surveys we did, foreign tourists spent close to $4.8 billion in the Philippines last year,” said Durano. “This figure doesn’t include plane fares and hotel accommodations, which they usually buy in their respective countries, and other miscellaneous expenses.”

After exceeding last year’s target of three million tourists by close to 100,000, the country, despite dire global developments, seems poised to meet its current target of 3.5 million tourists by the end of 2008.

Faced with a financial meltdown, the US market has begun to slow down. The same condition applies to Japan and other key European markets, except France and Russia.

“While global tourism continues to contract, the French market, as far as we’re concerned, grew by 29 percent in the first seven months of the year,” he said.

French arrivals to the country was in the red as recently as three years ago, making such a feat all the more impressive, Durano added.

Only the Russian market, which posted a 34-percent growth rate within the same period, did better. Both groups are known to visit a particular country for an average of two weeks.

“Europeans spend more as a whole because they stay longer,” said Durano. “Although the average amount they spend is lower than short-staying tourists, they end up spending more during their two- to three-week stay.”

Personalized service

But unlike Russians, who love to stay in big hotels that promote luxury travel, the French prefer small and quaint resorts where service is more personalized.

This explains why big players, with the exception of Sofitel Philippine Plaza, from such mature destinations as Manila, Cebu and Boracay were absent in Top Resa. In their place were relatively remote properties from Palawan, Camarines Sur and Bohol.

“We’re very careful not to position the Philippines in France as a place known primarily for big-city hotels,” said Durano. “The French have always been trend-setters when it comes to food, clothes and, as we found out, also travel.”

With a relatively minuscule promotions budget compared to that of Thailand, Malaysia and India, DOT has learned to become more selective and creative in its marketing thrust.

In lieu of major ad placements in CNN and BBC, for instance, Durano and his team led by Undersecretary Edu Jarque, Assistant Secretary Theresa Martinez and Team Europe head Verna Buensuceso have chosen smaller but more focused marketing venues to get the country’s message across.

DOT has tapped Frenchman Blaise Borezes, PR manager for the Asian market of Interface, a leading PR and advocacy firm in France, to promote the country as a tourism destination.

It was through Interface’s efforts that the country gained the attention of people behind “Koh Lanta.” The company is also responsible for identifying and inviting French travel journalists to go to the Philippines on familiarization tours.

After years of being relegated to the fringes through expensive tailor-made tour packages drawn up by a handful of French experts on Asia and such activities as diving and trekking, the Philippines is now slowly inching its way into the mainstream.

For one, said Borezes, a growing number of tour operators in France now include the Philippines in their window displays. They likewise offer the potential French traveler a choice between costly tailor-made tours and more readily available and affordable group-tour packages to the country.

Serious efforts

The country’s 83-sq m booth this year, although similar in look with previous efforts, was much bigger to accommodate all participants than when DOT first joined Top Resa. It only goes to show, said Borezes, that the country is serious in its efforts to promote tourism and has now joined the ranks of major players.

“Interest in the Philippines is bound to intensify after Jet Tour and Bacamces Tramsat, two of France’s best tour operators, recently launched the Philippines as one of its major destinations,” he said.

The French, he added, are always on the lookout for newer, more exciting destinations in Asia. Those who first stumbled on the Philippines were pleasantly surprised to find out the country, apart from its postcard-pretty beaches, has an interesting Latin heritage that’s totally unique in Asia.

“The French are always looking for culture in a country,” he said. “They love visiting old churches and going to markets to experience how life is in a particular place. If you travel so far, you need to find something different yet familiar. You don’t travel for 15 hours just to see a nice beach.”

Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 05:48:00 10/05/2008

Travel News: Cebu Pacific flies Manila-Osaka

2008-09-16T14:27:00.002+08:00

Cebu Pacific (CEB), the airline business unit of Gokongwei-owned conglomerate JG Summit Holdings Inc., will fly direct from Manila to Osaka, Japan three-times weekly starting on November 20, 2008.

Using its 179-seater A320 aircraft, the new service departs every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday at 1:30pm and arrives in Osaka at 6:25pm. The return trip takes off at 7:10pm and arrives in Manila at 10:05pm.

Osaka is CEB’s first destination in Japan and it’s fifteenth in Asia after Bangkok, Guangzhou, Ho Chi Minh, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Kaohsiung, Kota Kinabalu, Kuala Lumpur, Macau, Pusan, Seoul, Shanghai, Singapore, and Taipei.

Lance Y. Gokongwei, CEB President and CEO, said, “Japan has a very active and vibrant travel market. This service will be strategically important to the country’s tourism agenda and should also help us attain our goal of flying seven million passengers this year.”

He added, “The Manila-Osaka service will likewise allow our overseas Filipino workers to come home more frequently because of our trademark low fares. This will also generate interest among the Japanese market for our competitive medical and wellness tourism packages in the Philippines. ”

CEB is offering a one-way introductory fare of P1,999 on the Manila-Osaka route, a price cut of 70% from the current fares offered by other airlines. The seat sale will run from September 16 to 30, 2008 and is good for travel from November 20 to December 18, 2008. Fare is non-refundable and exclusive of applicable surcharges and government taxes.

After the seat sale, the lowest year-round ‘Go’ fare is P3,999, still a price cut of 40% from the current fares offered by other airlines for this route.

CEB explained that passengers who avail of their ‘Go Lite’ fares can get P200 off of their fares. Bookings can be made via cebupacificair.com, CEB’s call centers, sales offices or travel agents.

Gokongwei emphasized, “With this long awaited announcement to fly to Japan, we hope that the public will take advantage of our seat sale and book their flights now.”

“CEB is the only low cost carrier in the world operating to the three major North Asian countries with services to China, Korea and now Japan.” Gokongwei concluded.

CEB is RP’s leading airline to the ASEAN region. The airline flew 5.5 million passengers in 2007 and has the youngest fleet of aircraft in the Philippines.

From Cebu Pacific News Archive

Travel News: 19th Philippine Travel Fair Triple X

2008-09-11T14:41:00.002+08:00

The yearly 3 day travel fair in the country is happening again tomorrow at SM Megamall's Trade Hall. this is the day all the travel junkies out there have been waiting for. the theme for this year is xtreme i think they will focus on the adventure side of the Philippines so if your up for some cheap travel adventure then head on to SM Megamall Tomorrow Sept 12-14 2008.

Puerto Galery Trip Report

2008-07-29T14:21:00.006+08:00

Hello readers soooory for not updating i was so busy these past few weeks have a lot of things to do. i was stress out and one of the best thing to ease your stress is to go out of town. so i invited my friends to go to puerto galera over the weekend for some r&r and the island never failed to pamper me. though prices are starting to skyrocket in the island starting from the port where you buy the banca tickets and terminal fee. my last trip to puerto galera was last January its just one day a very short trip so this time we decided to stay for 3 days and we are so lucky that the typhoon didn't spoil our trip. it was sunny in the island for the whole 2 days but the waves are so big so we wasn't able to swim that much. but we are able to do snorkeling and of course party at night. like what i have said in my previous post, party in galera is one of the best beach party here in the Philippines just dont forget to try the signature drink of the island the mindoro sling.

Getting To Puerto

Puerto Galera is 3 to 5 hours away from manila you can go by car or by bus there are several bus going to batangas port scattered all over the metro they are in taft avenue,buendia,cubao and alabang. fare is 180php and then the boat fare from batangas port to puerto galera is 280 php if you purchase a one way ticket but if you get the roundtrip ticket u will have a 60 php dicount so instead of 560 php it will be just 500 php and then u will have to pay the 50 php environmental fee. so its 910 php all in all for the fare.

Where To Stay

I highly recommend vm or white beach resort as we always stay there ever since though there are lots of resort to choose in the island i already feel at home at the whote beach resort friendly staff and very accomodating and the resort is loceted conveniently.

For Hotel Accomodation and Activities In The Island You Can contact A Good Friend Of Mine Mrs. Precy Hayag She Is Very Nice and Friendly and Doesnt Overpriced on Her Water Sports Activities Just Haggle.

Precy Hayag
Call or text : +639206044368 or +639273633242

Services Offered:
Snorkeling
Sightseeing
Island Hopping
Fishing
Hiking
Banana Boat
Jetski
Trip To Tamaraw Falls
and Parasailing

Photo Gallery Of Puerto Galera

Batangas Port Ticket booth

Inside The Port

On Our Way To White Beach

Sunset At White Beach

The Funny Entertainers At White Beach

She is Monica

My good friend jonah

Korean loves her she is beyonce

very sexy dianne

the bitchy joan

cutie nicky and funny michelle

Saturday morning at white beach

After snorkeling

VM and White Beach Resort

Sunday Morning Its Time To Go

Its started to rain

More islands along the way

For more about pueto galera you can check out my older post here

Baguio City Trip report

2008-06-28T13:08:00.005+08:00

After our exhausting trip to Bataan i decided to stay in Pampanga for one more day met with some friends for a night out got drunk and next thing i know me and my friend merz is on the bus on our way to baguio. its a city in the north of the Philippines it was established by Americans in 1900 and was dubbed as the Summer Capital Of The Philippines because of its cool weather almost all year long. baguio is about 5 hours away from pampanga and i thing 6 to 7 from manila we rode victory liner bus my favorite bus for northern trips it cost us 297 php from Dau terminal to baguio while it will cost you double when you are coming from manila. when we get off the bus we check out the tourist information cbooth too look for some cheaper accomodation all of them are cheap but we are looking for real cheap accomodation as we are just planning to stay for a few hours not over night so we just decided to walk around and found this transient house not so far away from victory liner teminal the location was nice its just a walking distance from the terminal and to the mall. they charged us 500 php for a few hours stay and told us that if we decided to stay overnight we will just have to add 100 php the place was nice the owners are kind and friendly and there is also a canteen downstairs. we decided to sleep for a while like 2 hours before we start our city tour. after 2 hours my ipod alarm its time to wake up so i ask for a towel went to the bathroom and was shock to find out that they dont have a heater well you can boil a water but i really dont have a time for that so its do or die i choose die hehe i felt like taking bath in oceans of antartica but i love it it was so refreshing.

So after we freshen up ourselves we decided to start our city our we started at by riding a taxi to mines view one of the must see tourist spot of the city it offers fantastic mountain view nobody will believed you went to baguio if you doesnt have a picture at mines view. so we stay there for like 20 mins and decided to move on our next destination Burnham Park one of the most famous park in the country you can do a lot of things here eat,go boating,biking and walk around. so we are enjoying our picture taking when suddenly we saw ella and the gang my sisters bestfriend i was shocked cause i wasnt expecting to see them there right at that moment i belived its really a small world hehe. so they ask us what are we doin there and we did not contact them that we are also going so i said it wa sunplanned and that we are going down in a while she told me to just go down tomorrow with them and just sleep at their room tonight so i said yes anyway i really dont wanna go home yet. so while at the park we eat some street food like quail eggs and some chicken barbeque then we go to SM City the biggest mall in the city that doesnt need aircon.

We just decided to walked our way there and we pass by one of the most famous road of the city the beautiful session road i remember merz saying it feels like you are in new york or tokyo hehe and after a few minutes of walking we reach the mall so we roam a round for a while we found nothing special inside the mall as it is just the same as the other SM mall in the country expect they doesnt have aircon and the have a fabulous viewing point located at the 5th or 6th floor. then it started raining so we decided to go back to their hotel which is walking distance from the mall and near the Baguio Cathedral but since its raining we just took a taxi. their hotel was so beautiful and cheap Citylight Hotel i was really amazed that you can get a room for 400 php and its equipped with a tv but a common toilet and bathroom but not bad and the hotel comes with a restaurant and a bar which we visited later on that night. then the next day we continue our city tour starting off again to mines view because they wasnt able to visit the other day then to wright park because jaypee paula's son want to go horse back riding which cost 150 php for a 30 minute ride. then while they are enjoying horse back riding we decided to roam around wright park took the 150 plus stair up and check out the mansion the official residence of the president whenever she is in baguio especially during holy week. so after wright park we went to the baguio dry market to buy some pasalubong (souvenirs) and to buy some cheap vegetables. after that went back to the hotel to get our stuff eat lunch and ride the bus back to Pampanga.

Getting There:

By bus

From Manila

This is the most common and economical way to get to Baguio from Metro Manila. Several bus lines ply the Metro Manila to Baguio route with terminals scattered across the metro. It generally takes about 5 to 7 hours to get to Baguio by bus. An hour longer than it would by car due to stopovers along the way.

Victory Liner [2] has hourly bus service to Baguio from its Monumento Main terminal in Caloocan City, Cubao (+632 727-4534) and Pasay (+632 833-5019 to 20) terminals. Buses are generally modern and air-conditioned but seats are sized generally for Filipinos and tall people would need to take advantage of the various stopovers to stretch their legs. Cost is just under 400 Pesos per person one way. A non-stop deluxe bus service is also available for 600 Pesos per person one way, snack is served during the trip.
Dagupan Bus, Edsa cor. New York St., Cubao, Quezon City, Tel. +632 929-6123, 928-5639, 727-2330, 727-2287. Also serves the Manila to Baguio route via its Cubao Terminal. Buses leave on an hourly basis.

By air

Asian Spirit (As of June 2007)flies Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday from Manila to Baguio. The flight takes only 50 minutes and lands in Loakan Airport which is about a 20 minute ride south of the city center. A return ticket costs 6,000 pesos.

By car

The only motorway from Manila to the south to get to Baguio via car is using the North Luzon Expressway which extends until Sta. Ines, Pampanga and there is no more motorway beyond this, only narrow roads such as the McArthur Highway. Visitors need to pass through the provinces of Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac and Pangasinan to get to Baguio quickly from Manila and the south. As much as driving is not advised for tourists in Manila, it is doubly risky to do it going to Baguio. There are three main routes leading up to Baguio by road, Kennon Road is the shortest taking only 30-45 minutes to climb from the foot of the mountain, Marcos Highway takes upto 1 hour to climb and Naguillan Road is 3 hours longer. All three roads can get blocked by landslides and Kennon Road with its long winding stretches is both scenic and dangerous. If you are intent on driving to Baguio, it would be best to hire a Filipino driver for this purpose. Most rental car companies in the Philippines offer chauffeur driven rentals in addition to the usual self-driven rentals.

Visitors need to keep in mind that it while it takes at average 6-7 hours to get to Baguio by car, it takes much longer during holiday weekends like Holy Week.

Places To Check Out :

Camp John Hay - the former R&R facility for American military personnel during the American occupation. Was turned over to the Philippine Government in 1991. Now under the auspices of the Bases Conversion & Development Authority (BCDA), Camp John Hay is now a sort of country club complete with an 18-hole golf course, horseback riding, camping and many more. A condotel has also been in operation since 2001.

Mines View - enjoy the view of the beautiful mountain scenery

Session Road - the main thoroughfare of Baguio, where most of the city activity is centered.

Philippine Military Academy

Wright Park

Burnham Park - go for a walk or go rowing on the small lake (100 pesos per hour).

Strawberry Fields - go strawberry picking which is a jeepney ride out of the main city.

Riverside Hotel - Enjoy Hot Spring Swimming Pools in a Valley surrounded by Lush Green Vegetation and stay the night (just 19Km from City Center), near the two Asin Tunnels drilled by the Spanish colonizers using prisoners of war during the second part of the 19th.century, one 158 feet and the other 95 feet long (starting at 1,300 pesos per night).

If your going to visit baguio during the month of February you should check out the Baguio Flower Festival of famously known as The Panagbenga.

For night out out in the city you might wanan check out Citylight Hotel or the bars at Nevada Square.

Where To Stay:

Click Here

but i strongly recommend

The Citylight Hotel located at 245 Upper General Luna Road Baguio City
Contact No. (074) 444-7544 to 47

Standard Single Room - 450php
Single bed with common toilet and bathroom

Standard Twin - 900php
Two single beds with common toilet and bathroom

Standard Double - 1,200php
One doeble bed with toilet and bathroom

De Luxe Double - 1,600php
One double bed with toilet and bathroom-carpeted

De Luxe Twin - 1,800php
Two semi double beds with toilet and bathroom

Family Room - 2,200php
Two semi double beds with balcony

Executive Suite - 2,800php
One Room with double bed and living room

Presidential Suite - 3,200php
One master bedroom with toilet and bathroom,one oom with two semi double beds with common toilet and bathroom

Apartelle 1 - 3,200php
One master bedroom with toilet and bathroom,one oom with two semi double beds with common toilet and bathroom and fully furnished kitchen

Apartelle 2 - 4,000 php
One master bedroom with toilet and bathroom,one oom with two semi double beds with common toilet and bathroomand fully furnished kitchen and a balcony.

Photo Gallery Of Baguio City

Marcos Highway Going To Baguio City

View From The Transient House

The Transient House

Microtel Inn

Victory Liner Bus Terminal

Mines View

Burnham Park

Session Road

SM CITY Baguio

The Baguio Cathedral

The Bar At Citylight Hotel

Rooms at Citylight

Mines View Again

The Mansion and Wright Park

Baguio Dry Market

Downtown

Citylight Hotel

Our Messy Room

Sunset Cove Resort

2008-06-16T21:40:00.012+08:00

It was my bestfriends birthday last monday and she decided that we celebrate it in a different way something different from the usuall clubbin or karaoke party. so i told her why not celebrate it in a private resort but not far from the city. so we found Sunset Cove resort in Morong Bataan we think it was a great place to place to relax and get away from the busy city life.but on the day of her birthday much drama have happen she had fight with her bf so she just decided to ditched bataan and just go to baguio so off we rode the bus to baguio and just when we were on our first bus stop in tarlac city she told me that we are not going to baguio anymore cause her bf is coming to pick us up and were just goin to bataan isntead can i just say a waste of time. well i didnt have prob with that its her day. so we get off the bus and wait for he's bf and after a few minutes he's already there and started our journey to bataan i was so excited. we leave tarlac at around 4 pm we took the newly opened Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway and can i just say wow it was so great the view was stunning no traffic hehe and the view was just so greeeen. after a few minutes we already reach the exit we took the dinalupihan exit which is the wrong exit so the supposedly 2 to 3 hours trip became an exhausting 8 hours journey sounds like we went to pagudpud or somewhere. i love road trip but that was scary as it was night time already and we really dont know where we goin we are short on gas and the car is acting crazy say hello to overheat. and all the people that we asked for direction seems to just sending us to hell they dont know about the resort and we cant contact the resort. we started loosing hope and just wanted to go home till we dound this bataan technology something there the guards was very helpfull to help us find what we are looking for. and finally after almost 8 hours on the road we finally found the resort which is only 20 minutes away if we only took the subic exit and not the dinulupihan well past is past and atleast nothing bad happen to us. when we reach the resort its already closed but they still open up for us and was really shocked on what happen. my best friends birthday wasnt celebrated in the resort but instead on the road hehe. when we get to the resort we decided to order some beer and some chips before going to sleep and decided to woke up early to hit the beach. then we woke up at around 8 am had breakfast and went to the beach after. we had fun at the resort though we didnt stayed that long still we enjoy the trip and the place it was very relaxing and the staff are very accomodating. we will definitely comeback. last week was roadtrip week cause after my bataan trip i did the very unexpected baguio trip with merz watch out for my baguio trip report.

Getting there: Sunset Cove is located at Morong, Bataan. Just a few minutes outside SBMA and Ocean Adventure.

Any questions or inquiries?

Contact: 0926-7110155 (Paolo) or 0928-5001132 (Cecile).

Rates: Starts At 2000 php and 150 php entrance fee.

Photo Gallery Of Sunset Cove

SCTEX

Sunset Cove

Rooms

Resort

Pavillion Entertainment Area

Cottages and Beach Front Area

The Beach

View From Our Terrace

Feature: Tricycle

2008-05-27T13:30:00.004+08:00

Next to jeepneys and taxi's another form of transportation here in the Philippines are the tricycle. they are the kings of Philippines inner roads and alleys and sometime you can even see them on national highway. tricycle or better known here as trikes is a cheaper way to get to your exact destination though in some places trike can be pricey cause in some provinces its their main way of transportation to the next city or town. but here in the city trikes usually used for street to street hopping or from one village to the next. trikes varies in different regions of the Philippines the trikes in Visayas and Mindanao are much bigger looks like a mini jeepney that can accommodate 10 person or more wherein here in the city it usually can sit 3 to 4 person only. trikes are very similar to Thailand's tuktuk.

Photo Gallery Of Tricycle

Basic Tagalog Language

2008-05-22T11:55:00.003+08:00

When travelling to other country learning the local language is one of the interesting part of the trip .well you dont have to learn the whole language unless you really want to but atleast learn some basic and usefull phrases that you can use while travelling around that country especially if you are in a country where english is not that used often. In The Philippines tourist dont have that much problem talking to locals as filipino have a good knowledge in english. well anyway here are some of the basic tagalog words.

Welcome Mabuhay!
Good morning Magandang umaga
Good afternoon Magandang hapon
Good evening Magandang gabi
How are you? Kumusta ka?
Good/Fine Mabuti
Goodbye Paalam
Beautiful Maganda
You are beautiful Maganda Ka
I love you Mahal Kita
Cheap Mura
Expensive Mahal
Small Maliit
Big Malaki
He/She Siya
How many? Ilan?
How much? Magkano?
How? Paano?
I/We Ako/Tayo
No Hindi
Thank you Salamat
Please Pakiusap
Time Oras
What? Ano?
When? Kailan?
Where? Saan?
Who? Sino?
Why? Bakit?
Yes Oo/Opo
You're Welcome Walang anuman
You Ikaw
They Sila
Up Taas
Down Baba
Left Kaliwa
Right Kanan
North Hilaga/Norte
East Silangan
South Timog
West Kanluran
Far Malayo
Near Malapit

Boracay Trip Report

2008-05-03T00:08:00.019+08:00

I'm back from my boracay escapade and it was amazing it always feels like it's my first time and its always hard leaving the island it always took me a few days to move on. arrrrgggggghhh i wanna go back now hehe. i went with two of my friends we decided to go by boat instead of plane because we want to experienced it and we are on a budget and even if not i would love to spend my money in the island rather than on my air fare. ok so let me share you now my lil bora adventure mmmmm just some of it hehe.

The Negros Navigation Porter's. Doin Their Dance Routine.

DAY 1: Ok so we left Manila at around 6 pm the ship Negros Navigation was scheduled to leave by 5 and good thing it didnt leave on time or we wont be able to get on the boat haha we get to pier 2 by 5:30 pm so thank god they waited for us. we paid for the economy as i thought its just fine but when we get there it was a chaos people are everywhere and occupying other beds especially those with kids so i said to my friends oh my i cant stay here, and so i went to the frontdesk and ask if we can upgrade our tickets to what is available cabin,business class or whatever but sadly no more available but instead she offer us to just stay to this semi business class room equipped with business class airplane seat and the room is free of charged so everybody can stay there and goodthing not everybody did. so i was happy about that we get there sleep and as soon as we woke up we are already near caticlan. we reach the port at around 7 am, docking and everything took about an hour so we were able to got off our boat at around 8 am all in all travel time from Manila to Caticlan was 13 to 14 hours. head inside the caticlan jetty port to pay for the terminal fee,environmental fee and boat fare all in all its 119.50 php or $2. rode the boat and we reach the cagban port in about 15 mins and rode the trycycle to station 3 the trycycle fare is 20 php per person but if you want it to leave right away and not wait for other passenger anymore you will have to pay 100 php for that. then 10 mins after and we are already in paradise. i called up Orchids Resort to tell them that we already reach station 3 so they instructed us to stay in Andoks restaurant and wait there and their staff will pick us up. 3 mins later and here is gerry (orchids staff) to pick us up and take us to our temporary home in paradise and thats the fabulous orchids resort. well nothing special about the resort compare to the high rise resort like Regency and other's but the resort have a very homey ambiance and very great friendly staff so it feels like you were staying in a 5 star hotel even if your not. it cost us 915 php a night for their fan room it has 3 beds and a clean bathroom with hot and cold shower and you can request for a cable tv with extra chrage of 2$ a night. the resort is equipped with WIFI and free kitchen use for all the guest. the first thing i did when we get to our room was took a shower rest for a while and then head on to station 1 for our first lunch. we are really planning to eat at cafe lupe but too bad we cant find it we ask some local where it is located now some say its close some say it is still open grrrrrrr were hungry so we just opted for other restaurant we ended up at this BED Space inspired restaurant called Boracay Plaza. the food was not that bad we spend 300 php each on our first lunch. after lunch we went to D'Mall to do some pasalubong shopping mmmm maybe you are wondering why buying pasalubong on the first day ha? hehehe well they scared they will spend all their money and not be able to buy pasalubong hehe. so they bought some boracay necklace and anklets no shirts as its expensive in the mall i told them to buy shirts in the D'Talipapa a cheaper version of the D' Mall. after the mall went back to our room and put on our swimsuits lol. orchids resort is not a beach front so we do hangout infront of Arowana Resort and Restaurant for our sunbathing and inorder to do that we have to order in their resto i did order 3 san mig light for the 3 of us then we also order some sandwich and i tell you their sandwich are fabulous sooo yummmy. while relaxing in the sun my friend decided to have he's henna tattoo he paid 100 for it. we stayed at arowanas up to 6 pm then move on to farther down south to Casa Camilla where my american friend is staying for a long time. and there we we have our dinner next to Casa Camilla the ever Fabulous resort and Restaurant Blue Mango oh my i just cant get enough of their food and desert. that night i had a lasagna then after we tried on their dessert Monkey Madness. after dinner the rain poured in so werent able to go home and i was sooo pissed as it was our first night and it rained i said to myself how can i party? the rain lasted for about 2 to 3 hours so we decided to hang out at Blue Mango first i had some vodka sprite. then after some drinks the rain went away so we rush in to our room fix ourselves and head on to station 1 to party since its still raining we decided to just rode on the tricycle and check out Cocomangas first. as soon as we get inside cocomangas the rain poured in so hard again. Cocomangas was not that appealing to me anymore compare to the first time i was there good thing their drinks was still one of the best. after we finish our Illusion jar (310 php) we head on to our next destination to the beach front bar we started it off at Guilly's it was jampacked no table for us so we checked out the bar next to it one of my fave Club Paraw there i had some Vodka RedBull or they call it PitBull (170 php) stay there till around 3 am then people started to vanish so we decided to call it a night. i wanted to walk to station 3 as i wanna drop by D'Mall and check out this restaurant that serves soup all day but sad to say they are not around anymore so we just decided to go home but when we get to station 3 we saw people are still partying over at Juice so why go home when we can still stay and party still we stay for a while and i had a few vodka sprite (70 php). then went home at around 4:30 am.

Juice Bar station 2

DAY 2 I woke up at around 12 noon with a headache and very bad stomach maybe because of all the drink i had so i was craving for a very hot Shrimp Sinigang. so we head on to D'Mall to search the place with best sinigang and we ended up at this place called Mikay's and indeed they have great Sinigang there its 190 php per order and they say its good for 2 person well its not cause it was for 4 person lolz. after our yummy lunch i was feeling ok now so we roam around D'Mall bought some stuff then head on to the tourist center to check some email internet at tourist center will cost you 70 php per hour minimum of 30 php and if you reach the 30 minute plus period you will have to pay the whole one hour. after tourist center went back to our fave hangout arowana for some fun in the sun. at about 4 pm that day the rain poured in again so we decided to just get inside our room. i had some sandwich that night for dinner at arowanas smoked bacon sandwich for 120 php. after dinner relax for a while watch tv then head on to station 1 to party again.

DAY 3 I was not that wasted the other night so i woke up early for some sunbathing. so i ordered frozen ice tea 70 php. lay down on my beach bed and listen to bob marley. i stayed under the sun till lunch time there i met a few people from other countries there's a German girl who's been stayin in the island for around 2 months already and the couple from Seatle. i had a great time chatting with them we just talk about how beautiful the Philippine is, and i also told them that Philippines was not all about Boracay and Palawan there are many more places worth visiting. after sunbathing i went to station 2 to deposit some money at BPI Bank and then went to Budget Mart supermarket to buy some bread and drinks. then went back to our hotel for lunch we just order rice at the hotel's kitchen that day for 10 php and then we just open my corned beef. after lunch sleep went outside to swim drank a few beers. and head on to the farthest part of station 3 the Angol Point where the most Fabulous resort hotel in the island is located and thats the Lorenzo South too bad it was sold now to the koreans. we had some picture taking there at the rock formation then went back home as the rain was starting to poured in again yes it was raining everyday when we were there. grrrrrrrrrrrr.

DAY 4: My day started with some fun in the sun, lots of picture taking, then lunch at Big Mama's in station 1 its a Tapsilogan their price start at 70 php up and tell you its very yummmmyyyy. i ordered spamsilog on a hot afternoon hehe. then went to D'Talipapa for some more pasalubong shopping. i bought some shirts 75 php each, cute ankle bracelets with colorful stones for 20 php each, sarong for 240 each and a necklace with ivory pendant or i dont know what was that for 50 php haggled for 40 php. just a tip whenever you do your shopping in boracay whether in D' Mall
or in D'Talipapa try your best to haggle and do your shopping in the afternoon around 5 pm up. after shopping its time for our last swim, and more picture taking it was a very nice day the weather was just so perfet no rain. so we decided to have some picture taking. around the island from station 3 we went to the grotto to Friday's Resort all the way to the The Nami Private Villa's they got a very nice view there. wow it was the most beautiful day during our stay and i say it was one of the most tiring too we just walk the whole 5 or 7 km island wow. then as we are goin back Club Paraw have just laid thiere beach mat and pillows it was so inviting not to mention its happy hour. so we decided to sit down relax do people watching and wait for the sunset. i ordered the buy 1 take one kamikaze for 120 php. i actually wanted to go to Jonah's but there's a lot of people already so we just stay at paraw and watch the most fantastic sunset. i was so happy that i was able to saw the sunset before we leave.

Day 5: Woke up at around 9 am went to the western union office to collect my adsense payment finally my first experienced hehe.on my way to the resort i decided to ordered Sinigang at Boracay Ocean Club its a Fabulous resort in station 3 you should check it out and oh my the Sinigang na Hipon was a winner as in champion. went back to the hotel after pay for our balance and say goodbye to the most wonderful staff of the resort they are all kind to us we'll never forget them. went to casa camilla to say goodbye to alan my very good friend and went back to orchids to fix my messy stuff we were able to check out at around 2 pm the check out time was 12 noon but because they are very kind no more extra charge hehe. hayyyyy the part that i hated most riding the trike to Cagban Port the fare is still the same 100 php for charter ride. then pay another 50 php terminal fee and 20 php boat fare at Cagban Port. then when we get to Caticlan i called up RODATSCO to buy our ticket on our way back to manila. we did not wait for the next Negros Navigation trip as it will be on May 3 so we just decided to do The R.O.R.O instead it cost us around 1000 php all in all for the Caticlan Manila trip.

It was again a fantastic trip i enjoyed it soooooooo much and as i said it always feels like the first time i dont wanna leave boracay everytime im there. and also it makes me sad that the island was over commercialized now lots of establishment being put up just everywhere in the island. i just hope that despite all this the government of boracay will be able to preserve the island and for everyone to experienced it forever.

My Boracay Recommendation

Places To Eat : Mikay's Cuisine At D'Mall,Andoks,Big Mama's,Smoke,D'Talipapa and Blue Mango At Station 3.

Places To Party : Juice Bar Station 2,Club Paraw,Guilly's,Wave at Regency Hotel,Beachcomber and Cocomangas.
(Must Try Drinks are Adios Mother Fucker of Juice bar cost around 120 php not sure,Illusion Jar of Cocomangas for 310 php,Pitbull of Club Paraw, Beachcomber also has the best drinks of all their Kamikaze was to die for. its just a bit pricey if you want it blue it will cost you 300 php.) how much will you spend on your night is really depends on how alcoholic you are hehe. and also dont forget to check out the BBq's outside paraw.

Thing's To Do : Paraw Saling It Cost 500 php per hour you can contact my friend Alan Adkins and rent one of he's sailboat at +639062637077.or Rent a Mountain Bike or ATV to Mount Luho or Puka Beach for the ATV ir will cost you 500 php for an hour and the number to contact is +639192332390, Island Hopping,Snorkeling,Parasailing,Reef Walking,Sunset Cruise and Scuba Diving are offered around the island so just try your best to haggle. but if you are really on a budget and dont have enough money for these activities there are lots of enjoyable activities for you to enjoy like Beach Hopping,Building Sand Castle,Sunbathing,People Watching,Swimming,or Picture Taking at Boracay's Famous Landmarks and dont Forget To Watch and Take a Picture Of The Boracay Sunset.

For Traveling By Boat Try Negros Navigation or If By R.O.R.O contact RODATSCO at +639215245394 they offer vans from Manila To Caticlan and V.V its much better than taking the bus as it will cost u a lot of time of all the stop over they make.

Where To Stay If Your On A Budget Click Here

Photo Gallery Of Boracay :

St. Joseph The Worker Boat Of Negros Navigation.

Small Boats At Caticlan Port

The Caticlan Jetty Port

Inside The Caticlan Jetty Port

Boat Ride To Cagban Port

First Day

Our Room at Orchids Resort

Orchids Resort Fan Room For 915 php

Boracay Station 3

My Favorite Restaurant and Resort in Boracay

Cocomangas Bar

Station 1 at Night

My Favorite Bar In Boracay "Juice"

My Favorite Drinks at Juice Adios M.F

Morning At Station 3

Palm Trees

Boracay Regency At Night

People Havin Fun At Juice

Our Fave Hangout Infront Of Arowanas Resort and Resto

The Boracay Ocean Club

Diving Anyone

Newy Open Resort at Boracay The Sands

Cheap Souvenir Shop At Talipapa

Afternoon at Station 3

Station 3 goin to Station 1 and 2

The Tourist Center

Station 2 goin to Station 1

Nice Weather

Infront of Club Paraw After Sunset

Another Fve Drink The Illusion Jar of Cocomangas

Sunset

Cliff along the way to Nami Private Villas

Hanging out at Club Paraw Waiting For The Sunset

Clear Water At Near Nami Resort

The Nami Private Villas

I Forgot The Name Of The Resort

Club Paraw Before Sunset

Can You Keep Up

2008-04-24T14:48:00.003+08:00

Cocomangas Bar in Boracay is one of the place to party hard in the island and it is also famous for its "Still Standing After 15" its a set of 15 hard drinks and if you were able to drink it all up and still alive you got a free shirt,your name engrave on the walls of the bar and 1 point for your country. so before you try it watch the video on how they do it. i always wanted to try it but i dont think i can finish all 15 hehe. so i just stick to their Illusion Drink.

Happy Earth Day

2008-04-22T20:41:00.001+08:00

First Year Blog Anniversary

2008-04-21T17:51:00.003+08:00

Wow its been a year since i started this blog. and after almost 40,000 site visit im still at it hehe. thansk to all the people who have visited my blog especially those on a regular basis thanks. and to those who love to leave comments and sending me emails thanks and forgive me if im late in replying on your mails and questions. to all the blogger that have linked me up thanks and more power to your blogs too. im goin to bora this sat to celebrate lol. more power to me...

Budget Hotels In Boracay

2008-04-12T11:48:00.010+08:00

Its the time of the year again to visit boracay, well we can do visit boracay all year round but summer is the best way to if you wanna go star spotting and party all night long till 10 am. can't wait for my comeback to boracay this coming april 25 this time we are going in by boat from manila. for a change and i dont have that much budget for transpo hehe it wont be boring anyway as i will be with my friends plus i can document it all and share it here so people who are on a low budget can have some tips on how to go by boat. anyway whenever we go to boracay i prefer to stay in station 3 except for my first one. i prefer to stay in station 3 not only they have good quality hotels there at a reasonable price but i just love how i sunbathe without people walking around. plus few people choose to stay there so mostly foreigner who prefer to stay longer are the ones in station 3 so its nice and not so noisy. for this trip i really did some research about budget hotels so i hop from forum to forum reading about people experience on low budget hotels in boracay especially this high season.

so you think you cant get a room in boracay for under 2000php ($48) during the summer? well wait till you check out the hotels i will be posting

Boracay Budget hotels:

Boracay Courtyard

Rates:
Superior (2 single beds) 1,400 php ($33)
Semi-deluxe (2 double beds) 1,700 php ($40)
Deluxe (2 double beds) 2,200 php ($53)

Location: Station 2 (at the back of Victory Divers), Brgy. Balabag, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan, Philippines

Contact: +63.918.937.6573 / +63.917.719.9970 / +63.922.844.4521 / +63.920.951.3665

Official Website : www.boracaycourtyard.com

La Isla Bonita

Rates:
Standard Fan 1,500 php ($36)
Marble Air-Condition Room 2,500 php ($60)
Deluxe Air Condition Room 3,000 php ($72)
Suite Air-Condition Room 3,500 php ($84)
Family Room 6,500 ($156)
Princess Room 5,000 php ($120)

Location : Beach Front, Boat Station 3

Contacts : +63 (036) 288 35 01 +63 (036) 288 69 59 Mobile: +63 0918 305 1335

Official Website : www.boracayislabonita.com

Melindas Garden Boracay

Rates :
Standard Fan Room: 1400 php ($33)
Aircon Room: 2,500 ($60)

Location: Station 3

Contacts : +63 36 2883021

Official Website : www.melindasgarden.com

Roque's Place

Rates:
Fan Room : 900 php ($21)
Standard Air-Condition Room : 2,500 php ($60)
Family Room : 3,500 php ($84)
Deluxe Air-Condition Room 4,500 php ($108)

Location : Just behind the tourist center in station 3

Contacts : +63 36 288 3356 Mobile +639212402991

Official Website : www.roquesplace.com

Fat Jimmys Resort

Rates :
Fan Room : 1,500 php ($36)
Standard Air-Condition Room : 2,500 php ($60)
Superior Rooms : 3,000 php ($72)

Free WiFi Resort

Location : Station 2

Contacts : Manila Office +6326327583 Mobile +639224214785/Boracay Office +63362885562 Mobile +639167027985

Official Website : www.fatjimmysboracay.com

Dave Straw Hat Inn

Rates :
Fan Room : 1,400 php ($33)
Standard Air-Condition Room : 1,960 php ($47)
Deluxe : 2,520 php ($60)

*RATES ARE SUBJECT TO 10 % SERVICE CHARGE AND 12 % GOVERNMENT TAXES

WIFI EQUIPPED RESORT

Location : Station 3

Contacts : +63362885465 Mobile +639177168647

Official Website : www.davesstrawhatinn.com

Club Ten Boracay

Rates :
Boracay Escapade II
Single Occupancy 5,800 php ($139)
Twin Sharing 3,700 php ($89)
Triple Sharing 3,500 php ($84)
Quadruple Sharing 3,200 php ($77)

Inclusions
3 days / 2 nights Accomodation
Daily Breakfast
Roundtrip Boat and Land Transfer
Welcome Drinks

Location : Between Boat Station 1 and 2

For Inquiries about the package and for there normal room rate Contact +63362886024

Official Website : www.clubtenboracay.com

Culpepper Boracay

Rates :
Culpepper Room Rates Starts At 2000 php ($48) to 3500 ($84)

Location : Sunset 1, Sitio Manggayad, Boracay Island,

Contacts : Email: boracayculpepper@yahoo.com or boracayculpepper@gmail.com
Yahoo Messenger : boracayculpepper
Telephone Numbers : 0063-36-288-5072
Mobile Numbers: 0063-919-8620-620 (Rommel Dizon) and
0063-916-6198-626 (Emily Dizon)

Official Website : www.boracayculpepper.com

Villa Camilla

Rates :
Fan Room : 1,700 php ($40)
Standard Air-Condition Room : 2,000 php ($48)
Semi-Deluxe : 2,800 php ($66)
Deluxe : 3,500 php ($83)
Family Room A : 4,500 php ($107)
Family Room B : 4,000 php ($95)

Location : Station 3

Contacts : +63-36/288-3354 Email : Front_Desk@VillaCamilla.com

Official Website : www.villacamilla.com

Orchids Resort

Rates :
Fan Room : 915 php ($21)
Air-Condition Room : 2,400 php ($58)
Cottages With Private Veranda (Fan Cooled) : 1,300 php ($32)
Family Villa : 5,000 php ($120)

Location : Station 3

Contacts : +63362883313/5079 Mobile +639172420833

Official Website : www.orchidsboracay.com

**rates posted are for high season**

Travel News: Universal Studios Theme Park Soon To Rise In RP

2008-04-08T15:11:00.002+08:00

Universal Studios theme park soon to rise in RP
By Zinnia De La Peña
Monday, April 7, 2008
The arrival of a Universal Studios theme park in the Philippines is creating a huge buzz after the Genting Berhad Group secured the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.(Pagcor)’s nod for its proposed project within the Las Vegas-like Bagong Nayong Pilipino-Manila Bay Integrated Tourism City.

Pagcor chairman and chief executive officer Efraim Genuino said the Genting Group has committed to develop 35 hectares of the 90-hectare prime reclaimed land facing Manila Bay into a world-class tourist destination.

Genuino said the Genting Berhad Group is planning to invest $3 billion in the Manila Bay Integrated City, the Philippines’ biggest tourism development project.

The Genting Berhad Group owns the Genting Highlands Resort in Malaysia and holds the exclusive development rights of film giant Universal Studios in Asia. It has teamed up with its subsidiary Star Cruises and Alliance Global Inc., the listed investment holding firm of retail tycoon Andrew Tan, for its proposed project in the $15-20 billion casino resort complex along Manila Bay.

Genuino said the Genting Berhard Group’s proposal includes the development of leisure and entertainment facilities including a theme park, state-of-the-art theaters, amusement and cultural centers, retail and gaming center and hotels.

Universal Studio’s movie-theme Hollywood park has 13 attractions based on movies including Shrek, Jurassic Park and The Terminator. Excluding its restaurants and theaters, the theme park alone draws about four million visitors a year.

Besides Hollywood, Universal Studios has other parks in Orlando, Barcelona and Osaka, Japan.

Another investor group, Aruze Corp. of Japan is planning to put up an integrated resort featuring a hotel with 2,000 standard rooms and 300 VIP suites; a major oceanarium targeted to be the world’s largest; theaters, a sports arena, a Holy museum and a giant ferris wheel similar to the London Eye to be known as the Manila Eye.

The Aruze Group is likewise infusing $3 billion in capital for the development of 40 hectares of land in the Manila Bay Integrated City.

Genuino said Aruze, a leading gaming machine maker known for its ties with the popular Wynn Resorts in Las Vegas and Macau, may start development of its project in the second quarter this year which may take two years to complete.

Other groups whose project concepts have been approved by Pagcor include Bloomburry Investments Ltd. of Australia which will develop 15 hectares of the reclaimed prime land, and the SM Investments Corp. (SMIC).

Bloomburry plans to build a hotel, sports arena and other tourist attractions.

Genuino said SMIC has yet to hatch a plan for the Manila Bay Integrated City but said this would be a unique concept.

Tessie Sy, SMIC vice-chair, said that aside from developments within the Mall of Asia complex along Roxas Boulevard, the company may work on something in the future to further promote the tourism estate.

SMIC, together with international hotel firms Carlson Hotels Asia Pacific and Accor will develop and manage a 350-room hotel in SM Bay City, which will be located near the SMX Convention Center.

Meantime, two administration congressmen supported yesterday the Integrated Tourism City, saying the nation should rake in billions in potential income from the project instead of growing grass on reclaimed land.

“We also need jobs. We have 430,000 new college graduates a year, but not all can be absorbed by existing companies,” Palawan Rep. Antonio Alvarez, House trade and industry committee chairman, said in the midst of reports that Catholic bishops are opposing the plan.

Manila Rep. Amado Bagatsing said he would prefer “that we grow money instead of grass on reclaimed land in Manila Bay.”

Alvarez said the Pagcor project would put the country in a position to catch a portion of China’s increasing spending on gambling.

“Due to China’s growing affluence, its 1.3 billion people are spending $70 billion in gambling bets a year, according to one estimate,” he said.

He said the gambling revenues of Macau, a Chinese territory, increased by 47 percent to $10.34 billion last year and have exceeded those of Las Vegas.

He said the Pagcor project could also prevent rich Filipinos from going to Macau or Las Vegas and would allow them to “just spend their money here.”

Holy Week Destinations in the Philippines

2008-03-03T04:02:00.007+08:00

Holy week is just around the corner. for some its a season to pray and for forgiveness for all the sin they have committed while for some its a time for a vacation over a hard days of work. well for me i usually celebrate my holy week with family except for last 2006 as i went to Boracay with a friend. but for this year i will just stay at home. and for those of you who are going to visit Philippines for the holy week here are some of the places worth visiting for the Lenten season.

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 such as Museo de La Union and La Union Botanical and Zoological Garden.

Pampanga- province is located in the Central Plain of Luzon hemmed at all sides by all provinces in the region. Pampanga bound Bulacan on the south and southeast, on the north by Tarlac and Nueva Ecija, and on the northeast and westwise by Zambales. if you want to experience different kind of holyweek like men and women crucified live at your very eyes or men carrying cross and whipping their self to blood then head on to Pampanga. lots of activities going on there during holyweek. you can as well try to sing the pasyon is some places. plus you got to taste Pampangas best cuisine.

Baguio- Situated amidst the mountainous region of Cordillera, 1,500 meters above the sea, 250 kilometers north of Manila. Baguio City is one of the few places in the Philippines blessed with a cool climate. "The Summer Capital of the Philippines" is gifted with majestic mountain view,well preserved cultural and historical attraction. surely a one great destination for the whole family.

Bohol- is one of the most sought after destination in the country. and the province is not about chocolate hills. it also boost majestic white sand beaches. some old churches and one of bohols pride a visit to the tarsier sanctuary. how nice eh?

Cebu- of course not to be outshine it wasnt dub as "The Queen City of The South" for nothing. i consider cebu to be one of the must visit place for the holyweek. you can do almost everything there wether you are feeling relegious or just wanna lay down on cbu's finest beaches.

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.

Batangas this is the place for those who dont want to be far away from the city. especially for diving enthusiast.

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.

Puerto Galera- one of the most visited place in the Philippines during the holyweek. aside from its being near to manila it is also a good destination for a group of friends or family on a budget. good beaches and hard core party.

and finally

Boracay. do i need to say more?

Images Via
jiformales,

Vote For Tubbataha Reef

2008-02-17T09:24:00.004+08:00

Please Vote for our very own Tubbataha Reef to make it to the New7Wonders of Nature. along side with the other natural wonders of the south east asian region. Tubbataha's currently at rank 28. so what are you waiting for? if we help our Ms. Philippines bring home the miss Photogenic award in the Ms. Universe pageant every year im sure we can put Tubbataha to the 7 wonders of the world.

To Vote Click Here

12th Hot Air Balloon Fiesta

2008-02-04T15:07:00.000+08:00

Are you ready for a weekend of everything that flies? then head on to Clark Pampanga and experience "biggest aviation sports event in the country today". Hot air balloon and airplane pilots from all over the world fly into the Philippines to join their local counterparts in this breathtaking event. In addition to daily flights of the hot air balloons, other activities include: skydiving, daily flag jumps (a skydiver jumps with the Philippine flag while the National Anthem is played to the start of the day's activities); micro light demonstrations; small planes fly-bys and fly-ins; remote controlled airplanes exhibitions; aerobatics; light airplane balloon bursting competition; ultra-light formation flying and bomb dropping exhibitions; helicopter fly-ins and exhibitions; an air rally from Clark to Vigan; rocketry demonstrations; kite flying exhibitions; and races between ultra lights and motorcycles.

Twenty one balloons are due to show-up this year with 19 hot air balloons flown by foreign pilots from the following countries: United States, United Kingdom, Germany, England, Sweden, Hungary, The Netherlands, Finland, Switzerland, Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, and South Korea. The other two balloons will be flown by Filipino pilots.

Joining this years lineup are some balloons of unique designs. These new and colorful balloons include two innovative balloons – an octopus from Japan and a tiger from Germany.

This years Hot Air Balloon Festival is to include a new and exciting addition called the “Clarksiyahan” – a “packet of activities” to be held from Feb. 8-10 at the CDC Parade Grounds. Clarksiyahan, is to feature a drag race, bikini open, spelling quiz/bee, PEP squad competition, inter-school street dancing, locators’ product selling, and the Johnny Walker rave party and fashion show.

Getting There:

Getting to the Clark Freeport Zone, otherwise known as the Clark Special Economic Zone by car is easy. Simply needs to take the North Luzon Expressway from Manila and exit at Dau, Mabalacat. After your exit, a left turn towards Angeles City, and a little Angeles City/Dau traffic, will bring you to within an easy right turn of the Clark Zone itself. The trip should take about an hour and a half from Manila without heavy traffic.

TENTATIVE HOT AIR BALLOON SCHEDULE FOR 2008

Entrance fee for each day of the the balloon festival event is P100

Note: The above schedule is from the official Philippine International Hot Air Balloon site. Clark Subic Marketing makes no claims or guarantees as to its accuracy. This schedule is subject to change without notice.

Trip To Puerto Galera

2008-01-28T14:59:00.001+08:00

I had an emergency trip to Puerto Galera last week i havent been there in 2 years so i was so excited about it. my friend ela went there first then i follow on sunday morning. there are lot of changes starting from the port its more organize now not to mention the x-ray machine they have a very convenient way to check out luggage and no more unauthorized people inside the port asking you to do this,do that can i bring this etc etc. the only hassle i experience was when i rode this boat to white beach, i arrive at the Batangas port at 11 am and most of the boat are already leaving next trip will be 11:15 to 11:30 i was so excited and i don't feel like staying at the port for a about 15 mins so i decided to take the 11 am trip with this Father n Son Lines and i tell you its a waste of time the trip was supposed to be less or at least an hour but mine was an exhausting 2 and half hours. they didn't tell us that they are not going directly to white beach instead they will dock first to the port of Muelle then transfer you on another boat that will bring you to white Beach. i was having BF the moment i transfer to the next boat going to white beach then it all gone when i saw the beautiful island again. i arrive at around 1pm then went straight ahead to the VM Resort next to White Beach Resort its 2 of the best place to stay in the island. after eating our lunch what else to do but hit the crystal clear water of white beach. we are feeling kinda sporty that afternoon so we decided to do the banana boat and we did have fun. after the banana boat and swimming went back to our room took a nap and prepare for the evening. i wake up at around 6 pm went to the internet cafe then hit the bar for some warm up drinks. then cameback to the room and ask ela and the gang if they want to eat dinner. after dinner its party time. im telling you guys Puerto Galera is one of the best place to party in the Philippines the party was just nonstop not to mention the funny ladyboys entertainers and delicious drinks. such as mindoro sling and ware house. i woke up at around 9 hit the beach then we are on our way home at around 1 pm. yes its a very short trip but i really have a goodtime like i had in the past.

Getting There:

Puerto Galera is 3hrs away from Metro Manila. for the non adventurous tourist you can take the Sikat Tourist Service at the City State Tower on Mabini St. Manila at 8 am with a roundtrip ticket cost around 25$ includes bus fare and ferry transfer. and if your feeling a bit adventurous and wanna explore a lil bit of the city there are several bus terminals going to puerto you can try the buendia station,cubao and alabang.

Where To Stay

Click Here

Photo Gallery Of Puerto Galera

Puerto Galera Yacht Club at Muelle

Islands Along the way

A Very Beautiful House on the Island

The Main Beach

The Beautiful and Funny Ladyboys of White Beach

The Girls Of Hiyas Bar

Beautiful Diane

Dancing Girls of Tipsynaku Bar

Exotic Beauty

A Good Friend of Mine John

The Very Funny Joan and Michelle of Hiyas Bar

Jonah The Superstar of Hiyas Bar

Mikos Bar

So Pretty Eh

Morning Scene at White Beach

My Favorite Spot

The Bars Undergoing Some Construction

Tipsynaku Bar

My Fave Hangout Hiyas Bar

Travel News: 4.17B Panglao Airport Project

2008-01-11T20:13:00.000+08:00

The National Economic and Development Authority Board has approved a P4.17-billion project to build an airport in Panglao, Bohol.

In a statement released Thursday, NEDA said the airport supports the government's thrust to make Central Philippines a major tourist destination.

"The Panglao Airport Development Project... envisions opening up Central Visayas to more economic activities as well as enhancing the tourism potential of Bohol," NEDA said.

"This is expected to reduce travel time and cost of transporting goods and people. The project will also serve as a gateway for major tourist destinations in Bohol from other parts of the country and abroad," it added.

The proposed airport will be built on 216 hectares of land approximately 15 kilometers from Tagbilaran City, and will have a runway of 2,500 meters by 45 meters and passenger and cargo terminal buildings.

The project will be funded wholly by government funds from the Manila International Airport Authority, the Department of Transportation and Communication and some of its attached agencies, and the Department of Tourism. It will be jointly implemented by the DOTC and the MIAA.

The project is expected to start July this year and finish by April 2010

From: GMANEWS.TV

Feature Resort: Pearl Farm Resort Davao

2008-01-04T13:43:00.001+08:00

Happy New Year and im back to blogging and for my first post for the new year would love to feature a fantastic resort down south of the Philippines and thats none other than the Pearl Farm Davao its my first time to post about a resort in Mindanao as i havent been there yet but some friends and relatives have told me so much about the tourist spot there and it is really worth a visit so im planning to go down there this year. ok back to the Pearl Farm it is located in the southern part of the Philippines and belong to the Samal Group Of Islands a group of islands consist of nice islands. The Samal island is beautiful,tranquil and exotic with a white powdery beaches, a magnificent marine life,beautifully landscape palm trees and fruit bearing trees, and a flourishing floral and fauna. The resort is located on the quiet side of Samal Island it is 45 minutes boat ride from the main wharf. this 14 hectares resort was once a pearl farm thats were it gets its name. today the resort is one of the most saught after resort in the south for its tranquility and exclusiveness.

Getting There:

Click Here

Facilities

Numerous activities can be done while you are in Pearl Farm such a tennis,water polo,wind surfing and many more and dont forget about scuba diving. and if you get hungry after doing such activities dont forget to eat at The Maranao Restaurant. and for the one who just love to relax and to be pampered the resort has its own Ylang Ylang Spa to take all the stress away.

Accomodation

Deluxe Accommodation with 73 guestrooms, suites, cottages on stilts perched above the sea and exclusive villas are designed from Maranao and Samal ethnic influences in both materials and form. Inside, decorative details and multihued patterns reflect the islands vibrant culture as inspired by the region's rich tribal ancestry.

HILLTOP ROOM SAMAL HOUSE MANDAYA HOUSE SAMAL SUITE

Malipano Island, a secluded island located a few hundred meters off Samal Island, is where seven (7) exclusive villas of the resort are nestled. It offers three holes of golf and at the west side, the island faces a pristine white sand beach.

Resort Rates

BALAY HOUSE $110
SAMAL HOUSE $195
MANDAYA HOUSE $240
SAMAL SUITE $340
SUNSET SUITE $340

MALIPANO VILLAS
3 BEDROOMS $570
4 BEDROOMS $670

Photo Gallery Of Pearl Farm

Pearl Farm Balays and Suites

Ylang Ylang Spa

At Nightime

Poolside

Images Via (Ian Ong, rimmalarees)

Ayayayy... Boracay!

2007-12-22T14:29:00.000+08:00

Boracay the party island of the Philippines probably one of the best place on earth. been there twice too bad wasnt able to go this year. but definitely next summer i always been planning of going during the christmas season but i just cant as christmas must be spend with my family but hopefully someday the whole clan can go spend our christmas there hehe. anyway i havent post a formal Boracay post but i did feature some resorts and videos about this magnificent island. a few months ago i saw a music video entitled Ayayayy Boracay in Living Asia Channel i want to post that time but cant find it in you tube and thankfully they have it youtube now so would love to share it you its a nice song about falling in love with Boracay. enjoy and book your flight now. nothing beats Christmas in Boracay anyway.

Manila View From The Top

2007-12-21T09:38:00.000+08:00

I have spend a few days at my friends condo in Malate,Manila and was able to snag a few shots of manila up above. the last time i post a picture of Manila was last november and was able to capture the area of Sta Cruz going to Las Pinas you can check that post here. well this time its all about the Malate Area,Baywalk and Makati City from a far. enjoy....

The Pan Pacific Hotel

Makati

Baywalk

M.H Del Pilar St.

Manila Yacht Club

A Clear View of Makati Skyline

Manila By Night

Come Home To Philippines This Christmas

2007-12-08T13:33:00.000+08:00

A Very Heartwarming Commercial courtesy of Smart Telecommunication and Philippine Tourism Department.

Travel News: PHILIPPINE HILOT WINS IN ASIA SPA AWARDS

2007-12-08T03:56:00.000+08:00

Hilot, the Philippine’s own brand of touch therapy, is earning international fame as the prestigious 2007 AsiaSpa Awards recently recognized Mandala Spa & Villas Boracay’s Hilot Trilogy as Holistic Treatment of the Year.

According to Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano, “We congratulate Mandala for bagging this award. Citations of this magnitude indicate that our health and wellness destinations and services are definitely at par with world standards. They also open to us more opportunities in developing this type of industry.”

Established in 2005, the AsiaSpa Awards continues to be one of the industry’s most esteemed recognitions in the Asia Pacific region. It aims to set the standards, highlighting innovation and quality. Resorts, companies, organizations and personalities that take home the much-coveted trophy are deemed benchmarks for this fast-growing enterprise.

The awards are organized by AsiaSpa Magazine, the most recognized luxury wellness publication reaching more than 120,000 influential urban female readers across Asia.

This year’s search included categories on treatments, locations, products, teaching programs, events and individual efforts. A panel of 28 judges, comprising of spa owners, wellness experts and authors, decided on the most outstanding treatments and most original spa destinations.

The 2007 winners were recently celebrated at the Grand Hyatt in Hong Kong, which was attended by 350 leaders in the spa trade.

Mandala Spa & Villas stood out prominently as the only Filipino independent business among the roster of winners dominated by Thailand-based establishments.

Mandala is one of the first luxury wellness centers in the country to offer hilot. Located in a quiet and secluded area in Boracay, Mandala is steadily rising as one of the finest Asian destination spas. The company earlier won the 2005 AsiaSpa award for Treatment of the Year.

The spa’s two-hour Hilot Trilogy session combines three traditional healing therapies widely practiced in the Philippines. The deep-tissue hilot massage relaxes over-all tension and establishes equilibrium.

The dagdagay, of Cordilleran origin, uses two bamboo or rattan sticks to stimulate the soles and cleanse the body from specific points on the feet.

The bentosa portion of the treatment involves warmed glass cups that suction out toxins and improve circulation.

Hilot is currently one of the features that the Department of Tourism aggressively promotes in the international market for health and well-being destinations. Selling missions that incorporate this form of wellness therapy have been received enthusiastically by the Japanese, Chinese and European travel groups.

From Philippine Department of Tourism.

Feature Resort: Badian Island Resort and Spa

2007-11-26T23:03:00.000+08:00

Looking for a perfect place for your wedding or honeymoon getaway? well worry no more as im going to feature the fabulous Badian Island Resort in the queen city of the south Cebu. Badian Island Resort is a private resort in the Island of Cebu equipped with luxirous suites, Resort own Spa,Restaurants,Bars and very own private island with white sandy beaches. making it one of the countries top honeymoon destination. The natural beauty of the island is breathtaking. Lush palms speckle the private sandy beach that slowly slips into the azure lagoon. A white tongue of sand whisks you out into an inspiring world between heaven and ocean. staying at Badian is like heaven especially if your with someone so special.

Getting There:

The Badian Island Resort & Spa at the southwest side of Cebu is just abt. a 2,5 hours' car drive from Cebu International Airport,

Wanna be pick up at Cebu International Airport? Click Here

Facilities:

Private sandy beach at the Lagoon, Private Beach at Coral Garden

6) THALASSO POOL VILLA 98 sqm + Pool; (8) Badian Suite 85 sqm; (18) Junior Suites 65 sqm, (10) Family Suites 65 sqm

All suites with Private Balcony, Sea & Mountain view, Kingsize (or Twin) Beds, air-conditioned, hot water 24 hrs, Bathtub, Shower, WC, Bidet, Minibar, Hairdryer, Bathrobe, Slippers, Tea/Coffee Maker, Telephone, Safety Box (with interior loading facility for laptops and cell phones), CD Cassette Player with Radio, 220 V.
Badian Suites with elegant Sofa, glass-roofed Panorama Bathroom with bathtub & separate WC & Bidet, the THALASSO POOL VILLAS additionally have each a private seawater Pool!
Junior Suites & Family Suites with Open-Air marble bathtub with separate shower room.

BADIAN Natural SPA & Thalasso & Sauna,

Restaurants: Panorama Restaurant, Beach and Poolside Dinner facilities; Romantic Dining on Board of Pleasure Yacht DOLPHINA anchored in Badian Bay.

Bars: Panorama Bar, Romantic Shell Beach Bar with Happy Hour

Beach & Pool Parties

Freshwater Swimming Pool with small waterfall

Excursions: Kawasan Waterfalls Tour, Town and Village Tours, Orchid Garden Tour, Picnics, Glassbottom-Boat Tour to Coral reefs, Sunset Cruising, Island-Hopping, Dolphin & Whale Watching

Pleasure Yacht Dolphina: for Island Hopping & Dolphin Watching & Bay Cruising

PADI Scuba Dive Center with Diving School

Free Sports: Windsurfing, Paddleboats, Badminton, Billiard, Dart, Table tennis, Table Soccer, Volleyball, Parlour Games

Clubhouse, TV-Video Room, Boutique
Children’s Playground, Baby sitting service

Roundtrip transfers from Cebu Airport or Cebu City to the Hotel, Helicopter transfer on request

Amenities: Welcome Drink, Evening Entertainment, Boat transfer to West Coral Beach for snorkelling/swimming, Good Bye Serenade with shell lei.

Rates:

Pool Villa-$437
Badian Suite-$287
Junior Suite-$205
Family Suite-$153

Photo Gallery Of Badian Island

Suites

Restaurant and Bars

The Resort

The Badian Spa

Kawasan Falls

Images Via (bingbing and Badian Island Resort and Spa)

Official Website: Click Here

Manila Manila Manila

2007-11-23T04:58:00.001+08:00

Hello everyone its been a while since i last update my blog i have been busy this past few weeks been to Pampanga twice this month. so sorry especially for those who have emailed me reallly sorrry anyway im back and hope i can answer all you questions and post all the destinations that is bein requested. anyway i would love to share with you my Pictionary of Manila while im riding the bus on my way home. hope you like it.

The Post Office Building

The National Museum i think its undergoing a lil restoration.

Rizal Park or better known as Luneta

Manila Street Sweeper

The NBI Headquarters. our version of FBI

The Supreme Court Building

Philippine General Hospital

Sidewalk Vendors

Taft Avenue

De La Salle University one of the best university in the Philippines

Green Roof Mc Donald For the Green Archers (La Salle Students)

Buses Going outside of the Metro

To The Airport

Cutie Jeepney

Dark Clouds

View of Mall Of Asia over the fly over

Mosque in the city

New Street lamp of Manila

School girls on the pink fence

Coastal Mall

Commercial Break: Wow Davao

2007-11-02T15:43:00.000+08:00

I would love to share with you ths music video of Davao. one of the most sought after destination in the south.

10 Things To Do In The Philippines

2007-10-24T14:26:00.000+08:00

I saw an American Express Select Booklet last night at the living room so i check it out. its a selection of establishments that offer savings for American Express Card holder such as accommodation,dining,beauty and spa,car rentals and travel and tours. the booklet is for the cardholders traveling in the Philippines so they have some maps of the top Philippine destination and they also have the 10 thing you Must do in the Philippines. so i would love to share it with you in case your not an American Express Card holder and doest have the Select Booklet.

1. Wander around Manila Bay and experience the most dramatic sunset in the world.

2. Visit the Basilica Minore del Santo Nino in Cebu where the miraculous Santo Nino image, the oldest religous relic in the Philippines is enshrined.

3. Climb Mount Apo, Davao's unique natural wonder at 3,144 m it is the highest peak in the Philippines.

4. Relive history at the walled city of Intramuros and Luneta.

5. Paddle a canoe at Taal Lake and trek Taal Volcano the smallest volcano in the world.

6. Enjoy the warm crystal blue waters of Boracay and stroll the world-famous stretch of powdery white sand.

7. Get fit and learn jungle survival techniques at Subic's tropical rainforest environment.

8. Check out the Chocolate Hills of Bohol.

9. Try scuba diving in the crystal-clear waters and colorful shallow reefs of Palawan.

10. Feel the nightlife and chill out in bars,discos and nightclubs that provide non-stop entertainment.

Events: Beyonce Experience Live

2007-10-23T01:18:00.001+08:00

Y'all ready for B? oh yeah she is coming to rock the Philippines. on November 7 at The Fort Taguig. for info about Tickets Cilck Here.

Travel News: Philippines Hosts International Medical Tourism Conference

2007-10-21T16:41:00.000+08:00

The country’s top medical and wellness facilities and resort destinations take center stage as the Department of Tourism (DOT) announced that it is organizing the 2nd International Medical Conference (IMTC 2007). The event will be held on November 19-23 at the Hotel Intercontinental Manila in Makati City.

According to Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano, “I am calling on local stakeholders in the medical tourism industry, such as hospitals, wellness resorts, and healthcare financing services, tour operators and transportation companies to participate in this event and take advantage of the opportunity to meet and network with their counterparts around the world.”

The four-day event aims to develop medical value travel and to be the catalyst for industry alliances among medical establishments, health benefits companies, insurance travel partners, government agencies and other related enterprises. IMTC 2007 is expected to draw in more than 250 trade participants from over 23 countries.

“Being part of IMTC 2007 opens boundless opportunities for the participants. It is the global platform for everyone involved in medical tourism to address important issues and to strengthen their trade ties,” explained Elizabeth Nelle, director of the DOT Office of Product Research and Development.

Nelle added that the global medical travel industry is currently worth $40 billion with over 780 million patients are seeking faster, more affordable and world class medical care outside their home country. Insurers are looking for alternatives to contain the escalating costs of healthcare, while providers are developing programs specifically for medical travelers.

IMTC 2007’s keynote address will be delivered by Jonathan Edelheit, president of the Medical Tourism Association, USA. He is set to speak on the next wave of medical travel. Edelheit is also the vice president of the Optimed Health/ United Group Programs, an American organization that specializes in creating and administering tailor-fit company health benefit programs.

Workshops will be programmed to assist participants understand key topics in medical tourism, such as designing the scope of medical travel services, internal and external resources to ensure service delivery, developing holistic packages and providing integrated services that cover transportation, interpretation, logistics, hospitality care and post care options.

Site visits and guided demonstrations will also be scheduled to provide first-hand experience of some of the best practices existing in the country. DOT will be arranging tours to The Medical City, St. Lukes’s Medical Center, World City Medical Center and Asian Hospital and Medical Center.

The DOT will further arrange venues for medical contact exchanges, cross-country panels, business clinics, as well as sponsorships and exhibitions agreements. Forum sessions will cover case studies and best practices in India, Singapore and Thailand, as well as industry prospects in the Gulf Area and updates on the Philippine scenario.

Organizers will provide delegates with post conference trips to some of the country’s top destinations.

A special highlight of the said event is the International Medical Travel Excellence Awards, which will recognize the outstanding medical travel providers.

Durano revealed that the DOT is pushing to make the country one of the top destinations for medical tourism.

“We have some of the best hospitals and stand alone specialty clinics in Southeast Asia. The facilities and services are of top-notch quality and patients and customers can be sure to get the best value for their hard-earned money. Moreover, we have some of the best beaches and spa resorts. Our country is the place where medical travelers and their companions can be cared for with the warm, nurturing and friendly nature of the Filipino,” Durano added.

"From DOT"

Destination: Siargao Island

2007-10-13T14:58:00.002+08:00

Siargao Island is one of the two major island in Surigao del Norte. once an isolated and rugged territory back in the 80's is now one of the worlds best surfing destination it is dubbed as the The Surfing Capital of The Philippines its famous break the "Cloud 9" rank among the top 10 best waves in the world according to "Surf Magazine" and hailed as one of the 5 toughest breaks in the world along with the breaks of Hawaii and Australia. but Siargao is not all about surfing its also a place for island hopping,diving and just sun bathing on its powdery white sand beaches. so you dnnt have to worry if you cant surf as there are islets nearby that offers crystal blue water and powdery white sand for a pure relaxation.

Getting There:

Flights going to Siargao or Surigao City are available via SEAir (every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday to Siargao island) and Asian Spirit (every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from Cebu to Surigao), while Philippine Airlines flies daily from Manila to Butuan City. From Butuan, one must take a bus going to the port of Surigao City, then a two-hour fastcraft ride to Siargao island.

Siargao Surfing Spots: By LakbayPilipinas

Tuason Point: (3 kms. north of General Luna) This is the most well-known surfing area in the Philippines. It also contains the most well known surf site in the country - Cloud 9 (C9).

North of C9: There are countless waves within an hour-and-a-half boat ride north of C9. Some of the more well-known ones include: Stimpies, a great left hander. Can be fat, can be hollow, can be perfect. Rock Island, a 300m right hander that, on its day, can be flawless. These two waves can be seen from C9 and break on the opposite tide so, when its too low at C9, just jump into a pump boat for some slicker waves.

GL and south: To the south of GL, all waves must be reached by boat, and are always a highlight of one's holiday. Daku is an island to the east of GL and has a fun right hander that breaks during large swells. The wave breaks on the protected side of the island so it is usually small and great for beginners.

Pansukian Reef is a fickle but hollow right hander; another for experienced surfers only.

Where To Stay:

Jungle Reef Resort
Rates Start at 550php ($12)

Pansukian Tropical Resort
http://www.pansukian.com/

Cherinicole Resort
http://www.cherinicoleresort.com/

Ocean101 Beach Resort
http://www.ocean101cloud9.com/

Sagana Resort
http://www.cloud9surf.com/

Siargao Inn
http://www.siargao-inn.com/

Photo Galery Of Siargao and Nearby Islets

Surf

Sohoton Cave

Bukas Grande Island

Guyam Island

General Luna

Daku Island

Rock Formations

Images Via: Go2net,Bingbing,Kotsch,Scott Bauer,Tony l,Islomaniac

Travel News: Palawan Voted As The Best Beach In Asia By Conde Nast Traveler

2007-10-08T13:52:00.000+08:00

Conde Nast Traveler one of the most respected and widely read travel magazine voted Palawan as the Best Beach in Asia on their Great Asian Beach Finder article. Palawan stands out among other beaches here in asia also on the list are Phuket,Bali,Maldives and Langkawi. Palawan was consider as the countries last frontier it houses 2 of UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the coral rich Tubbataha Reefs and Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park. also Palawan was on the list of Conde Nast !2th Annual "Green List".

Read The Full Story Here

Hotel: The Tides Boracay

2007-10-07T14:19:00.000+08:00

The Philippine's finest island truly deserved the finest hotel and joining in the roaster of Boracay's finest hotels and resort is the The Tides Boracay a designer hotel and the only one in the island located in the heart of Boracay. owned by a group of Manila's Elite Crowd this places definitely going to be the hottest place to be seen in Boracay. i definitely checking this place soon the hotel's design was great and the resort was equipped with a first class amenities and features 60 stylish room to beat,luxirious bathrooms,flat screen tv's in each room,mini bar on their exeptional room,a cafe and take this a sundeck lounge with infinity pool.

Room Rates

The Hotel Have 2 Kinds of Room The

Essential Room $120 and the

Exceptional Romm $160

So what are you waitin for book now www.tidesboracay.com

Photo Gallery Of Tides Boracay

Images Via Jenni Epperson and Tides Boracay

Hotels Official Website Click Here

Free Burma

2007-10-07T04:08:00.001+08:00

Its supposed to be posted on Oct 04 but better late than never please click on the picture and see what you can do to Free Burma

Commercial Break

2007-10-02T01:30:00.000+08:00

As i was browsing for the song "Tender Love" in Youtube i came acroos this video by likha with the song "Tender Love" but with the beautiful picture of El Nido, Palawan i have enjoyed both the song and the view its so beautiful and relaxing so i decided to share it here.

Menu: Lechon Baboy (Roast Pig)

2007-09-27T11:26:00.000+08:00

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

2007-09-25T02:33:00.000+08:00

“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

2007-09-18T15:46:00.000+08:00

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

2007-09-12T14:31:00.000+08:00

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

2007-09-10T00:39:00.000+08:00

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

2007-09-04T04:08:00.000+08:00

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

Hotel: The Peninsula Manila

2007-08-24T13:15:00.000+08:00

The Peninsula Manila or famously known as The Manila Pen is one of the most elite and sophisticated hotel in the metro. located in the heart of the Philippines business district it is tag as "Jewel in the Capitals Crown". it is the first Peninsula hotel outside HongKong built in 1976 in time for the hosting of Ineternational Monetary Fund in Manila. the hotel has been the favorite of high ranking official and foriegn dignitaries visiting the country.for its complete and world class facilities. the hotels offers 497 rooms and suite equiped with modern technological convenience and a complimentary internet broadband accessfor all hotel guest.the hotel also feature some of Manila top restaurants and bar 6 of them to be exact offering a wide choice of fine dining experience from European to Asian cuisine, but the hotel dont want their guest going home fat so they also provided them with a fitness center,swimming poo,l sauna and spa for those who wants to ease some stress in their body. aside from its modern feature and world class quality service the hotel is just a stone throw away from the countries premier shopping and clubbin district. The Manila Pen is the most recognizable and awarded hotel amongst the countries 5 star hotel it is consistent to be on the top list of the Conde Nast Golds List and Travel + Leisure Worlds Best List just recently The Manila Pen rank no. 4 in Asia in the worlds best hotel category. The Peninsula Manila blends traditional Filipino hospitality with a modern elegance.

Getting There:

The Peninsula Manila is ideally located in the heart of Makati, Metro Manila's business and financial district, and is close to the heart of Manila's finest shopping malls. The Peninsula Manila is a short 9 km, 30 minutes' drive, from Ninoy Aquino International Airport and 7 km, 20 minutes, from Manila Domestic Airport.

The hotel's fleet of Mercedes-Benz limousines is available for airport transfers and hourly hire. The hotel has a helipad for guests' use and can arrange for helicopter service through the Concierge.

Rates:

Makati Tower Room

Superior Makati Room-$195
DeLuxe Makati Room-$225
Grand DeLuxe Makati Room-$250
Club DeLuxe Room-$265

Suites

Club Premier Suite-$375
Premier Suite-$295
Executive Suite-$370
Executive Suite 2 Bedroom-$585
DeLuxe Makati Suite-$500
The Peninsula Suite-$2,250

Ayala Tower Room

Superior Room-$145
DeLuxe Room-$175
Grand DeLuxe-$200

Suites

Premier Suite-$225
Executive Suite-$300
Executive Suite 2 Bedroom-$475
DeLuxe Suite-$350

Photo Gallery of Peninsula Manila

Hotel

Hotel Lobby

Hotel Entrance

Restaurants and Bar

Spa and Fitness

Rooms and Suites

The Peninsula Suite

Ayala Premier Suite

Makati Superior Room

Makati Deluxe Room

Makati Premier Suite

The Club Deluxe

Ayala Deluxe Room

Official Website:

http://manila.peninsula.com/tpm/index.shtml

Destination: Glan Sarangani

2007-08-20T02:26:00.000+08:00

Philippines is trully surprising i almost had a cardiac when i found out about this little island of Glan down south of the Philippines in Sarangani (SoCCSKSarGen) Province to be exact. i never expect that province is hiding a paradise, well now i know. anyways back to our destination Glan is a 1st class municipality it has a population of 83,051 people in 16,990 households. it is bordered on the west by Sarangani Bay, on the north by Davao del Sur, and on the south by the Celebes Sea. the towns economy is mainly based on agriculture,fishing and just recently Glan made known its tourism potential but still waiting to be discover by many. there are now few inns in the island.and there is a very controversial hotel resort in the island but i am not sure if it is operating already well it is not just an ordinary beach resort it is a very expensive resort hotel which according to report only have 30 rooms with a staggering price of 250 million pesos. the reason why im not sure if the resort was operating or not is because i have read an article regarding the hotel's investor being blacklisted by the immigration authority back in 2003 so the operation was put on hold the project is around 70% finish. so now its 2007 i hope everything went fine with that resort. anyways just when you think that the island is ll about white sand beaches well you are wrong as Glan is also rich in history and heritage and an ambiance of an old town. Glan distinctively remains an uncharted tourism hub and a paradise in waiting.

Getting There:

Glan is accessible by plane or boat from Manila and Cebu via General Santos City and by any means of Land Transportation. it is approximately 40 minute travel time from the capital town and a 1 hour drive from General Santos City in a 55 km world class highway passing through a breathtaking mountain and seaside view.

Where To Stay:

Rosal Beach Resort
Gumasa, Glan
Mr. Roque Adarna
+639209212203

White Haven Beach
Gumasa, Glan
Dr. Ernesto Adarna
+639189400421

Delos Reyes Beach Resort
Gumasa, Glan
Mr. Vicente Delos Reyes
(083)554-5336/+639209103024

Antonio’s Mangrove Forest
Tango, Glan
Ms.Marina Restauro
+639177563587

Photo Gallery of Glan:

Sorrry No Caption As I am Speechless Right Now.

Pictures are Exclusively owned by:

Mark Wendell

Menu: Pinakbet

2007-08-12T18:01:00.000+08:00

Pinakbet or pakbet is a popular Ilocano dish, from the northern region of the Philippines, although it has become popular throughout the archipelago. The word is the contracted form of the Ilocano word "pinakebbet", meaning shrunk or shrivelled. The original Ilocano pinakbet uses Bugguong, of fermented monamon or other fish, while further south, bagoong alamang is used. Usually its most basic vegetables used in this dish include native bitter melon, eggplant,tomato, ginger,okra, string beans, lima beans, chili peppers and various Filipino vegetables like parda, winged beans, and such. A Tagalog version usually includes calabaza. it is one of my favorite filipino food especially if it was cook properly. cause there are Pinakbet thats just sooooo bitter because of the bitter melon. i love pakbet with lotsa lotsa shrimp and porks. aside from adobo this is one of the Filipino Food you should try.

How To Cook

1 1/2 cups water
1/2 pound pork/shrimp
3 cloves garlic
1 teaspoon ginger
1/4 cup bagoong
4 eggplants
1/3 cup tomatoes
2 pieces ampalaya or amargoso
1/2 teaspoon MSG Salt.

Slice the pork into strips. Mince the garlic, chop the ginger, and tomatoes. Quarter the eggplant and ampalaya or amargoso.

Bring the water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add the pork, tomatoes, garlic, ginger and bagoong. Simmer until the pork is tender.

Add the ampalaya or amargoso and eggplant and simmer until done. Add MSG and salt to taste.

Makes 4 servings.

Source:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinakbet

Destination: Chico River-Kalinga

2007-08-10T00:51:00.000+08:00

Are you tired of the usual beach escape? do you need some adrenaline rush on your next travel agenda? then hie off to Kalinga a landlocked province north of the Philippines. Kalinga is an action thrill destination with a magnificent landscape. ok enough with the introduction lets go straight into the action. Chico River is where the action is. it is one of the longest river in the Philippines with remarkable scenery that is cradled with mountainsides of centuries old rice terraces, rustic villages and lush green foliage. The Whitewater Rafting in the River is definitely exhilarating.

It is the premier Whitewater Rafting Trip in the Philippines. and the fun thing is the place is not only for adventure group but also for the whole family. The Chico River Quest a company owned and operated by the Kalinga Province will be the one to take care of your adventure from land transfer bound for Chico River, Fantastic meal,snacks,"Rafting",equipment,training,guides,activities for your kids,and a guaranteed great time.dont worry if you are not the athletic type and if its your first time to go rafting. i assure you'll be an instant paddle pro if you will listen very well to the briefing session given by the rafting staff. The Chico River Quest is a highly competent people trained under American White Water Professional Training. the river has 3 runs the team will arrange your itenerary according to how long you want to stay in Kalinga.

The 3 Different Runs To Choose From

The Ulalim Run- this run is usually for the overnighter it begins at the point where the Pasil and Chico river meet. the Chico-Pasil river is your start off point. the route is full of big waves and breathtaking scenery without the hard rapids.

The Matagpuan Run- this run is more popular with newbies and veteran. it covers the whole lenght of the chico river with a start off poin at Tinglayan and and fininging near Tabuk. ready those triceps as this run is 4 to 5 hours of rafting at high water level and an additional 6 to 7 hours paddling at low water. still up for it?

The Mcliing Dulag-stretching from Bugnay to the Tinglayan proper,this two-hour run passes through high waters with some technical rapids.

The trip to Chico River from the town proper Tabuk will be approximately 1 to 3 hours depending on what river route your group decides to try. while the trip from Manila to Kalinga will take about an hour by air and a "Butt" burning "10" hours yes "10" yes "10" you heard it right "10" hours trip by land. if travelling by land its better to take the night trip say like 10 pm so all you have to do in the bus is snooze and when you wake up you are in Kalinga already. this trip is definitely amazing not only by the River Wild but by the wonders of "Kalinga".

Getting There:

From Manila. The journey to Kalinga can be done by land and by air. Philippine Airlines 9PAL) flies from Manila to Tuguegarao thrice weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. From Tuguegarao, it is an hour ride by jeep or bus to Tabuk. The Chico River Quest can pick you up at the airport if you inform them in advance. PAL’s reservation hotline is (632) 855-8888.

By Land. Autobus lines telephone (632) 743-6870, and Victory Bus Lines (Kamias terminal) (632) 920-7396 offers daily air conditions bus service to Tabuk that is usually a ten hour-trip form Manila.

From Bontoc. Jeepneys and buses ply the Kalinga highway to Tinglayan (2.5 hrs) and Tabuk (6 hrs). Service is hourly from 7 to 11 am.

Cost:

Chico River Quest Packages Includes Everything From Gear To Guides. Cost Ranging From 2,500($54) to 8,000php($174) depending on how many days you want to stay. There are hostels in Tabuk that will be arrange also by the team.

Photo Gallery Of Chico River:

Sources of Information and Photos

Zo Aguila of CosmopolitanMagazine Philippines
WOW Philippines
LakbayPilipinas
Scubaschnauze
Harley501

Travel News: Foreign tourists may stay in Philippines up to 24 months

2007-08-07T14:43:00.000+08:00

MANILA, Philippines -- Citing the arrival of more foreign tourists, the Bureau of Immigration has increased to up to two years or 24 months the length of time visitors may stay in the country.

In a memorandum made public on Monday, Immigration Commissioner Marcelino Libanan said tourists may extend their stay in the country every two months up to 16 months. After 16 months, a tourist must submit an application to the bureau’s immigration regulation division (IRD) if he wants to stay up to 24 months.

Beyond 24 months, a tourist would need the approval of the commissioner, the memorandum said.

According to Libanan, he decided to ease the bureau’s policy on visa extensions after learning that the number of tourists who extended their stay during the first semester of the year rose by 21 percent compared to 2006.

He said the BI visa extension office approved from January to June 2007 a total of 196,172 applications for extension of stay, compared to 161,984 in the same period in 2006.

“These statistics indicate that our country is fast emerging as one of Asia’s most favored tourist destinations,” Libanan said in a statement. He said a total of 468,281 foreigners arrived from January to June, compared to 439,526 in the same period in 2006.

Lawyer Gary Mendoza, IRD chief, said the new policy would apply to all foreign tourists regardless of nationality.

By Jerome Aning
Inquirer
Last updated 08:54pm (Mla time) 08/06/2007

Feature: Eastwood City Libis

2007-08-02T23:42:00.000+08:00

Located at the center of a progressive metropolis, Eastwood City is a 16-hectare state-of-the-art residential, business, commercial and entertainment city. it is one one of the coolest spot in the metro to hangout with family and friends. its a city within a city. a place to live,work and enjoy. residential condominiums are perfectly surrounded by modern everyday conveniences such as specialty stores, cinemas, a supermarket, a health and fitness gym, and corporate offices.

For residential Eastwood City is well-equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure such as underground power and telecommunication lines such facilities that that ensures a safe and healthful environment.

While For entertainment and leisure, the city also includes a vibrant City Walk that boasts of a wide display of restaurants, disco, bars and cafes and a Shopping Mall. the City also features the Philippines very own version of Walk Of Fame. Eastwood City is an area full of somewhat upscale restaurants and bars. the environment is highly Westernized upscale and upbeat.

Eastwood is considered as one of the newest Economic Center of the Philippines because of its CyberPark where in Top Corporations are Located. Banking Giant Citibank and IBM Philippines to name a few. so wether your up for a convenient place to live,work or just a night to remember Eastwood City is the place to checkout.

Getting There:

Eastwood City is easily accessible to and from any key location around the metropolis. Within easy reach is the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Nearby are the bustling commercial and business districts of Makati and Ortigas.

Bars and Restaurant To Check Out in The Citywalk

Blue Onion Bar and Restaurant A hip bar and restaurant rolled into one. Choose from a treasure trove of specialties like Crispy Pork Knuckles, Korean Barbeque, Japanese Tempura and Sisig, specially created from a homegrown Pampango recipe. In the evening, the lights go dim, drinks begin to flow and music starts to play. Ground Floor, City Walk 1
Tel. (632)421-1862

Cheesecake Etc. A treat for those with a sweet tooth, Cheesecake Etc. serves dessert with a specialty on a wide variety of cheesecake and coffee concoctions. They also offer sisig and schueblig sandwiches for those who prefer a heartier meal. Ground Floor, City Walk 1
Tel. (632)913-9194

Ebisu Serving authentic Japanese cuisine, Ebisu features yakiniku tables where guests can cook their own rib eye steak, lamb chops and scallops. Best selling dishes include Ebisu Chicken in garlic soy marinade, salmon-based Shake no Miso Mayo and salpicao-style Saikoro Steak. A bar at the first level features a variety of aperitifs and cocktails such as green tea martini and sake. Second Floor, City Walk 2
Tel. (632)687-7806

Gweilos The popular tryst for music lovers, Gweilos treats everyone with the most affordable food and drinks. Listen to live alternative, acoustic bands on selected nights or watch your favorite sports game on their huge screen while drinking the night away. Ground Floor, City Walk 1
Tel. (632)421-2283

Haagen-Dazs True, real ice cream is a classic indulgence. Natural ingredients, simply combined and yet, when that first spoonful melts in your mouth the moment is pure pleasure. Haagen-Dazs ice cream is made from the finest ingredients with no preservatives, artificial flavors or colorings. Ground Floor, City Walk 1
Tel. (632)687-1839

Ipanema Bar and Restaurant Ipanema evokes the same lyrical ambiance that probably fired up the artist to write the song "The Girl from Ipanema." Experience knockout Ipanema's specialties such as Paella ala Erna, Lengua con Champignon, Linguicas, Salpicao, Prawns Thermidore and Mandioca Frita. Second Floor, City Walk 1
Tel. (632)421-7764 to 65

Jack's Loft Jack's Loft is the perfect place to chill out, with its sumptuous specialty desserts such as mile-high cakes, cheesecakes, pies, tarts and mousse. They also serve salads, sandwiches and pasta. Must try is their "fishbowl" iced tea. Ground Floor, City Walk 1
Tel. (632)421-2048

Melange Melange means mixture or combination in French, which is why this restaurant offers an excellent fusion of French, Mediterranean, Spanish, Filipino, Italian and American specialties to satisfy all palates. Must try are their savoury and dessert crepes. Ground Floor, City Walk 1
Tel. (632)913-4277

Recipes by Cafe Metro Experience great Asian-type meals with a delectable twist in Recipes by Cafe Metro. Dishes like General's Chicken, Crispy Tilapia and Korean BBQ Short Ribs are flavored with fresh ingredients and served in a different way. And what's amazing is how affordable all their dishes are. Second Floor, City Walk 2
Tel. (632)687-4525

Seattle's Best Coffee Its warm and casual ambiance, typical of a modern American coffee shop, immediately puts you at ease to fully enjoy its brews. Try their enticing array of cold drinks such as SBC's Javanilla Shake, Iced White Chocolate Mocha, as well as iced varieties of lattes, mochas and sodas. Ground Floor, City Walk 1
Tel. (632)421-2042 to 43

Somethin' Fishy Get lured and hooked at Somethin' Fishy, a seafood grill and bar that offers the most mouth-watering and freshest food you can find in the ocean. Choose from Crispy Tuna Tail, Inihaw na Pusit, Sizzling Swordfish Steak, Ginataang Pla-pla, Inihaw na Tuna Belly and Alimasag in Chili among others. Ground Floor, City Walk 1 Tel. (632)421-4757

The Basement Reminiscent of the New York-inspired clubs, The Basement offers nocturnal souls a place to party away with its dark red drapes, towering antique chandeliers and sunken stage - a seeming resemblance to the set of The Phantom of the Opera - turned DJ/acoustic club. Ground Floor, City Walk 1 Tel. (632)421-3930

West Lake West Lake offers Hong Kong style dimsum like shu mai, siopai and hakaw. Its also offers a delectable line of Cantonese fried rice and rice toppings. Also visit their deli counter for items to go like machang, hopia, Chinese chorizo, sesame oil and more. Ground Floor, City Walk 1 Tel. (632)421-9981 to 82

Starbucks,Coffe Bean and Many More.

Photo Gallerry of Eastwood:

Sources:

http://www.eastwood-properties.com

Commercial Break

2007-07-31T02:05:00.000+08:00

Here's a another video for all of you. its the first and official soundtrack of one of the best Island in the world Boracay. i have enjoy watching the video and listening to the music. the video was a collaboration of young, new , and upcoming indie artists and film directors from Boracay worked together to produce the first original Boracay music video. This piece of work captures the classic Boracay life experience of our generation. i hope you'll enjoy the music video too as much as i did.

Bora,Bora,Boracay Music Video From Boracay To The World.

Build up the crowd, mr. reggae man, bora reggae man, they cant get enough....

oh why do you feel like dancing to the island beat tonight, mr. reggae man, bora reggae man...

oh why dont we all just get high to the music of the night, mr. reggae man, bora reggae man...

we all start singing (the crowd starts singing)....

"Bora-Bora-Bora-Borrracay......"

Destination: Port Barton Palawan

2007-07-26T14:55:00.001+08:00

Port Barton is a small town in Palawan it is approximately 150 km from Puerto Princesa and about 5+ hours boat ride to El Nido. the town offers a variety of sporting and leisure activities from snorkeling,sailing,hiking and of course diving. it is a very laidback town not to touristy and has many outlying islands there are about 14 islands surrounding the town. in the recent year it have started to become a backpackers hangout as the accommodation in port barton is incredibly cheap compare to other islands in palawan. but still remains to be quiet and relaxed . the town is so small walking is the best option to tour around and hiring a boat on going to nearby islands. islands around port barton are spectacular and you can always find an unspoiled spot. the town somewhat offers trekking too. Port Barton is really a place to just relax and unwind. no nightlife in the island but you can grab a beer around among the beach front restaurant restaurant overlooking sunset. the islands is a nice jump off point to other destination in palawan like El Nido and Sabang these are the major attraction of Palawan going there from Port Barton will take around 5+ hours by boat. staying at Port Barton will be so relaxing before heading on to your next destination but as i have said that it is not yet a touristy spot the island have a few downside. these are regarding banks or money changer there are no banks and money changer on the area so make sure you'll bring enough Cash Pesos when you get to Port Barton and another one is the electricity it is not 24 hours the electric starts at 4 am to 6 am then resume at 4pm to midnight but hotels do have generators so its not a problem for tourist staying at hotels. as for Mobile Phone Smart Communication dominated this island while for Internet access there are several Internet cafes already usually at the hotels around.

Getting There:

The daily jeepney from Puerto Princessa to Port Barton leaves around 10 AM every day and costs only Php 200($4) per person whilst a 4x4 shuttle Van can be organised for a direct trip from the airport to Port Barton. This may cost around Php 4,000($88) Jeepneys bound for Port Barton are stationed at the Malvar Terminal.

Where To Stay:

Greenview Resort
Rates Start at 300php($6) to
700php($15)

Summerhomes Beach Resort
Rates Start at 100php($2) to
150php($3)

El Dorado Sunset Garden
Rates Start at 300php($6) to
500php($11)

Bamboo House and Restaurant
Rates Start at 450php($9)

Princesa Michaelas Resort
Rates Start at 150php($3)
to 450($9)

Elsa's Beach House
Rates Start at 300php($6)
to 450php($9)

Swissippini Lodge
Rates Start at 500php($11)
to 700php($15)

CoconutGarden Resort
Rates Start at 300php($6)
to 650php($14)

Photo Galerry of Port Barton

Sandbar

German Island (Own By a German National)

Sunset

Main Beach

View from a Resort

Port Barton Beach

Summer Homes Beach Resort

Photo Are Exclusively own By:

markcossin
carriekeleher
nita_travelling
princess_proserpina
theworldaccordingtoerica
katoomba36

Vote Wisely

2007-07-25T14:14:00.001+08:00

LetsgotoPhilippines was nominated in this year Blogger's Choice Award in the Best Travel Blog category. please please VOTE for me. click here to Vote for me. the result will be announced on November 10 at at PostieCon in Las Vegas. and also im goin to nominate my top 10 favorite blogs 5 for best travel and the other 5 on different categories. so what are you waitin for sign up now and start voting.

Feature: Kalesa

2007-07-23T04:39:00.000+08:00

I have already showed you on my previous post the "King Of The Road" or the Jeepney as one of the primary and cheapest means of getting around certain places here in the Philippines. but before the Jeepneys ruled the Philippine Roads and Avenues. there were Kalesa first or internationally famous as Horse Carriage they were dub as 18th century Rolls Royce by the Spanish. it is the mode of transport of the who's who in the society back then and only the high society people can afford the luxury and comfort of the Kalesa. when the Spaniards leave the Philippines. filipino make a way to reinvent these sophisticated rides to cater everyone in the society. it was then become as the primary modes of transport in the Philippines long before the Jeepney and taxi came. now Kalesa are rarely used in the streets but dont worry kalesa are here to stay but only on some of the tourist spots and province here in the Philippines you can still find the Kalesa in Intramuros Manila,Binondo,Vigan,Angeles City and Iligan City. it is a good way to get around the tourist spots in Manila such as The Fort Santiago,Intramuros,Manila Cathedral and many more. the standard rate for a Kalesa ride is like 250 pesos(around $5) but its better to negotiate with the Cochero (the Kalesa Driver) before jumping in so you wont have any problem after the ride.

Photos Exclusively Own By

http://www.photo.net.ph/thumbnails.php?album=3261

Resort: Caylabne Bay

2007-07-18T00:50:00.000+08:00

One of the countries best kept secret.Caylabne Bay Resort in Ternate,Cavite lies just 90 minutes away from Manila. the resort is a combination of sultry spirit of a tropical paradise with a touch of a classic Mediterranean style. Cool mountain air and the calm of sea breeze welcomes you as you get to the resort. caylabne is also known for its historic and romantic setting, a breathtaking view, white sandy beach, flower garden,sophisticated villas, and top notch in house restaurant and bar. sounds boring? well water activities such as sailing,jetsky,boating and many more are also offered by the resort. Caylabne formerly called marbella was once exclusively for friends of the late President Ferdinand Marcos well those are not just ordinary friends but he's world famous friends celebrities and royals. the resort is definitely one of the Philippines most promising resort hotel. i strongly recommend it for all the couples and newly weds out there. or to people who seriously just want to be relax and be away from the hustle and bustle of the city life.

Getting There:

Contact The Resort For There Roundtrip Transport Service. Or You Can Inquire At Your Hotel For Transport Service Going To The Resort. http://www.caylabne.com.ph/

Facilities:

Conference and Business Center Recreational Facilities and Service (recreational facilities you can choose from. Badminton, Tennis, Putting green, Mini golf, Volleyball, Basketball, Aquabikes, Banana Boat, Walking Trail, Mountain Trek and Fishing) In House Restaurant and Bar

Other Guest Facilities and Service

Helipad
Swimming pools
24-hour room service
Safety deposit box
Children's playroom

Crib
Baby sitting
Laundry service
Medical services
Massage Services

Rates Starts At $105 to $330

INCLUSIONS:

Overnight Accommodation
Welcome Drink
American Breakfast
Cold Towel
Mineral Water
Free use of Beach & Swimming Pool

My Personal Photo Of The Resort

Caylabne Breakwater

Nature At Its Best

Island Near By

One Of The Villas

Sunny

The Pool

Beach

At The Entrance

View Of The Resort From The Top

Calm Ocean

Majestic

View From The View Point

Sunset

Resort Owned Photo

Kiddie Pool

White Sand Beach

BeachFront

BeachFront

Docking Area

Aerial View Of The Breakwater

The El Patio Pool

Souvenir Kiosk

One BedRoom Suite

Two BedRoom Suite

Twin Bedroom

Doubled Bed Room

De Lux Room

The Lookout Restaurant

The Marina Bar

Leche Flan

Grilled squid

Buko Halo (Ice Cream in a Coconut Shell)

Cinnamon Mango Crepe

Chef's Salad

Desert Trio

Tocino and Egg The Best For Breakfast

Cocktail Morena

Water Sports

Source:

http://www.caylabne.com.ph/