Panglao - Bohol Island

Panglao has some beautiful beaches. Among them, Alona Beach has manyhotels and diving services. This would be the best place for people whowants to enjoy diving and relaxing. Bohol island is located between Cebu island and Leyte island, and Panglao island is a small island next to Bohol. There is the bridge between Panglao and Tagbilaran, Bohol, so you can access to Panglao by car. There is Balicasag island near Panglao, which is one of the most famous diving spots in the world. Panglaois a 4th class municipality in the province of Bohol, Philippines. Itis an island situated in the Central Visayas, particularly locatedsouthwest of the island of Bohol and in the east of Cebu. Politically,it is divided into two municipalities: Dauis and Panglao, both BoholProvince. Panglao is well-known for its world class diving locationsand many tourist resorts. The island is one of the mostdiverse and attractive destinations in the Philippines. It is an anchortourist destination and one of the 7,000 times more islands that makeup the Philippine archipelago. It is a small island knownfor its quiet beach resorts and several great wide variety of divesites. It has everything - the reefs, several kinds of corals, walls,big and small fishes, starfishes, and other life forms under the sea.You can find good snorkeling around the northwest and southeast coasts.This area is filled with lots of sea stars, sea snakes and corals. Thearea has been the center of seashell trade. It is said thatthe Spanish explorers who came to this island in 1803 named it Panglaoafter the world 'mapanglao', meaning 'lonesome place'. It is also oneof the old towns of Bohol. It is of historical meaning that it was theplace where the Spaniards went after an unfortunate experience in Cebu. The Panglao Island Nature Resort in Bohol. Thebeauty of Panglao Island Nature Resort is an ideal vacation spot fromthe mess of the metropolitan environment. Starting with the white sandbeach, built around the natural curve of the premises and dotted theresort with high-ceiling, thatched roof huts. Each guest room has abalcony with drying rack, coffee table & chairs and is equippedwith individually remote controlled air-conditioning, satellite cabledTV, IDD/NDD telephone facility, refrigerator, in-room coffee & tea,private bathroom with hot & cold shower, personal cafe, 220-voltelectrical points, key-card security lock system, gym facilities, spatreatment and the innovative "wi-fi" technology for internet gurus.Business conventions, extended vacations, weekend stays, and day-longsunbathing are just few of the events best spent in this lovely beachresort. The perfect getaway from the clutter of the urbanjungle. Business conventions, extended vacations, weekend stays, andday-long sunbathing at the beach are just few of the activities bestspent in the beauty of Panglao Island Nature Resort. Superb service and exquisite cuisine are natural complements to the paradise that is Panglao Island. Starting with a priestine white sand beach, we built around the natural contour of the premises and dotted the resor twith high-ceiling, thatched roof huts. Panglao Island is a fifteen-minute trip by land from downtown Tagbilaran, and an hour and a half by fast ferry from Cebu City.

Makati Attractions .........

Makati is the financial center of the Philippines, being the location of choice for the regional headquarters of multinational companies and the country's largest conglomerates. It is also home to the Philippine Stock Exchange.

Ayala Center is home to several shopping malls and restaurant rows. It is also surrounded by a number of hotels such as Oakwood Premiere Hotel (now Ascott), Hotel Intercontinental, Makati Shangri La, Dusit Hotel Nikko, and Renaissance Hotel. Also within walking distance are the Peninsula Manila and the Mandarin Oriental.

Towering buildings line up the streets of Ayala Avenue, Gil Puyat (formerly Buendia), Paseo de Roxas, and Makati Avenue. Across Buendia from the commercial business district (CBD) is a thriving tourist district, where hotel rates are more affordable.Hotels in this area (Makati Avenue, Burgos Street, Jupiter Street) include Oxford Suites, City Garden Hotel, CEO Suites, Saint Illian's Inn, Somerset, Perla Mansion, Great Eastern Hotel, Millennium Plaza Hotel, Fraser Place, Citadel Inn, among others.

Top Ten Beautiful Sights that the Philippines has to Offer

By Jonathan Williams

The Philippines is an archipelago made up of about 7,100 islands. This archipelago country is located in Southeast Asia. In Asia, it is also one of the popular countries that get visited yearly by tourists, and here are the top ten places that they love going back to.


1.) Intramuros
This walled "city" is located in Manila. It served as a walled settlement of the Spaniards during their occupation of the country and, as such, has its own museums as well as churches and wonderful ruins. Today, this well-preserved Intramuros is one of the visited places in the Philippines.

2.) Rizal Park
Also called Luneta, this is a very good place if you want a leisurely walk. This park is dedicated to the Philippines' national hero, Jose Rizal, who was not only a poet but a very good writer during the Spanish era, and this was also the place where he was executed. Now, this is a popular place for picnics.

3.) Baywalk
This is a walking distance from the Rizal Park. You can find here numerous restaurants and bars offering wonderful foods and drinks. This is also a nice place to stroll along as well as listen to the many bands that play at night.

4.) Mount Pinatubo
This majestic volcano that wreaked havoc in the lives of Filipinos during the early 1990s is located in Pampanga. Here, you can take guided hikes on some parts of its slope. You can also take a refreshing dip in Pinatubo's crater lake.

5.) Nayong Pilipino
If you want to tour famous destinations of the Philippines in one spot, then visit Nayong Pilipino. This cultural park has a miniature Philippine Islands including some of the beautiful spots of the country. You can also buy here some native foods as well as souvenirs.

6.) Camp John Hay
When you visit Baguio, the country's summer capital, be sure to visit also Camp John Hay. This used to be an American Military area but was later given to the Philippine government. Now, it is a recreational center with golf club, and it also offers horseback riding as well as camping.

7.) Boracay
Boracay Island is located in the Visayas Region. What this beautiful island offers is its majestic white sand beaches. This is a popular tourist destination of not only the locals but the foreigners as well, and there are a lot of activities here like the usual water sports as well as trendy bars and discos during summertime.

8.) Mount Apo
This magnificent mountain can be found in Davao. Here, you can go nature tripping as well as hiking. You will also see here the Philippine Eagle, which is said to be one of the biggest eagles of the world.

9.) Mayon Volcano
This wonderful and perfectly cone-shaped volcano can be found in Bicol. What makes this a major tourist spot is that you will find here the bell tower of an old church that was buried when it erupted during the early 1800s, and also, with that major eruption, it buried the Cagsawa town. Now, this is a must-see when you visit the Philippines, and you can also buy your souvenirs here as well as the famous pili nut candy.

10.) Camarines Sur Water Sports Complex
Located in Pili, Camarines Sur in Bicol, this is fast becoming a must-visit place whenever you visit the Philippines. If you love cable wakeboarding, then this is the place to be as it boasts of a wonderful cable wakeboarding experience as well as modern amenities. You can also find quaint cabanas here where you can spend your summer or vacation, plus, the services here are excellent.

Amanpulo Resort Palawan, Philippines

Pamalican Island

Amanpulo Resort Palawan is an idyllic, tropical haven for the beach lover, Amanpulo Resort Palawan is set on its own private island surrounded by white-sand beaches, turquoise waters and a coral reef.

LOCATION:

Amanpulo Resort Palawan is accessed by scheduled charter flight from Manila, which has flights to several major international destinations. Guests are met at Manila's international airport and taken by complimentary transfer to the Amanpulo Resort Palawan lounge, adjacent to the departure point. Amanpulo Resort Palawan staff arranges all transfers and flight vouchers. Guests fly directly to Pamalican Island in a 19-seat, twin-engine turboprop, landing at the resort’s private airstrip. The cost of the roundtrip air transfer, Manila-Amanpulo-Manila, is US$300 per adult. The fare for children under seven is 50 percent of the adult fare, while children under two years are charged ten percent. Baggage is limited to 20kg per adult, including carry-on luggage.

EXPERIENCE:

Amanpulo Resort Palawan (which means “peaceful island” and opened in 1993) is an idyllic, tropical haven for the beach lover, Amanpulo Resort Philippine is set on its own private island surrounded by white-sand beaches, turquoise waters and a coral reef. All manner of water sports are available including diving, fishing and sailing. Enjoy some Romance or an Underwater Experience.

Amanpulp resort’s 40 casitas (65-square-metre cottages in hillside and beachfront settings) are modeled after the Philippine bahay kubo (native dwelling). Inside, decorative details pay homage to neighboring islands: pebble-washed walls, coconut-shell tables, rustic Palawan rice and knife baskets, a king-size bed with a rattan headboard and sliding-glass doors that reveal outdoor decks with his-and-her divans.

More helpful link:

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g294255-d306043-r6582451-Amanpulo-Palawan.html

ABOUT NORTHERN SAMAR

Northern Samar occupies the entire northern portion of Samar Island on the eastern edge of the Philippines archipelago. It is bounded on the north by the San Bernardino Strait, on the east by the Pacific Ocean, on the west by the Samar Sea, and on the south by the province of Samar.

Capital : Catarman
Land Area : 3498 sq km
Population : 382 830
Cities : none
Number of Towns: 24

The Land

The province has extensive lowland areas along the coast and up to the valleys of the Catarman, Catubig, and Palapag rivers. The remaining portion has rugged terrain that becomes rolling and moutainous towards the interior.

The province has no distinct dry and wet seasons but rainfall is pronounced from October to January.

Brief History

The San Bernardino Strait was along the route of the Spanish galleons that plied between Manila and Acapulco during Spanish times. A royal port was established in Palapag, as a refuge for galleons during storms.

In 1649, a general uprising against Spain took place. It took a year for the Spaniards to quell the rebellion.

In 1898, Americans landed on the beach of Catarman.
On June 19, 1965, the provinces of Northern Samar, Eastern Samar and Western Samar were created out of Samar Island.

The People

Like the rest of Samar Island, the people here speak the Waray dialect.
Commerce and IndustryCoconut is the main crop produced by the province. Other crops produced are rice, corn, abaca, etc.

The province, however, is considered a "food-deficent" area as it has a shortage not only of rice but also fruits, vegetables and legumes.

The three bodies of water that surround Northern Samar are major fishing grounds.

Other industries in the province include furniture-making, ceramics, metalcraft, garements, food processing, and related crafts.

Getting There and AwayDomestic flights are available from Manila to Catarman daily.

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.