A Jump With a View – Skydiving in Scenic Philippines

April 19, 2011 by Anita  
Filed under Travel And Leisure

Rich Quiambao asked:




Skydiving has to be one of those ultimate thrills. A lot of people have written the deed into their bucket lists, vowing to do it at least once in their lives. What better time is there than now? Go on and cross that list, especially when you are in the Philippines.

Like all good things, it takes practice to prepare, supervision to experience and a whole lot of planning to get it going. In the Philippines islands, destinations for skydiving is quickly becoming a sport of choice, and now there are three major drop zones that can cater to your falling heart’s desire. Here is a short but sweet Philippines travel guide for our best drop areas:

Cebu: Drop ‘Till You…Well, Drop
The Cebu Sport Parachute Club, Inc. is a friendly and experienced club based in Lapu-lapu City. They boast of a connection and access with the Mactan-Cebu International Airport, the central airport for the Visayas region.

This is certainly a help, because they can give a hand in processing the permits needed for the jump and chart flights for jumps. For experienced jumpers, Cebu certainly does not disappoint, as tandem and solo jumps can be arranged depending on your experience.

Cebu remains to be one of the meccas in skydiving in the country. Group jumps can be scheduled, and beginners and experts can have quite the experience. As far as Philippine tourists can say, the views of the quiet sunny island are worth every second of falling. That is why they travel season after season.

Clark: Too Close to Back Out
Static Line Jumping in Clark Base in the province of Pampanga is just a short ride away, two or three hours by car. The North Luzon Expressway has made the destination very easy, so a jump is just quite a short jump away.

Best done from November to early June, Skydiving in the former military base promises fair weather, nice winds and an equipped airport. This is so popular, there is a one month reservation wait enforceable to everyone.

After a morning of instructions, the dive would be in the afternoon, when the sun is less merciful and the clouds are just perfect. Here in Clark, they are proud of first achievements, so they do give out Official First Jump Certificates to first-timers. Definitely THE place for beginners and daredevils.

Tanauan: Quite Literal
Less than two hours away from Manila proper, Tanauan in the nearby province of Batangas is accessible to hikers, commuters and back-packers traveling without a car. Daily trips by bus are available throughout the province.

The skydiving base here has a 1200 airstrip with several aircrafts specifically chosen for jumping. Equipment is sturdy and new while safeguards consist of state of the art automatic devices. They can also prepare an alternate site for you or reschedule the jump for some other time.

The word “Tanauan” literally means “view”, and boy are you in for a scenery. The drop zone is between the lush greenery of Mt. Makiling and the famous volcano-within-a-lake Taal Volcano. Because of the experience and the attractions, Tanauan proudly dubs itself as the Skydiving Capital of the Philippines.

Experienced skydivers of twenty years or more are confident that skydiving in the Philippines are here to stay and prosper. So the best way to do this is to roll your sleeves up and just jump. The Philippines can be a different experience seen from high above.

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A Look at the Travel Spots in the Philippines

March 26, 2011 by Anita  
Filed under Travel And Leisure

Peter Garant asked:




The Philippines is one of the most sought after travel destinations in Asia. With its unique and diverse culture, visitors from both sides of the world cannot help but wonder at the beauty and attractiveness of this country. Its diverse and interesting culture is a result of its colorful past.

After being colonized by various countries for several centuries, it has emerged to become one of the most beautiful countries worldwide. Among the most visited parts of the Philippines are Manila, Baguio, Boracay, Palawan and Cebu.

Each of these travel spots has certain things to offer which are completely different from the other. Among the places mentioned, Boracay is probably the best. Despite being commercialized all over the world, this beautiful tourist spot has maintained its quality, as well as its reputation as one of the top beaches in the world. It offers good food, cozy hotels, exciting outdoor activities and endless partying with its beautiful crowd at night.

The most important part of this country is Manila, which serves as its capital city. Most of the important events in business, politics, as well as in arts and entertainment, take place in this area. One of the major events flocked by both local and foreign devotees is the feast of the Black Nazarene, which is held annually in Quiapo.

Meanwhile, Baguio is the summer capital of the Philippines. Visitors can enjoy the good weather and outdoor activities offered by this place. Among the top outdoor activities in Baguio are horseback riding and boating. Another main feature of this place is the flower festival, which serves as a garden show for home gardening and small businesses within the area.

Palawan is undoubtedly one of the best tourist spots in the country. This place combines urban development with exotic wildlife and natural resources. The discipline and cooperation of its local residents help maintain the natural balance of the environment. Besides its beautiful white sand beaches as well as its azure waters, visitors can also visit good places like the Calauit Island in Northern Palawan and the Tabon Caves in the southern part of the region.

Cebu will not be outdone by its counterparts. It is known as the oldest colonial city in the country. Among the most frequented places by visitors in the area are the Kawasan Falls, Fort Santiago and the University of San Carlos, which is known as the oldest university in Asia.

These tourist destinations serve as national treasures for the Philippines. They play a very significant role for the country’s economy. Taking care of these resources is of utmost importance, both for the government and its citizens. They offer insurmountable fun and adventure for thrill seekers who want to experience the very colorful culture of this country. These places provide visitors something worth remembering for.

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Why Do Many Filipina Girls Marry Foreigners?

November 16, 2009 by Anita  
Filed under Dating

Peter Finch asked:


A Filipina in her early twenties, clad in a tight-fitting pair of jeans, a body-hugging shirt walks on a busy street in the Philippines. She attracts attention not only because of her looks but because she is holding hands with a foreigner who is old enough to be her grandfather.

Two blocks away, a woman in her late forties is hanging on to the arm of a 65-year old foreigner. Both women will be marrying their boyfriends soon and each had her own reasons. Every year more Filipina ladies are leaving the country each year to marry a foreigner. Here are some of the common reasons for these marriages:

The search for greener pastures.

It is undeniable that a big percentage of the Filipina girls who marry foreigners look at their husbands as a “visa” for them to go find better opportunities abroad. Filipina ladies have a mission to support their family as soon as they are able to, like help send younger siblings to school or take over the responsibility as the head of the family.

Travel and adventure

A foreigner husband is a ticket to exciting worlds beyond the desolate place she may have grown up in. She looks at him as the realization of her childhood dreams of traveling to far places.

Status elevation

As ironic as it seems, majority of the Filipino women prefers American love stories over Philippine films and they get all dreamy eyed and instantly fall in love when they see a caucasian man.

Age factor

While a woman in her late thirties is considered in the prime of life in other countries, it is not the case for a Filipina because when she is past 30 and is still unmarried, eyebrows will start to rise and her chances of getting married starts to get slim and meeting a foreigner for a prospective husband online is one of her few choices. Usually, a Filipina marries in her late teens or early 20s and should already have a child in college by the time she is 40 years old.

Failed marriages

Failure in her marriage could also push Filipina ladies to look to foreigners for a second chance. Some of these Filipina ladies are unwed mothers, while others are victims of abusive husbands, forced to do menial jobs for a meager pay just to support her children.

Average looks

An average looking Filipina (meaning not the beauty queen material) may feel she does not have to go to lengths and pay huge amounts to augment her physical features to attract a foreign husband-to-be.

True Love

You may find it hard to believe this but despite the perception that the Filipina is taking a risk marrying a person with a different set of values with a different cultural background, love could be the reason why she will marry a foreigner.



Manila, Philippines

November 4, 2009 by Anita  
Filed under Business

Danny Wirken asked:


The Philippines has recently gained itself a bad reputation due to all the political on-goings in the country. Clashes between rebel forces and the government, rumors of coup, status of emergency declarations, and even suspected links to the al Quaeda – no wonder some Western governments cannot help but release travel advisories against visiting this country.

Before you decide against a trip to Manila, you should bear in mind that the newspapers do not always give an accurate picture of a situation. Sensationalism is their business, and sensationalized news is what you usually get.

Manila is located in the northern island of Luzon. The terrorist stronghold is located in the southernmost part of the Philippines – two big islands away – in Mindanao. The status of emergency was indeed declared but civilians basically continued to live their normal lives even as it was in place.

It is very easy to get around in Manila. The jeepney is the Philippines’ most common form of transportation. It is actually based on the US Army jeep but is longer and fits about 16-20 people. You can also get on buses, the Metro Rail Transit, and hire cabs. Language is not a major problem as even the people on the streets can speak rudimentary English.

Manila is well-known for its nightlife. You can find bars open until 3 or 4 in the morning. The Makati and Malate areas are where you can find the hottest clubs and bars. Makati is a bit more expensive but safer as well.

Malls abound in the metro. You can find anything from designer brands to nondescript but very cheap brands. Food is not a problem. Filipino food, American fast food, Japanese food – you can find anything there.

Filipinos are very hospitable by nature. You will be surprised at how friendly and helpful most of them are. It’s actually a different form of racism – they seem to treat Caucasians in a much better way.

Cost of living and traveling is so much lower than in western countries. So if you have dollars or euros, chances are you will have no problems availing services that meet your standards. Hotels and other accommodations are abundant and easy to find.

If it is the beach you want, then you can opt to go out of the city. The nearest beach can be reached in about 4 hours from the city. You can take a plane to other parts of the country if you want to see more.

Whether you are traveling alone or with your family, Manila is a good place to visit. It will be a rich cultural experience for you.



The Philippine Magazine Times

October 26, 2009 by Anita  
Filed under Art

Christine asked:


Do you know what M-Express is? Well you might not ask it, but M-Express is the first ever Philippine magazine online store that serves different kinds of magazines and also offers Magazine online free delivery. I know that there are a lot of online magazine shops, but the M-Express Philippine magazine online store is that only online magazine shop that provides their customer of all kinds of Philippine magazine and also offers Magazine online free delivery. And I also know that you can just subscribe on a Philippine magazine that you like, but M-Express Philippine magazine online store can provide a large variety of Philippine magazine so a customer can have a broad selection of any Philippine magazine that they like and can be delivered to any part of the Philippines for free with Magazine online free delivery. Have about a clearer explanation of M-Express Philippine magazine online store and its Magazine online free delivery.

M-EXPRESS Philippine magazine online store is the first ever door-to-door magazine delivery service in the country. M-EXPRESS Philippine magazine online store is the convenient way to order Philippine magazine anytime and anywhere you are in the Philippines with the help of Magazine online free delivery. You can place subscriptions or order per Philippine magazine title allowing you the flexibility to control your budget.

This innovative service that M-EXPRESS Philippine magazine online store provides is powered by LBC, the country’s dependable domestic and international courier service which brings over 50 years of experience and an intensive network of branches both here and abroad.

M-EXPRESS Philippine magazine online store and its Magazine online free delivery is owned and operated by eLBC Direct, Inc., an LBC company that is dedicated to providing Filipinos access to products such as Philippine magazine and services such as Magazine online free delivery apart from the traditional products offered by LBC.

M-EXPRESS Philippine magazine online store offers a large variety of Philippine magazine such as Art Philippine magazine, Auto and Cycle Philippine magazine, Business and Finance Philippine magazine, Children Philippine magazine, Cooking and Food Philippine magazine, Entertainment Philippine magazine, Fashion Philippine magazine, Health and Fitness Philippine magazine, Home and Gardening Philippine magazine Lifestyle Philippine magazine, Men`s Philippine magazine, Photography Philippine magazine, Sports Philippine magazine, Teens Philippine magazine and Women`s Philippine magazine.

M-EXPRESS Philippine magazine online store and its Magazine online free delivery, you can be sure that all of your Philippine magazine will be delivered on time and free of charge. For more information regarding M-EXPRESS Philippine magazine online store and its Magazine online free delivery then visit http://www.m-express.com.ph.



Philippines Hotels- a Perfect Retreat to Experience Nature’s Charm

September 11, 2009 by Anita  
Filed under News

Ritu Raj Mishra asked:


Configuring 7,107 islands in the western Pacific Ocean, Philippines, officially known as Republic of the Philippines, is an Asian beauty that captivates every traveler with its natural charm and magnetism. This archipelago beauty is the only Southeast Asian nation that shares no land boundaries with its neighboring countries. From the rich history that has a combined influence of Asian, European and American cultures to the eye-catching landscapes and from thriving cities that reveals the vibrancy of modern world to the relaxed and pleasant environment of beaches, Philippines is a land of themes and regions that ultimately rocks you. Besides, the cheap transportation, wonderful gourmet delights, and plentiful accommodation choices make it a dream destination for your vacation. Serving all sorts of travelers, hotels in Philippines are a major contributor in the tourism sector of the country.

Philippines has a colorful history of hundreds of ethnic groups and showcase a blend of its art and culture. The country has a sum of 79 provinces divided among three main island groups namely Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Luzon comprises the northernmost island groups, Visayas has the central island groups and Mindanao features the southernmost island groups. Manila is the most popular city and the capital of the country lying in Luzon group of Islands. Other important cities include Angeles, Bacolod, Baguio, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Bohol and Vigan.

Getting in Philippines is very easy as tourists from most foreign countries get a free 3-week tourist visa. Besides, you can even apply for a visa extension valid for 59 days. But, it is better to apply for longer visa before traveling here, to avoid any kind of hassle. To reach this country, international travelers can fly to the capital city or any of the major cities having an international airport like Cebu, Davao, Laoag and so on. Most tourists, though, prefer to travel to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila. Getting around Philippines is also very easy as there are a lot many domestic airlines available to serve tourists who want to travel to different destinations within the country. Trains, cars, taxi, bus, boat, jeep are other modes of transportation that can be used here for commuting.

There are various things to see in Philippines including its beautiful beaches. Boracay Island is popular for its lovely white sand beach. Some of the other beautiful beaches are in Mactan Island, Pagudpud, Panglao, and Puerto Galera amongst others. With its innumerable water bodies, this island provides a good option for scuba diving. As far as food is concerned, the cuisine of Philippines is influenced by different cultures that flourished here. The food available here is a mélange of Indian, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, American, and Spanish tastes. Rice is the staple food of the people of this country.

Most of the reputed chains of hotels in Philippines are situated in its popular cities and main tourist attractions like Manila, Cebu, Boracay, and Davao etc. Bayview Park, Dusit thani Manila, Best Western Astor, and Oxford suites are a few good hotels in Manila. Similarly, Cebu also has some popular hotels namely, Maribago Blue water, Midtown, White Sands, Waterfront etc. To book a hotel in any of the cities in Philippines, you can take the help of the online internet reservation facility. You can directly visit the official website of the hotel and make the booking or can use the help of any other available websites that offer complete information. So, go ahead and enjoy a fabulous vacation in Philippines.



Sights To See In The Philippines

July 26, 2009 by Anita  
Filed under Travel

mactan-cebu
Peter Garant asked:

The Philippines is one of the most sought after travel destinations in Asia. With its unique and diverse culture, visitors from both sides of the world cannot help but wonder at the beauty and attractiveness of this country. Its diverse and interesting culture is a result of its colorful past.

After being colonized by various countries for several centuries, it has emerged to become one of the most beautiful countries worldwide. Among the most visited parts of the Philippines are Manila, Baguio, Boracay, Palawan and Cebu.

Each of these travel spots has certain things to offer which are completely different from the other. Among the places mentioned, Boracay is probably the best. Despite being commercialized all over the world, this beautiful tourist spot has maintained its quality, as well as its reputation as one of the top beaches in the world. It offers good food, cozy hotels, exciting outdoor activities and endless partying with its beautiful crowd at night.

The most important part of this country is Manila, which serves as its capital city. Most of the important events in business, politics, as well as in arts and entertainment, take place in this area. One of the major events flocked by both local and foreign devotees is the feast of the Black Nazarene, which is held annually in Quiapo.

Meanwhile, Baguio is the summer capital of the Philippines. Visitors can enjoy the good weather and outdoor activities offered by this place. Among the top outdoor activities in Baguio are horseback riding and boating. Another main feature of this place is the flower festival, which serves as a garden show for home gardening and small businesses within the area.

Palawan is undoubtedly one of the best tourist spots in the country. This place combines urban development with exotic wildlife and natural resources. The discipline and cooperation of its local residents help maintain the natural balance of the environment. Besides its beautiful white sand beaches as well as its azure waters, visitors can also visit good places like the Calauit Island in Northern Palawan and the Tabon Caves in the southern part of the region.

Cebu will not be outdone by its counterparts. It is known as the oldest colonial city in the country. Among the most frequented places by visitors in the area are the Kawasan Falls, Fort Santiago and the University of San Carlos, which is known as the oldest university in Asia.

These tourist destinations serve as national treasures for the Philippines. They play a very significant role for the country’s economy. Taking care of these resources is of utmost importance, both for the government and its citizens. They offer insurmountable fun and adventure for thrill seekers who want to experience the very colorful culture of this country. These places provide visitors something worth remembering for.