Baguio City

By Jiri Doucette


The Tourist capital of the Philippines also known as the "City of Pines" or the "Summer Capital" Baguio City is known for its cool crisp climate in relation to other cities in the Philippines, you can expect the tempter to be on average 8-10 degrees lower then in the lowlands, Baguio is approx. 1400 - 1500 meters above see level and is located in Northern Luzon about 250 kames. from Manila. How to get to Baguio, there are a number of ways to get to Baguio from Manila, by land you can take the bus either Philippine Rabbit or Victory liner. There are 3 Hi-ways that can be taken, Marcos Hwy. Kennon Rd. also known as "Zig-zag rd" for it's numerous bends and turns and there is Naguillian rd. each route is about equal give or take an hour depending on the weather and traffic conditions. Travel time is about 6 hours from Manila.

Traveling by air with Asian Spirits, there are one or two flights a day to Baguio from Manila the cost is under a hundred dollars and takes approx. 55 min. take note that the Baguio airport (Loakan airport) closes due to dense fog certain times of the year, it would be a good idea to call ahead to make sure there are flights available.



Baguio is also the jumping off point to other great locations in Northern Luzon such as the world famous Banaue Rice Terraces and Sagada Mountain Province famous for their hanging coffins.


Once in Baguio, you will find a bustling little city, you will not find Tricycles like in the low lands, but you will see your share of Jeepneys and taxi's, getting around town is never a problem. Session rd. is the main strip it's also the main business district, you will find great little shops on either side of the road there is lower and upper session rd, to help guide you, from specialty shops, restaurants, and American franchises like McDonalds you will also see your share of street vendors selling everything from kids toys to small home appliances, water heater act. Public Market, now this is the heart of Baguio it is spilt into wet and dry, regardless of where you are from, there is a good chance you will find what you are looking for, not only your basic food groups are sold here but you can also find the freshest fruits and veggies, food is not the only products you can find in the public markets, you can also find clothes, shoes and just about everything under the sun including have your clothes tailored while you shop, there is an entire section dedicated to tailoring and repairs, I brought a bag to be repaired while I did my shopping and I could not believe the quality of the repair when I got back, I thought I was looking at a new bag, very professional service.



SM (Shoe mart) is the newest addition to Bagnio’s sky line, it is a very modern, open air mall with literally everything under the sun, from Furniture stores, Brand name clothing, Movie house, department store, hardware store, modern Dental office, modern Americanized supermarket, Food court, coffee houses, bake shops, Barbers, Pizza hut, and other eating establishments, you can also get a great view of Baguio from one of the second and third floor outlook decks.


What to see and do while in Baguio, Even though Baguio is only about 49 sq. Km. there is always a lot to see and places to go, some of the more popular attractions are Mines view park, Wright Park, Burnham Park, Mansion house, Botanical garden, Lion's head Park, Rizal Park, Lourdes Grotto, Camp John Hay, Baguio Catholic Cathedral, PMA (Philippine Military Academy), Bell Church, Tam-awan village, Teacher's Camp, Easter weaving room, Aguinaldo Museum, Crystal caves, Good shepherd Convent, Dominican Hill, there are also two quality golf courses one at Camp John Hay and the other Baguio Country Club they are both in close walking distance from one another.

Horse back riding can be found at Wright Park and Baguio Country Club Village, great rates and guides are available. Camp John Hay also has 5 star accommodations and dinning, the Manor is Baguio's crème' de la crème' of class and style. You can also find things for the kids, like Bumper cars, bike riding, Roller skating/blading, video arcades, pool hall, play ground, picnic areas can also be found at Camp John Hay, not to mention shopping, miss some of thing you had back home? It can all be found in the shops and stores in John Hay. If night life is what you crave you can find a number of popular night clubs as well as pub style bars with live bands that are very good, there are also plenty of Karaoke bars and Pool halls. Baguio City has something for everyone, not only is it a very clean City but it's my favorite City that I call it home as it has stolen my heart with its charm and the people are just great, you can also find many foreigners both living and traveling in Baguio.


So if you are planning a trip to the Philippines, you owe it to yourself to spend a couple day's in Baguio and just let it all soak in, you be glad you did and hey who knows maybe we'll run into each other.

The Top Five Island Tourist Destinations in the Philippines

To ensure a 100% satisfaction-guaranteed summer vacation, here's a list of island tourists destinations in the Philippines. For a wonderful and unforgettable summer experience, whether you're a local or a tourist, check this out.























Summer is around, and everybody's excited to spend the summer vacation once again. A place that is cool, with awesome scenery and wonderful people is most likely the most popular choice to spend it. A place where they can escape the heat of the sun, enjoy swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving or simply watching scenic views.





Boracay
















Number one on the list, of course, a world class resort, the most popular island destination and the number one tourist spot in the Philippines - Boracay. It is regarded as “the finest beach of all Asia”. Likewise, popularly known as, “the number one tropical beach in the world”. Everyone will surely enjoy swimming and sunbathing on its 4 kilometer “white sand beach”. You will definitely like this island paradise. It is situated in Panay Island, Philippines, about 300 km south of Manila.


Palawan



















Next on the list is Palawan known as “the last Philippine frontier “. It is blessed with beautiful tourist attractions like Club Paradise Resort, El Nido Resort, and many others. The famous underground river is also here, and the Tubbataha Reef Marine Park which is the best place for snorkeling in Asia is also located on this island.


Dakak























Third on the list is another world class beach resort, Dakak. It is famous not only for its “powdery white sand” but also famous for its coral reefs and diving that is why it was named the “Diving Mecca in Mindanao”.


Surigao



















In the fourth spot, we have Siargao, the haven of surfers from all over the world. Popularly known as, “the surfing capital of the Philippines”. International Surfing Cup is held here annually.


Batanes

























And the last, but certainly not the least, we have Batanes, the northernmost province of the Philippines. It is the smallest province in terms of land area and population. You will surely love this place. It is the best place for nature lover and people who love tranquility and serenity. This is where the Pacific Ocean merges with the South China Sea. Batanes is great for summer vacation, fishing, diving and hiking.

Enjoy your summer vacation on these island paradises.

EL NIDO, PALAWAN, PHILIPPINES

El Nido really is a magical place. From its ageless towering marble cliffs to its white sandy beaches with crystal clear water, many refer to it as paradise. There are over 50 beaches to discover, so many in fact that sometimes you feel as if you are on your own secluded private beach. You will also find enchanting lagoons with tranquil turquoise-green water, caves that can take you to hidden beaches, and a very diverse variety of wildlife.

El Nido is a top destination for island hopping, book your boat, take some food, some drinks in a cool box and disappear into the heavenly marine reserve that is Bacuit Bay. It is a truly relaxing and inspiring place; Alex Garland wrote "The Beach" while living here. Scuba diving is also a popular activity here with over 30 dive sites for varying levels and skills; from taking the plunge and learning to dive for the first time, to perfecting your expertise and advancing your qualifications.

Yet El Nido has so many different treasures to offer beyond the obvious. Further activities available include cliff climbing, waterfalls, kayaking, cave exploration, windsurfing, plus you can also hire a motorbike and discover the surrounding north of Palawan.

The dry season is from around November to May with temperatures above 30 degrees centigrade and rain is rare. The most popular tourist times in El Nido are Christmas and Easter. With the Philippines being 95% Catholic the celebration of these two events in the Catholic calendar bring out another side to El Nido. Especially in Easter where there is a week long festival including town parades and markets.

Seafood is a local speciality, in fact many fish are exported to Manila, and on to other South East Asian countries. There are restaurants scattered around the town offering various foods to suit most palates. From seafoods to meat dishes, salads, pastas, stews there is something for everyone. Particular restuarants also have foreign influence including French, German, Swiss and Australian.

A number of bars offer different entertainment including billiard, dancing, live music, karaoke, and of course along the beach front the chance to unwind and watch the beautiful view as the day comes to a close.

There are many eccentricities to El Nido, for example the electric power is from 1pm to 1am. Also you will not find any banks here, although you can change foreign currency and travellers cheques at a couple of places albeit at an increased rate. There are also no telephone lines so communication is mostly via mobile phones plus there are two internet cafes.

Two airlines offer direct flights to El Nido; there are at least 2 flights every day. The only road out of the town is a long dust track which is serviced by 4 buses a day going to the capital of the Palawan, Puerto Princesa City. There are also jeepneys catering for shorter trips. One can also travel by boat direct to Manila from the Port situated in the bay.

Palawan is frequently referred to as "The Final Frontier". Once you have been here you realise why. Enchanting El Nido is truly breathtaking; many leave, their lives changed by this magical place.

CAMIGUIN ISLAND

The Island of Desire Camiguin is a pear-shaped volcanic island lying in the Bohol Sea, some 54 kms. southeast of Chocolate Hills and some 90 kms. north of Cagayan de Oro airport; 120 kms. southeast of Mactan International Airport and 10 kms. north of Misamis Oriental. Composed of 5 municipalities namely: Mambajao (Capital town), Catarman, Sagay, Guinsiliban and Mahinog, Camiguin has two other attractive islets better known as White Island and Mantigue Island. Each of these has unique endowments.

Camiguin is about 300 sq.kms. or approximately 29,00 hectares; its length measures 33 kms.; width at widest point is 14 kms. with road circumferential measuring to 64 kms. Cool climate is attributed to vegetation and natural springs. Daytime temperature averages at 26°C. Coldest months are December, January and February. Maximum rainfall had been recorded on months of June to December.

In the heart of the island bubbles the flowing mineral pools of Ardent Hot Springs. Mists rise from the heated waters running down from the vents of Hibok-Hibok Volcano, the only active one among the seven on the island. Revel in the therapeutic waters. Picnic beneath the sheltering trees. Enjoy a game of darts or table tennis, comfortable dormitory - type rooms and duplex cottages are available for overnighters.

Camiguin is an island paradise surrounded by natural wonders like hot springs, waterfalls, and volcanic landscapes. It is also here where you can taste arguably the sweetest lanzones fruit in the country. Exotic varieties of flora and fauna can be found in the island depicting the richness of this small but charming island in the South. By day, take a side trip to some of Camiguin Island's attractions: the clear pools of Sto. Nino Cold Spring, the slender beauty of Katibawasan Falls, and the isolated white-sand bar called simply White Island.

This is also the favorite jump-off point for trekkers and mountaineers in search of adventure in the slopes of Mt. Hibok-Hibok.

GETTING THERE

There are three ports operating in the province of Camiguin. The main port of entry is in Benoni, with minor ports at Balbagon and Guinsiliban. Balbagon Port links Cagayan de Oro and Cebu, Benoni Port links with Balingoan and Cagayan de Oro, and Guinsiliban Port which also has a roro landing facility links with Balingoan and Cagayan de Oro. Camiguin can be reached either by ferryboat or small aircraft. The fastest way to get to the island from Manila is to take any of the commercial flights to Cagayan de Oro City. In Cagayan de Oro, one can either hire a taxi right outside the airport terminal or take the bus in the city center to Balingoan Port in Misamis Oriental. The bus terminal is located at Agora, Lapasan. Depending on the weather condition, it takes about one hour and a half to two hours by land to reach Balingoan Port, which is 84 kilometers from Cagayan de Oro. This port is the nearest jump-off point to Camiguin. The ferryboat ride to Benoni Port in the Municipality of Mahinog takes about one hour. This port is 17 kilometers from Mambajao, the capital of Camiguin Province which can be reached by jeepneys. The six photographs portrayed below should give an idea about the Port at Balingoan and one of the ferryboats that regularly plies the Balingoan-Benoni route. A new terminal building has recently been constructed and when the planned improvements are completed, 737 jet planes will be able to land in Camiguin linking major destinations as Manila, Cebu and Davao. Camiguin is only 35 minutes by airplane from Mactan (Cebu) International Airport. SEAIR is now serving the Cebu-Camiguin-Cebu route every Monday and Saturday.

POINTS OF INTEREST

Old Catarman Church Ruins - Located in Barangay Bonbon, 10 kms. from Catarman Poblacion - Remnants of the 1871 Vulcan Daan Eruption. Cross Marker and Sunken Cemetery - 15 kms. from Bonbon, Catarman, huge cross was installed in 1982 as marker of a cemetery which sank in 1871 vulcan eruption. Katibawasan Falls - 5 kms. southeast of Mambajao; the falls measures 250 ft. high. Tuasan Falls - 6 kms. northeast of Catarman Potential source of mini hydropower. Ardent Hot Spring - 4 kms. North uphill of Catarman proper. Pool has an area of 25 meters by 40 meters; deep water. Tangub Hot Spring - 12 kms. west of Mambajao;

Diving is good at about 10 to 20 meters temperature is determined by high or low tide. Mt. Hibok-Hibok - Approached thru base of Barangay Esperanza, Mambajao. The 1,250 meters slope, loose rocks and boulders are among the challenges. Old Vulcan - 13 kms. west of Mambajao; has a 70 to 80 meters drop-off; Landmark or "Panaad". White Island - 2 kms. across Agoho or Yumbing beaches; uninhabited sand bar. Mantigue Island - 3 kms. offshore across Brgy. Hubangon and San Roque, Mahinog, 4 hectares of forest-fringed with white, sand beaches. Cabua-an Beach - Nearest beach in Mambajao proper; Venue of San Juan Hibok-Hibokan Festival. Agohay Beach - 7 kms. from Brgy. Agoho, Mambajao Camping area for Hibok-hibok mountaineers.

FAST FACTS

Capital: Mambajao

Area: 229 sq km

Municipalities: 5
Towns of Camiguin Province Zip
Catarman 9104
Guinsiliban 9102
Mahinog 9101
Mambajao 9100
Sagay 9103

The Island of Camiguin is surrounded by seven volcanoes, the most famous of which is Mt. Hibok-Hibok which rises to 1, 250m above sea level.

Photo Credits to : http://www.camiguin.us/camiguin_2002_01.htm

TARSIU SYRICHTA (Philippines Tarsiers)

“Tarsius Syrichta” or as we all know, the “Philippine Tarsiers” can be found in Bohol, Samar, Leyte and parts of Mindanao.

Tarsiers’ eyes are 150 times bigger than humans relative to body size. Their head can rotate 180 degrees and their ears move to the direction of sounds. They have elongated leg bone, elongated feet and toes that grip. Tarsiers can jump up to 5 meters and uses its long tail for balance.

Tarsiers eats grasshoppers, crickets, locusts, ants, bees, wasps, dragonflies, beetles, stick insects, butterflies and moths. These nocturnal species are very sensitive and tends to kill themselves if in captivity by holding their breath, refuses to eat or bang their heads in the cage until they die. Tarsiers can only live for 30 days in captivity.
They prefer to live alone in their own territory and they will only come together if mating season arrives. Tarsiers only breed or mate from October to March. Male tarsiers mate with a female tarsier, then leave to find another female to mate. Tarsier females only give birth to one tarsier per year. Baby tarsiers stay with their parent for 6-7 months only and then they are left on their own.

Tarsiers in the wild can live up to 15 to 20 years old. Tarsiers can start mating when he reaches 2 years of age. The age of a tarsier can be defined by body size and body color. Grey brown color indicates a young tarsier, while a brown color indicates an old one.

Back in 1998, Tarsiers are captured to be sold as household pets, but they only live for a month in cages. It was then that the Philippine government financed to establish the Philippine Tarsier Foundation’s sanctuary in Canapnapan, Corella, Bohol, with 7.4 hectares having 20+ tarsier to start.

Aside from protecting the tarsiers, the foundation also exists to bring awareness and education the people to protect and care for these animals. Proclamation # 1030 declares the Philippine Tarsier as a specially protected faural species of the Philippines.

To date, the sanctuary is now 8.4 hectares and protects around 100+ tarsiers in the area. The foundation receives donations from different organizations and individuals and receives continuous support from the Bohol Integrated Development Foundation. Tarsiers are very tame and lives harmoniously with nature. Having the opportunity to visit their sanctuary made me aware and had gained respect to their right to live.

CEBU CITY

Cebu is a city in the midst of overwhelming growth that blends its ancestral heritage and modern business savvy with flair. Standing as the country's top business and tourist destination, Cebu was crowned as the Queen City of the South. Finding its own place under Cebu's friendly skies, business and leisure breathe together with office buildings and beach resorts.

Relics of the past are found aplenty as Cebu is the country's oldest city. The street with the distinction of being the oldest in the Philippines is Colon Street. Colon Street was paved lat in the 16th century by Miguel Lopez de Legaspi and now houses malls, office buildings, theaters as well as museums and monuments. Other historical places are the oldest fortress in the country, Fort San Pedro, Liloan Lighthouse and the Bantayan sa Hari.

Cebu was named the country's capital by the Spaniards in 1565 and has been a bustling trade port since pre-Hispanic times. Since that time, Cebu has been able to maintain its stature as the center of trade and commerce in Southern Philippines.
More than just a city of increasing sophistication, Cebu still retains much of its provincial warmth and charm, with its colorful past. Apart from Cebu's numerous man-made landmarks and institutions, it also features many miles of forest greens - a haven to wildlife and the place for a perfect picnic. There's the 15,393-hectacre Central Cebu National Park, the 696-hectare Sudian National Park, the Kawasan Falls and the Bolok-Bolok Mineral Springs. nearby Mactan Island boasts of world-class beach resorts.

Tourist Attractions
Basilica Minore De Santo NinoThe Santo Nino de Cebu,

the oldest religious relic in the country, is housed at the Basilica, one of the country's oldest churches. It was a token of friendship by Magellan to Queen Juana in 1521 and has survived fires and other catastrophes throughout the years. The Chapel of the Last Supper in Mandaue, the Taoist Temple and the Phu-Sian Temple in Beverly Hills, Naga Church and Argao Church are other religious institutions worth seeing.

Casa Gorordo Museum
Once the residence of the first Filipino Bishop of Cebu, a tour of the Casa Gorordo gives a glimpse of the Filipino lifestyle from 1860 to 1920. Paintings, religious relics, a courtyard, antique household items and furniture are featured in the museum.

Island Hopping

Without a view of its numerous tropical islets, a vacation in Cebu would be incomplete. A few of the attractions found in Cebu are sun-kissed and white sand beaches, colorful corals and abundant marine life. Explore the caves and lagoons of Calanggaman and Gato. Swim the beaches of Argao, Oslob and Carmen. Experience the divespots of Moalboal, Badian, Mactan and Olango. The choices are infinite.

Lapu-Lapu Monument
Proudly standing at Marangay Mactan in Mantan Island is Lapu-Lapu's bronze form. He is the first Filipino leader to resist Spanish attempts at colonization and is revered to this day. His statue ironically stands across the street from that of rival, Magellan.

Magellan's Cross

In 1521, Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan planted a cross on the very spot where the first Filipinos were baptized People started chipping off parts of the cross because of supposed supernatural powers until the city government encased it in tindalo wood and housed it in a monument. It now stands at the corner of Magallanes and Burgos streets.

University of San Carlos MuseumThe country's oldest university, San Carlos was founded by the Jesuits in 1595. Various archeological artifacts are housed in the museum as well as religious relics from all over the Philippines.

Antiques

Some of the gastronomic bite delights to be had in Cebu are dried mango preserves, otap (crunchy sugar-coated biscuits), turrons (rolled wafers with peanut/cashew filling), danggit (dried fish), and fresh fruits. For some of the best food buys, Carbon Market, Gullas Market and Tabuan Market are good choices.

Furniture and Home Accessories

One of Cebu's top export earners is rattan furniture with over 2/3 of the country's rattan furnishings made in Cebu. Cebu has also attracted international recognition with the Cebuano's craftsmanship in making furniture of bamboo, stone and other indigenous materials. Many good buys can be found in Mandaue City furniture shops.

Handicrafts

Cebuanos have managed to produce all sorts of handicrafts as they are blessed with an inherent entrepreneurial spirit and creativity. Cebu has practically everything from silver jewelry and hand-woven cloth to Capiz lampshades and ashtrays, abaca bags, and coral jewelry boxes. At Carbon Market, which is Cebu's biggest public market, there are many great bargains. Another choice is to take a stroll down Colon Street, with its many stores and malls it offers the best of Cebu.

Travel
Getting There An international destination with flights from Tokyo, Singapore and Hong Kong arriving almost daily, Cebu is home to the Mactan International Airport. Cebu is just a short flight - an hour - away from Manila by plane or 22 hours by boat. It is an ideal jump-off point for other tourist attractions in the Visayas and Mindanao.

Getting AroundThe American dollar, next to to the Philippine peso, enjoys wide acceptance. For a pleasant trip, it's recommended to have a substantial amount of cash on hand as foreign credit cards may be accepted only at major hotels and establishments.

Getting around Cebu is not a problem as there are an abundance of taxis, other modes of transportation are the jeepney, bus or tricycle. Staying InNumerous accommodations have sprouted all over the province from world-class hotels and resorts to modest hostels and apartelles, being as Cebus is the country's top tourist destination. During the peak summer season it's best to make reservations early.

Top Eight Best Diving Spots in the Philippines

Here's a list of world-class diving sites in the world.

Looking for the best diving spots in the world? Here's a list of the top eight best dive sites in the Philippines with world class diving facilities and white sand beaches.

The Philippines was cited as one of the top three best diving spots in the world, together with Maldives and Palau. Among the internationally recognized best dive spots in the country are;

Tubbataha Reef Marine Park,Sulu Sea
It is famous for its diverse marine life. Tubbataha Reef Marine Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is home to some of the most beautiful coral reefs in the world and the best place for snorkeling and diving in Asia.

The Tubbataha Reef Marine Park covers 33,200 ha, including the North and South Reefs. It is a unique example of an atoll reef with a very high density of marine species; the North Islet serving as a nesting site for birds and marine turtles. The site is an excellent example of a pristine coral reef with a spectacular 100-m perpendicular wall, extensive lagoons and two coral islands.

Malapascua Island, Cebu
It is famous for its rare sharks.

Malapascua is one of the least spoiled tourist spots in the Philippines. Labeled as the next Boracay by the Lonely Planet, Malapascua has everything for the traveling diver.
Malapascua diving offers: the only daily thresher shark sightings in the world, white tip sharks, mantas, hammerheads (seasonal), wrecks, mandarin fish, pygmy seahorses, cuttlefish, beautiful unspoiled coral gardens and a huge diversity of marine life.

Puerto Galera, Mindoro
This diving site is noted for its colorful reefs.

A little further from Anilao using Batangas Pier as jump-off point, Puerto Galera is a natural harbor with fine beaches, green scenery and sheltered coves. Puerto Galera has grown to become a diving haven due to its marine diversity, complemented by other activities. At least two dozen sites have been identified, each providing good opportunity for photography. Most divers prefer to go to Puerto Galera from March to October.

Anilao, Batangas
Anilao's proximity makes it a popular destination for weekend diving trips.

Even excursions are ideal in this southern town where resorts are situated within short boat rides to excellent dive sites. Diving is mainly in coral slopes and shallow gardens among sandy patches. Choose from any of the 24 dive sites between the coast of Anilao and Maricaban Island. The most popular site is the Cathedral (average of 60 ft.), a roofless cavern with a blessed cross flanked by two large sea mounts.

Balicasag Island, Bohol
Balicasag is considered as one of the best dive spots in the country.

Balicasag is considered as one of the best dive spots in the country. The waters are brimming with schools of tuna, snappers, groupers, mackerel and surgeonfish. Dolphins and pilot whales can also be viewed from a distance.

Apo Reef, Negros Oriental

Apo Reef National Park is another UNESCO World Heritage Site

Apo Reef National Park is acclaimed as one of the best diving sites in Asia. It is a 34-kilometer reef, with a narrow channel running east to west, dividing this reef into two lagoon systems, north and south. Apo Reef is the second largest contiguous coral reef in the world and the largest in the Philippines.

Palawan's Surrounding Islands

Coron, El Here's a list of world-class diving sites in the world.

Nido and Busuanga are just three of the many dive sites in Palawan.
Coron Bay is one of the most popular diving destinations in the Philippines. This site is one of the most famous wreck diving destinations in the entire world due to the amount of historic sunken ships which can be visited and seen with great clarity due to this area's waters usual transparency.

El Nido is one of the world class diving destinations in the Philippines. El Nido dive sites are also the home of the exotic and colorful tropical marine life. With its unexploited underwater scenery, divers will have a good look on the colorful tropical fishes and corals. In El Nido alone, there are 20 dive sites already.

Boracay, Aklan
Boracay is the best tropical beach in the world.

Boracay is one of the most popular diving areas in Southeast Asia. Boracay is a great dive holiday location, simply because it combines a wide range of dive activities with one of the best beaches in the world plus the numerous good quality resorts, restaurants, bars and night time events. There are 15 diving sites in the area.