What to do when your country happens to be an archipelago? Go around and explore, of course! Whatever part of the country you come from, there's always a way to get to your chosen destination. There's an abundance of vans, buses, boats and planes to take you places, so take your pick on what suits your preference and budget.
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| The Philippine Map by Google Maps |
In Cebu where I'm from, travel has been relatively convenient. It's strategically placed in the map making it an ideal hub for inter-island travel (and even to countries abroad) via land, sea or air. The accessibility, ease and affordability of travel in the Philippines has improved over the years that there can be no excuse not to be able to explore the country. To give you an idea, here are some of the places I've been outside my hometown as of date, from the trips I went with family, companies I've worked for and with friends.
A friend and colleague from work decided to visit her children in Albuera, Leyte during a holiday break in November 2012 and she invited me to go with her. I will also be celebrating my birthday around that time, so I was convinced to go on a trip instead of throwing a party. It was my first time in Leyte.
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| Beautiful Sunset by the Beach in Albuera, Leyte |
We took a 2-hour 35-minute fast ferry ride bound for Ormoc City, Leyte and from there, took a 30-minute public multi-cab ride to the town of Albuera. During that time, we only spent less than Php 500.00 each for the round-trip economy-class fast ferry promo fare and less than Php 50.00 each for the round-trip multi-cab fare. We stayed at my friend's relative's place so we didn't have to spend for accommodation. I got to spend my birthday with my friend, her children and relatives where we had a picnic by the beach and had a good fill of coconut wine or locally called tuba, a popular drink in Leyte and Samar provinces. As you see in the photo, the view of the sunset by the beach facing west was just breath-taking. That was a birthday well spent.
This trip to Bohol was spur-of-the-moment. I went with a friend and colleague who was from Far Eastern Russia and a lovely couple from Moscow, Russia who enrolled in an English class at the same language school my friend and I used to work. The couple had already booked in a resort hotel in Panglao Island, Bohol in advance and they invited us to go with them. Without second thoughts, we agreed to go and pushed through with the trip one weekend, while my friend and I decided to look for a room to stay once we're there. This was in April 2013 and my second time in Bohol. The first time was during a friend's wedding but I didn't get the chance to spend time on the beach then.
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| Dumaluan Beach in Panglao, Bohol |
We took a 2-hour fast ferry ride for Php 600.00 each bound for Tagbilaran City, Bohol. From the port, we boarded an APV vehicle for Php 500.00 to take us to Panglao Island. As soon as we reached the hotel, we were served welcome refreshments which we needed very much. The hotel our couple friends checked in was quite nice but looked too expensive for me and my friend's budget. So, after diligent search and assertive bargaining, we found a clean and cozy fan room for two with common toilet and shower for Php 800.00 per night along Dumaluan Beach. For food, we had to walk all the way to Alona Beach where we found a strip of food stalls with meals that were reasonably priced. I think I remember spending between Php 150.00 to 200.00 for dinner that day. The first day of our trip was spent visiting Bohol Bee Farm for buying souvenirs, swimming in the beach and arranging for the boat that would take us island-hopping.
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| Waters of Balicasag Island, Bohol |
We started our second day as early as 5:30 a.m. We were able to negotiate for a boat for 4 passengers (excluding boatmen) for Php 1,800.00. We went to Balicasag Island for snorkeling which required us to pay Php 50.00 as environmental fee, and an additional Php 150.00 as rental fee for the snorkeling gear. We had lunch in the same island, and I was surprised at how pricey the food was there. Next, we headed to Pamilacan Island for dolphin-watching. It didn't take very long until the dolphins started showing up as if excited to see us while our boat was running in a circle with the other boats. Unfortunately, I didn't get to copy the video of the dolphins our couple friends were able to take. When it was time to go back to Panglao, we decided to go back to the same food strip for dinner. We knew we had an awesome time, and more awesome when our couple friends covered the expenses for that day. Definitely, one of my most memorable trips.
Davao
Davao City is where our family once lived and where my siblings and I were born. I really only have a faint memory of the place, since we migrated to Cebu City in the early 80's when I was only 3 years old.
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| Matina Crossing, Davao City, Davao del Sur |
I intend to visit my place of birth and see how it has changed over the years. I only borrowed this photo of a road in Matina (from a random online source), the part of the city our family used to live, to give me an idea of how the place currently looks like. I'll be updating this photo once I'm able to take my own when I'm there.
Siquijor
The same friend from Russia invited me to go on a trip to Siquijor for her birthday. Despite the rumors of witchcraft and sorcery that the island had become known for ever since, many swore of the natural charm of its beaches, waterfalls and cold springs. We decided to give the place a try, since we also found out that the trip wouldn't cost us much. We booked a bamboo fan room accommodation at Charisma Beach Resort in San Juan, Siquijor and made an advanced payment of Php 2000.00 for 2 nights through Palawan Express money transfer, to be received by the resort managing director and owner Ms. Adams. It was both our first time to visit the island and this was in May 2015.
We opted to travel by land on an air-conditioned bus as early as 5:30 a.m. from Cebu South Bus Terminal via Liloan Port in Santander for Php 200.00 each. From Liloan Port at around 9:00 a.m., we took a 30-minute ferry boat ride to cross to Sibulan Port in Negros for Php 62.00, already inclusive of terminal fee. From Sibulan Port, we boarded a public jeepney to Dumaguete City, Negros for Php 11.00 each on our way to Dumaguete Port. We had to walk a little to reach the port, then bought another ferry ticket for Php 140.00 each to cross to Siquijor boarding at 11:15 a.m. and about an hour-long travel. We reached the island right around lunch time. Hoping to save on transportation expenses, we approached a tourism officer on duty at the port and asked how we could get a bargain on our fare to San Juan. We were advised to walk to the merkado (market) a few meters from where we were and ride a tricycle from there. Usual tariff rates of tricycle rides from the port normally cost Php 400.00 per trip, and when we opted to get a tricycle from the market, it only cost us Php 11.00 each!
The resort staff greeted us as soon as we arrived and showed us our room. I was delighted to see how cozy and well-built the bamboo fan room was. The toilet and shower was clean and spacious. It also had a good view of the pool from the terrace.
We opted to travel by land on an air-conditioned bus as early as 5:30 a.m. from Cebu South Bus Terminal via Liloan Port in Santander for Php 200.00 each. From Liloan Port at around 9:00 a.m., we took a 30-minute ferry boat ride to cross to Sibulan Port in Negros for Php 62.00, already inclusive of terminal fee. From Sibulan Port, we boarded a public jeepney to Dumaguete City, Negros for Php 11.00 each on our way to Dumaguete Port. We had to walk a little to reach the port, then bought another ferry ticket for Php 140.00 each to cross to Siquijor boarding at 11:15 a.m. and about an hour-long travel. We reached the island right around lunch time. Hoping to save on transportation expenses, we approached a tourism officer on duty at the port and asked how we could get a bargain on our fare to San Juan. We were advised to walk to the merkado (market) a few meters from where we were and ride a tricycle from there. Usual tariff rates of tricycle rides from the port normally cost Php 400.00 per trip, and when we opted to get a tricycle from the market, it only cost us Php 11.00 each!
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| Bamboo Fan Room at Charisma Beach Resort, San Juan, Siquijor |
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| Beach Front at Charisma Resort in San Juan, Siquijor |
Since we haven't had lunch yet, we dined at the resort cafe with a good view of the beach. Lunch more or less each cost us Php 220.00 for the meal and fruit shake or juice. After the late lunch, we took a dip on the beach which was already on low-tide.
In the evening that same day, I had the opportunity of meeting Ms. Adams who was an absolutely gracious host. It was her birthday that day, so she offered a bottle of light beer on the house as we spent the night away chatting, while my friend who was feeling a bit under the weather decided to just sleep in.
In the evening that same day, I had the opportunity of meeting Ms. Adams who was an absolutely gracious host. It was her birthday that day, so she offered a bottle of light beer on the house as we spent the night away chatting, while my friend who was feeling a bit under the weather decided to just sleep in.
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| Capilay Spring Park, San Juan, Siquijor |
The next day, we decided to walk on the road and wait for tricycle drivers to stop by to initiate a package day trip for us. After much haggling that took until 10:30 a.m., we finally found a driver willing to take us for only Php 800.00 to the spots we wanted to go namely Capilay Spring Park, Cambuhagay Falls, Old Enchanted Balete Tree, Mt. Bandilaan and Salagdoong Beach. The nearest place to go was Capilay Spring Park because it was just in San Juan. It was a well-developed park near the main road which, in our opinion, was not very enticing so we decided not to stay long.
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| View from the Tower at Mt. Bandilaan |
Upon reaching the foot of Mt. Bandilaan after a good 40-minute ride from Lazi, the tricycle driver waited for us there while we went up to reach the top of the mountain where a tower was built to serve as a view deck. We noticed the Stations of the Cross while going up, telling us that the locals must be going up there every year to pray at every station during lenten season in March or April.
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| Cambuhagay Falls, Lazi, Siquijor |
When we reached the entrance to Cambuhagay Falls, we had to pay Php 20.00 as parking fee for our rented tricycle. We noticed that a guide was automatically assigned to us by the collector, but we politely informed the guide that we could manage on our own. We were amazed at how the natural beauty of the falls was maintained, there being no cottages or shops around. Visitors had to place their stuff over a rock or any dry surface when about to take a swim in the cool turquoise pool of water. The adventurous ones can also swing and jump to the water using a tree vine set up for such purpose. I was able to do the swing and jump myself and it was so much fun that I had to do it twice.
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| Old Enchanted Balete Tree, Lazi, Siquijor |
The locals of Siquijor believe that their 400-year old balete tree (or banyan tree in other countries) in Lazi is enchanted up to this very day. To add to the mystical vibe of the place, some vendors within its perimeter sold "love potions" among other souvenir items. Since the tree had become a tourist attraction, the pool of water at its foot was made into a fish spa where people can stay a while and get their feet nibbled clean by the cleaner fishes. Visitors were not required to pay an entrance fee, but encouraged to throw in an amount as donation to help maintain the place.
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| Man-made Molave Forest, Maria, Siquijor |
On the way to our final stop which was Salagdoong Beach, we didn't expect to see a beautiful pathway on our way there. We learned from the tricycle driver that the long-stretch of trees that lined up the road were tugas or molave trees purposely planted as a forest reserve.
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| Salagdoong Beach, Maria, Siquijor |
The tricycle driver offered to wait outside the entrance of Salagdoong Beach Resort to avoid additional fees. The entrance fee for each person was Php 25.00. It was just a short walk from the entrance to the beach front. It was already passed 4 p.m. when we arrived, so the water was already on low tide. We heard about the cliff-diving in the resort and went to check it out. There were two platforms, one higher than the other. My friend asked if I was willing to jump, and I agreed thinking that she would do the same. When I found out she was going to pass on the jump, I went on to do it anyway. And yes, it was spectacular, though choosing only to jump from the lower platform. From where I dropped after the jump, my friend went to catch up with me and together we had a very relaxing swim in the calm open sea.
Going back to San Juan took about an hour, arriving at around 6:30 p.m. in time for dinner. We took the driver's suggestion to go to a budget-friendly restaurant Da Barkadz and, true enough, the prices on the menu were reasonable. I ordered a bowl of lomi (egg noodle thick soup with meat and vegetables) for Php 60.00 and I swear it was fully-loaded and would've been good for 3 people. I'd say the success of our Siquijor trip and the nice people had convinced me enough to visit the island again when I get the chance.
Negros
Bacolod City, Negros is where some of my friends are from. The first time I was in the city was in May 2009 during a quick weekend trip to visit a good friend. The second was for a wedding of another good friend in May 2010. The third was in October 2014, just passing through, coming from my first Boracay trip on my way home. *To get home to Cebu from Bacolod, I took a 2-hour ride on a V-hire (van) for Php 110.00 to San Carlos City, Negros and from there, took a 45-minute ride on a fast ferry for Php 225.00 to Toledo, Cebu and finally took a 1-hour and 30-minute ride on another V-hire for Php 100.00 which made me reach my last stop at Cebu South Bus Terminal.
Dumaguete City, Negros was where my mom and the rest of her siblings grew up. The time my aunt and uncle (her husband) came for a visit in Cebu in October 2014, going to Dumaguete City, Negros with my mom was part of their itinerary. They asked if I wanted to join them and I gladly accepted. This was before my first Boracay trip on the same month. Like the trip I had in Siquijor, we traveled early in the morning by land on an air-conditioned bus. The fares for the bus and ferry rides were the same rates. When we arrived at Sibulan Port, my uncle who was my aunt and mom's brother was there to pick us up. We were brought to La Residencia Almar Hotel which was facing the popular Rizal Boulevard. This trip was obviously all-expense paid for me (laughs).
Bacolod City, Negros is where some of my friends are from. The first time I was in the city was in May 2009 during a quick weekend trip to visit a good friend. The second was for a wedding of another good friend in May 2010. The third was in October 2014, just passing through, coming from my first Boracay trip on my way home. *To get home to Cebu from Bacolod, I took a 2-hour ride on a V-hire (van) for Php 110.00 to San Carlos City, Negros and from there, took a 45-minute ride on a fast ferry for Php 225.00 to Toledo, Cebu and finally took a 1-hour and 30-minute ride on another V-hire for Php 100.00 which made me reach my last stop at Cebu South Bus Terminal.
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| The Forest Camp, Private Spring Resort in Valencia, Negros |
The Forest Camp is a privately-owned resort and one of its owners happened to be a good friend of my uncle. It is located north of Dumaguete City. We skipped the swimming while there, but had a sumptuous lunch. Their native chicken adobo was just delightful, being one of their specialties.
This private resort in Siaton, located south of Dumaguete City is owned by the Flores-Casimiro family. It was intended as a family retreat but might soon be open to visitors for day use or overnight stay. It's possible to go fishing in the man-made fishpond and have the fresh catch cooked at the resort's kitchen or grill station. The pool's unique feature is that its water is from natural cold spring, perfect for a nice dip on a warm day.
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| Manokan Country, Bacolod City, Negros |
The manok inasal (roasted chicken) of Bacolod has long been known to be the tastiest of its kind in the country, so I had to find out for myself during my second visit to Bacolod City. Manokan Country is a popular strip of manok inasal stalls and it's quite confusing to choose one unless you have a recommendation from a friend who frequents the place, like in my case. The roasted chicken served in barbecue sticks was indeed very tasty and had a distinct flavor coming from the atsuete (annatto) oil glazed on it while being cooked over flaming charcoal. More of the aromatic reddish oil may be added on the chicken or mixed with rice for extra flavor. Depending on the part and kind (regular or native), the chicken serving excluding rice and drinks ranged from Php 60.00 to Php 120.00. I might try the manok bisaya (native chicken) next time.
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| Calea Pastries and Coffee in Bacolod, Negros |
Calea, a dessert shop in Bacolod City popular for its delectable cakes, was suggested by a group of city residents who happened to be in Manokan Country the third time I was there. This was while I was with three new-found friends I met in a van from Caticlan Terminal coming from my first Boracay trip. Since it was highly recommended, we took the suggestion and went our way by jeepney to Lacson St. and dropped off at the dessert shop's main branch. The place was filled with people and we found ourselves having to wait for a table to clear out before we could sit and order. When it was time to order, we picked 3 cake varieties which cost between Php 85.00 and Php 90.00 per slice. These cakes were Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Cake, White Chocolate Cheese Cake with Raspberry Sauce and their signature Chocolate Cake. For a non-sweet tooth like myself, those cakes had just the right level of sweetness for my taste. For those with sweet tooth, Calea cakes are a must-try when in Bacolod City.
Fresh off my first Boracay trip, I, together with the same group of three I met in the van from Caticlan Terminal, arrived in Iloilo City around 8 p.m. It was a good 4-hour and 30-minute ride for Php 400.00 per person. Since no boats will be leaving for Bacolod City until morning, we had no choice but to stay overnight. Without prior room reservations, we were lucky to end up at Budget Inn in Valeria Extension. We got two air-conditioned double rooms with toilet and shower, each room for a promo rate of Php 400.00 when checking in at 10 p.m. and checking out at 7 a.m. the next day. The room was decent and comfortable enough for us to be able to spend the night.
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| Jaro Cathedral in Iloilo City |
Early next day, we hurriedly checked out, had our breakfast at the nearest fastfood joint and went for a quick day tour around the city. We strolled around and took photos at the historical Jaro Cathedral, also known as Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria (Our Lady of Candles) National Shrine, which has its belfry uniquely separated from it across the street. Belfries are usually next to the church, but the original Jaro Cathedral built in 1874 was detroyed in an earthquake in the 40's. The cathedral was later rebuilt and its belfry right across it was preserved as a reminder of the past for future generations.
Not too far from the cathedral, we took a cab and dropped off at Esplanade and Plazuela, both near SM Iloilo to walk around and take more photos.
Not too far from the cathedral, we took a cab and dropped off at Esplanade and Plazuela, both near SM Iloilo to walk around and take more photos.
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| Biscocho Haus Main Branch in Jaro, Iloilo City |
Biscocho Haus is a popular delicacy shop in Iloilo City that makes quality biscocho (crispy baked bread with butter-sugar topping), their flagship product, toasted mamon (sponge cake) and butterscotch brownies. That was our last stop before taking another cab to the port for the fast ferry leaving for Bacolod City. The one-way economy fare from PPA Port of Iloilo to BREDCO Port of Bacolod is about Php 265.00.
Aklan
No other summer destination in the country could come close to the popularity of Boracay Island in Aklan among local and foreign tourists. The island prides of its long-stretched powdery white sand beach and turquoise waters. A Boracay vacation used to very expensive, that mostly only foreign tourists, local celebrities and the wealthy can afford. Now that Aklan has airports in Caticlan and Kalibo and that domestic airline companies now frequently offer airfare promos for Boracay trips, the island has become accessible and affordable to more people, especially budget travelers.
After years of hearing and reading about other people's Boracay vacation experience, I finally found the opportunity to see it for myself with a group of friends I can split the travel and accommodation expenses with. I planned to go there by plane and and leave by land and ferry on my way home to Cebu. This trip was in October 2014.
The one-way plane ticket to Caticlan cost me around Php 1,800.00, plus Php 200.00 for the airport terminal fee. The flight was at 1:55 p.m. Arrival at Caticlan Airport was around 3:00 p.m. From the airport, I took a tricycle to reach Caticlan Jetty Port that cost Php 50.00. I later realized that the airport was very near the jetty port that I could've easily just walked my way there since I only had a backpack with me. At Caticlan Jetty Port, I had to pay a total of Php 200.00 that consisted of the boat fee for Php 25.00, terminal fee of Php 100.00 and environmental fee for Php 75.00. The jetty ride only took around 15 minutes to reach Boracay Port. From the port, I took a tricycle to Station 2 that cost Php 20.00 and was dropped off where I could take a few steps to reach Boracay Haven Resort Hotel. I was already at the beach with my friends at around 4:00 p.m.
After years of hearing and reading about other people's Boracay vacation experience, I finally found the opportunity to see it for myself with a group of friends I can split the travel and accommodation expenses with. I planned to go there by plane and and leave by land and ferry on my way home to Cebu. This trip was in October 2014.
The one-way plane ticket to Caticlan cost me around Php 1,800.00, plus Php 200.00 for the airport terminal fee. The flight was at 1:55 p.m. Arrival at Caticlan Airport was around 3:00 p.m. From the airport, I took a tricycle to reach Caticlan Jetty Port that cost Php 50.00. I later realized that the airport was very near the jetty port that I could've easily just walked my way there since I only had a backpack with me. At Caticlan Jetty Port, I had to pay a total of Php 200.00 that consisted of the boat fee for Php 25.00, terminal fee of Php 100.00 and environmental fee for Php 75.00. The jetty ride only took around 15 minutes to reach Boracay Port. From the port, I took a tricycle to Station 2 that cost Php 20.00 and was dropped off where I could take a few steps to reach Boracay Haven Resort Hotel. I was already at the beach with my friends at around 4:00 p.m.
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| Station 2, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan |
The beach was just a few steps from the hotel. I decided to walk barefoot to get a feel of the sand. Indeed, the sand was soft and powdery under my feet. The beach was calm and serene. But when I turned to look at the establishments lined up by the beach front, it surprised me as it seemed like I was in an outdoor mall. At that moment, I wished the place had looked more rustic.
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| Boracay Haven Resort Hotel, Station 2 |
The hotel was a bit pricey for my preference but it had a relaxing Zen ambiance, nice rooms and satisfactory service. We were 6 in the group and we got two air-conditioned rooms with balcony that could each accommodate up to 4 people. Each room had two queen-sized beds (one of them in another room within the room), two flat-screens and a bathroom with a rainshower-type hot and cold shower. The accommodation also came with buffet breakfast and WiFi access. For a 3-day 2-night stay, our group contribution was about Php 4,000.00 each.
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| Puka Beach, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan |
We skipped the usual island activities like island hopping and banana boat ride, and instead decided to go to Puka Beach. We took a tricycle to get there for Php 25.00 each person. There were tricycles standing by outside the beach if it was time to leave. There were also souvenir stalls by the entrance selling puka shell ornaments that were significantly cheaper than those sold on the island's main beach. Puka Beach got its name from puka shells abundant on its shore. Its sand was not as fine as the one on the main beach, but it still had the same clear turquoise waters. What's captivating about the place is the absence of commercial establishments that brought out its charm and natural island feel. However, the lone eatery serving seafood dishes and cold drinks on the beach was surprisingly pricey, like a fruit shake would cost Php 200.00. Then again, we could let go of the pain in the pocket because of the good food and the beautiful beach.
Palawan
Palawan has been named as the Philippines' Final Ecological Frontier. Despite the advances in infrastructure and technology around the country, the province has maintained the beauty and richness of its terrestrial and marine resources. Its capital city, Puerto Princesa, prides itself as being a Forest within a City. In the past, Palawan was known to having the highest cases of malaria incidents in the country, thus people have been cautious when traveling to the province. Over the years, however, malaria cases have declined through the joint efforts of the local government and non-government organizations. My relatives who are long-time residents of Puerto Princesa say that they are not personally threatened by the malaria scare since the disease is preventable and curable and that such incidents mostly occurred in small forest villages of the province.
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| Private Beach in Vinduyan, North Palawan |
There are direct flights from Cebu to Puerto Princesa that started a few years ago. I've visited Palawan a number of times but have not yet gone to the tourist spots usually featured in travel shows or magazines. Those times were spent with relatives just around Puerto Princesa. What stuck in my mind was my experience as a child, sometime in the 90's, going with my family to a public beach called White Beach that had soft powdery white sand that stretched far off the shore. More recently in December 2010 with my siblings and relatives, we went to a relative's private beach in the town of Vinduyan, an hour north of Puerto Princesa. It was along the road and we had to go down a steep pathway to get to one of the beach coves. We had a fantastic time swimming, eating and taking photos while having the beach all to ourselves.
Batangas
Batangas is a province south of Manila and the home of the kapeng barako (liberica coffee), known for its rich strong flavor and distinct aroma. Aside from its coffee, people from the city come to the province for a quick trip to the beach which would only take 2-3 hours of land travel. The bus fare to Batangas would cost less than Php 200.00 and the bus leaves every 30 minutes from its terminals in Metro Manila and Quezon City.
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| Beach in Laiya, Batangas |
While I was working in Manila between 2004 and 2007, the only time I've gone to the beach while there was during a company summer beach outing in a beach resort in Laiya, Batangas. The beach may not have sand as white as the others I've been, but the view of the sea was enough for me to enjoy the summer that time, not to mention the free food and the company of work friends.
Laguna
Laguna is a province southeast of Manila, known be the birthplace of national hero Jose Rizal, home of the country's largest lake Laguna de Bay, the mountains of Makiling, Banahaw and Sierra Madre, Pagsanjan Falls and numerous other tourist attractions.
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| San Bartolome Church, Nagcarlan, Laguna |
My trip to Nagcarlan, Laguna back in 2005 was one of those I didn't expect. My sister was there for a case study and asked me a favor to deliver an important book she forgot to bring. Because of the urgency, I immediately went by bus from a terminal near Gil Puyat train station in Manila to San Pablo, Laguna. The 3-hour bus ride cost about Php 125.00. From the drop off at San Pablo, I had to cross the street to take a 30-minute jeepney ride for Php 25.00 to go up the elevated town of Nagcarlan While there, I only got to see the baroque-designed San Bartolome Church built in 1752 when we attended church one Sunday. Other attractions of the town I missed to see were the Underground Cemetery and Bunga Falls.
Tagaytay
When it gets too hot and stressful in Manila, people usually flock on a quick weekend getaway to Tagaytay City. Part of the province of Cavite a few hours south of Manila, Tagaytay is the best alternative to Baguio City for those wanting to relax in a place with cooler climate and beautiful scenery, minus the hassle of a 6-hour land travel.
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| View of Taal Volcano, Tagaytay |
Tagaytay is notable for its scenic view of the Taal Volcano surrounded by the Taal Lake in Batangas. A number of hotels and restaurants in the city have been been built where a nice view of the volcano can be seen. The Taal Volcano is known to be the smallest active volcano in the world.
Cavite
Cavite, a province south of Manila, is known as the seat of the Philippine Revolution, where the country declared its independence from a 300-year Spanish colonial rule. Traveling by bus from Manila to Cavite would cost less than Php 100.00. The fastest way to get there by bus is through the Cavitex route.
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| The Aguinaldo Shrine, Kawit, Cavite |
The Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite is the ancestral home of the First Philippine Republic's first president Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, where the said president formally waved the Philippine flag to the people from his home's front window as a symbol of the Philippine Declaration of Independence on June 12, 1898.
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| Cherry's Pavilion and Resort in Kawit, Cavite |
When in Kawit, Cavite after visiting the historical Aguinaldo Shrine or simply looking for a place to swim and unwind on a weekend or holiday, Cherry's Pavilion and Resort would be the most convenient choice. It is owned and managed by a good friend's family and located in Greenville Heights, Tabon, Kawit, Cavite. It has two pool areas, room accommodations, cottages, umbrella tables, a billiard table, an outdoor videoke area and a grill station. Guests can bring in food and use the grill station for cooking, although bringing in drinks like soda and hard liquor is prohibited. Drinks like soda and beer are available in the resort. More information on rates and fees are available on this link: Cherry's Pavilion and Resort website.
Manila
Manila is the country's economic and political, capital as well as the seat of the country's central government and major business sectors. The city is also the home of some of the most significant landmarks of the country's history and culture like Rizal Park, Fort Santiago and Manila Cathedral to name a few. Manila is only an hour away by plane and 12 hours away by ship from Cebu.
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| Plaza Lacson in Sta. Cruz, Manila |
Plaza Lacson, formerly Plaza de Goiti, can be easily viewed from the Carriedo train station in Sta. Cruz, Manila. The plaza still bears the remnants of the Spanish period, where it shows in the photo the building designed with columns which used to be Monte de Piedad Bank, now Bank of the Philippine Islands. I'd always see this view whenever I go up the train station after paying a visit at my grandparents' house everytime I come to Manila.
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| Chinatown in Binondo, Manila |
Not far from Sta. Cruz is Manila Chinatown in Binondo. I make it a point to visit Chinatown everytime I come to Manila to eat authentic Chinese dishes or buy delicacies to bring home to Cebu.
Benguet
Benguet is a landlocked highland province in the Philippines, located at the southern tip of the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR). Its cold climate made the province suitable for large-scale vegetable production, therefore it became known as the Salad Bowl of the Philippines. Its capital is La Trinidad, but Baguio City is the most urbanized. Baguio City is also known as the Summer Capital of the Philippines and the City of Pines. Bus travel from Manila (Pasay / Caloocan / Cubao) to Baguio or Pampanga (Dau) to Baguio would take up to 6 hours and the fare ranges between Php 300.00 to Php 450.00. My last trip there with my good friends was back in July 2011, and during then we stayed at La Brea Inn's Classic Room (at Php 1400.00 promo rate, good for 4) along Session Road in downtown Baguio.
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| The Mansion, Baguio City, Benguet |
The Mansion House (or The Mansion) is the official summer residence of the President of the Philippines. The structure was built during the American Period in 1908 originally for the U.S. Governor-Generals until it was turned over to the President of the Philippines, together with the Malacañang Palace in Manila, during the Philippine Commonwealth inauguration in 1935.
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| Vegetable Market in Baguio City, Benguet |
The Baguio Public Market was unlike any public market in the country I've seen. It is well-kept, cool and full of fresh vegetables and fruits, especially strawberries, as well as delicacies, processed meat products, coffee beans, dried tobacco leaves, knitted clothing and assorted souvenir items.
This list doesn't even come close to what the country has to offer! The next destinations on my list would be Islas de Gigantes in Iloilo and Camotes Island in Cebu. Sample itineraries will be posted on this blog before taking both trips in October (2015) and an after-trip post to see how well the trip went as planned. Updates will be coming up soon.
This list doesn't even come close to what the country has to offer! The next destinations on my list would be Islas de Gigantes in Iloilo and Camotes Island in Cebu. Sample itineraries will be posted on this blog before taking both trips in October (2015) and an after-trip post to see how well the trip went as planned. Updates will be coming up soon.
