Vote For Tubbataha Reef

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

Travel News: 4.17B Panglao Airport Project

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

Events: Beyonce Experience Live

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

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

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

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

Fly For One Peso

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

Menu: Pinakbet

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

Feature: Eastwood City Libis

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

Feature: Kalesa

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

Commercial Break

Well lets pause for a while to give way for this advertisement of the Tourism Authority of the Philippines. watching this ad can make u say WOW PHILIPPINES.



When The Gods Created The Philippines,They Liked It So Much,They Decided To Make 7000 More.

Shopping: SM Mall of Asia

SM Mall of Asia is the largest shopping mall in the Philippines and the 7th largest shopping mall in the world in terms of gross floor size, It is owned and operated by SM PRIME HOLDING, under the management of Henry Sy, a Chinese-Filipino business tycoon. who also owns all the SM Mall in the Philippines. Filipinos will not survive without SM malls hehe well thats a fact. anyway Mall Of Asia being the largest in the Philippines boost a lot of attraction and features. it has 600 shops and 150 dining establishments,Olympic Sized Ice Skating Rinks,IMAX Theater,5,000 parking spaces, and esplanade was constructed at the back of the mall for a nice view of the famous manila bay sunset.whew there are really a lot to do in this mall and because it is so huge the management decided to provide shopper a 20-seater tram traveling around the mall grounds to ferry shoppers around. somehow malls very unique feature. but just when you thought its over. i just want you to know that this super mall is undergoing an expansion yes there still room for a major expansion. a 16,000 seater multi-purpose coliseum/arena for sporting events, concerts and entertainment shows. It is set to build to the mall complex and It is set to rival the 50-year old Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City. and not only that, it was also announced that a deluxe Hotel and a Convention Center will be built within the Mall of Asia complex. wow Mall of Asia is really the mall to beat. and as what there slogan says

"No Other Mall Comes Close"

The Olympic Sized Skating Rink


Exterior of The Mall Facing Manila Bay


Front Signage


The Globe


Front Fountain


Front Passage


The One and Only IMAX Theater in the Philippines


Sources:

http://www.maniladailyphoto.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sm_mall_of_asia