Vacation Rentals – Boracay Philippines

November 17, 2011 by Anita  
Filed under Travel And Leisure

David K. Bradley asked:




If you are vacationing in the Philippines, make certain you allow at least a couple of days for a stay at Boracay. Speaking from experience, this is a beautiful spot with white sand beaches and plenty of activities to keep boredom at bay.

The island is a short flight from Manila, about 200 miles south of Manila. Flights are cheap and Boracay is well worth the cost and your time.

The island is small, a little more than 10 square kilometers, dog-bone shaped and just northwest of Panay Island in the Western Visayas. Although the island is small, there are more than 4 kilometers of beach. The two main beaches are White beach and Bulabog beach. White beach is on the western side of the island and Bulabog beach is on the eastern side.

Activities include snorkeling, scuba diving, windsurfing and kite boarding. There is a world-class golf course too! The windsurfing is excellent here; in fact, Boracay Island is a venue on the Asian Windsurfing Tour. You can also hook-up with local tour guides for cave exploration and rides in native boats. Naturally, there is time to relax and sightsee too!

The place is definitely a tourist destination with all the negatives implied therein. Even though I’m a bit jaded, I truly had a great time there and left feeling that I had gotten my money’s worth. From me, that’s saying a lot!

There is ample lodging available here in Boracay, including any number of hotels, and lodges. If you want a vacation rental, they’re here too.

After only a few minutes of searching the Internet, I found a reasonably priced vacation rental. I’m not suggesting this is the one for you, but I liked it for the following reasons.

First, I’m frugal, not cheap, FRUGAL! This listing describes a two-story villa in the native style. I like this because I want to really experience the Filipino lifestyle. For this particular property, only a two night minimum stay is required. The cost is $70.00 (USD) per night, roughly 3200 pesos. The property faces White beach and has all the amenities. It sleeps three, has a full kitchen including all the utensils, queen bed and twin bed with all linens, washer, air-conditioning, refrigerator, cable/satellite TV, wireless internet, deck, balcony, beach view, mountain view and a BBQ grill. Ahhhh, heaven!

The longer you are willing to stay, the lower the nightly rate. It drops all the way to $50.00 (USD) for a fourteen night stay. If you want to stay a month, by all means, do so, for $945.00 per month! This is truly reasonable in a resort setting.

There are many properties to choose from. I don’t want you to feel this is the only one. I chose this one for location, price and amenities. Not necessarily in that order! No matter what lodgings you choose, I can all but guaranty you will enjoy Boracay. It offers friendly people, plenty to do and some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.

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Historical Landmarks at Manila, Philippines

June 19, 2011 by Anita  
Filed under Travel And Leisure

Jose Abada asked:




Manila, Philippines can always get the credit for its alluring beauty and charm that makes it the capital city of the Philippines. It has the largest population in the country and numerous scenic spots are located in the city making it highly deserving to be commended as the country’s commercial and tourist hub.

Manila has a total land area of 38.55 square kilometers and has approximately 1.6 million dwellers. The capital city of the country is one of the 17 municipalities and cities that form Metro Manila. The city is actually divided into sixteen districts, eight of them are situated north of the Pasig River while the other half are located in the south. These are Binondo, which has 10 barangays, Ermita with 13, Intramuros with 5, Malate having 57, Paco with 43, Pandacan with 38, Port Area with 5, and Quiapo with 16. Sampaloc has the most number of barangays next to Tondo. It has 192 barangays. 65 barangays belong to San Andres district, San Miguel has 12, San Nicolas has 15, Santa Ana, Santa Cruz, Santa Mesa and Tondo has 34, 82, 51 and 259 barangays respectively.

The Landmarks that Speaks for Its Beauty

These landmarks speak for the beauty of the city and Metro Manila in general. It housed the Apolinario Mabini Shrine, Chinatown in Binondo District, De La Salle University, the Embassy of the United States of America, Far Eastern University and Fort Santiago. For people who love to go out and enjoy at night, Ermita and Malate are just the right place for you. The city also has Intramuros, the official residence of the President of the Philippines – Malacanang Palace, Baywalk, the historical Malate Church, the Manila Cathedral, and the Manila City Hall, which is a very prominent infrastructure found in the place.

These days, guests will certainly enjoy a visit at the Manila Ocean Park, Manila Yacht Club, Metropolitan Theater and kids would enjoy a trip to the Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden, formerly known as the Manila Zoo, and the Museo Pambata. Guests can brace themselves with information as they pay a visit to the National Library of the Philippines and the National Museum of the Philippines.

For some entertaining moment, guests can visit Paco Park where a TV show, the Paco Park Presents is held. Plaza Lorenzo Ruiz, Plaza Miranda, Quirino Grandstand, Plaza Rajah Sulayman, Rizal Park or commonly called Luneta and Manila Hotel hold history of their own.

Some religious infrastructures also have a story of their own. San Agustin Church being the most ancient church would simply reveal a story in the past. The same goes with San Sebastian Church.

Manila Landmarks Tell Its Story

The country has been through a lot. Not all landmarks talk about happy memories. They also reflect the ordeal the country has gone through in the past. In a way, some of the landmarks also remind the people of its history that bring out ardent inspiration and hope.

Manila is a home to many historical landmarks that reflect the past and experiences of many Filipinos from different regimes that colonized the country. The Supreme Court of the Philippines, near the City Hall is the Victims of Martial Law Memorial Wall-Bonifacio Shrine and the oldest university founded in the Philippines – University of Santo Tomas.

In Manila Chinese Cemetery, La Loma Cemetery, Manila North and South Cemeteries and Paco Park, buried are the bodies of so many Filipinos who had their part and contribution in the history of the place. Museums and other sporting venues are all over the place. Amidst these landmarks in Manila, you can always see the beauty and inspiring stories of the past.

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Marinduque Travel Guide

April 17, 2011 by Anita  
Filed under Travel And Leisure

Allan Merin asked:




A heart-shaped island in the Southern Tagalog Region is a certified tourism magnet come the Lenten Season. The province has been making waves in the travel sector behind a colorful event (odd for some) called the Moriones Festival. Aside from this religious occasion, the island is known as an alternative destination to Boracay and Palawan, as it is blessed with beautiful sand beaches, enchanting caves, unspoiled diving sites, and rejuvenating hotsprings. The place, which is commonly included in the list of recommended vacation getaways in most Philippine travel guides, is called Marinduque.

Marinduque is located at the geographical center of the Philippines. Covering an area of 952.6 square kilometers, the province is situated south and west of Quezon, east of Mindoro, and north of Romblon. It is home to around 230,000 people as of 2007, with the majority of the populace earning a living by farming and fishing.

The Marinduquenos are known to be hospitable and friendly. First-time tourists are usually welcomed with a big smile and a heart-warming putong, a traditional song-and-dance ritual performed by local folks. Putong, or tubong, in some parts of the island, also means the crowning of a guest or an honorary with flowers or gaily-decorated crowns. This practice adds to the appeal of Marinduque to both local and foreign holidaymakers.

Getting to Marinduque is not as problematic compared to other travel destinations in the archipelago. Some local airlines offer direct flights from Manila to Marinduque several times a week. As a travel tip, make reservations in advance to avoid any inconvenience. For tourists who are afraid of flying, there are buses and ships bound for the province.

The best time to go to Marinduque is during the Holy Week, when the province is all systems go for the Moriones Festival. The event is highlighted by a parade participated in by people, usually God-fearing men, wearing colorful masks and garbs replicating that of the biblical Roman soldiers. The main attraction in the festival is a show reenacting the event when, Longinus, a blind soldier, punctures Jesus with his spear and the blood droplets from the wound enables him to regain his sight.

Marinduque is also an ideal place for beach bummers. The island is dotted with unspoiled white-sand beaches and tranquil islets that are perfect for swimming and other water recreation activities such as snorkeling, windsurfing, and diving. Boac, the provincial capital, is famous for the white sand of the Poctoy Beach. Not to be outdone are the beaches in Maniwaya Island in the town of Sta. Cruz.

Accommodations vary from the very simple to the extravagant. One of the famous vacation rentals in Marinduque is the Bellarocca Island Resort and Spa, which is located on an excluded island several minutes away from the mainland. Its location makes the resort an ideal place for travelers looking to escape the hassles of the city life.

With the growing interest in nature, Marinduque has joined the bandwagon for promoting the “green” thing. The province is being promoted as a premier ecotourism destination in the Philippines. The must-see sanctuaries and protected areas in the island include the Balagbag Mountain Range, Tres Reyes Marine Sanctuary, and Malindig Volcano. The chance of tourists getting bored in Marinduque is very unlikely. Spelunking enthusiasts can explore Bathala Caves in Sta. Cruz and Tarug Caves in Mogpog while travelers looking to get their body recharged with new energy can soak in the hot springs of Malbog in Buenavista.

With so many things to do and see in Marinduque, it is no wonder, then, that the province is close to the heart of travelers.

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Philippine Camping Guide

March 29, 2011 by Anita  
Filed under Travel And Leisure

Allan Merin asked:




An interesting way to escape the hassles of urban living is to go camping on a weekend. With its abundant natural resources, the Philippines is a haven for travelers looking for a place to experience a traditional yet unforgettable outdoor recreation activity.

Camping is an affordable way to discover the beauty of this Southeast Asian nation, which is home to breathtaking tourist attractions, vibrant festivals, unspoiled beaches, and hip events. Going out in the wilds might be old-fashioned but still camping is still considered an effective way of relaxation.

What differentiates the Philippines from other nations deemed camping havens is that it is blessed with rich biodiversity. Covering a total land area of 299,764 square kilometers, the archipelago is surrounded by forests harboring exotic plants and animals. Selecting a perfect camping site in the Philippines is as easy as ABC. Here are some of the recommended camping destinations in the country. This travel guide contains information that will help you enjoy camping in the Philippines.

Palawan

A Palawan adventure is more than swimming and scuba diving. This island paradise in southern Luzon is also an ideal camping and trekking place because of its exotic forests. In Coron Island, visitors can spend a night or two living like a true “survivor.” Coron, which boasts of some of the best wreck diving sites in the country and Asia, is home to several resorts and vacation rentals providing wood cottages and secluded villas for campers.

Camiguin

Camigiun, one of the smallest provinces in the Philippines, has a big following of both local and foreign tourists, especially campers and adventurer seekers. Covering an area of 237.95 square kilometers, this island province in the southern region is frequented by travelers for its white beaches, waterfalls, and hot springs. Camiguin is also home to seven volcanoes and the Agohay Beach, which is famous for its magnificent sunset.

Batangas

Another renowned camping destination in the country is Batangas, which is just a few hours drive away from Manila. Its proximity to the metro makes this first-class province a magnet for travelers. Campers in the towns of Talisay and San Nicolas are treated with a great view of Taal Volcano, one of the most active in the Philippines. Beach resorts and vacation houses offering affordable camping services and accommodation rates are also abundant in the province.

Bohol

Apart from enjoying a magnificent view of the Chocolate Hills, tourists in Bohol can also enjoy a memorable and “green” camping adventure. The province, which is also the home of the Philippine tarsier, is the side of the Magsaysay Camp. Named after the late President Ramon Magsaysay, this sanctuary is surrounded by various tall tree species. Bohol is also home to the Bilarma Camp, which is known for its freshwater cascades.

Baguio

Ask expert travelers in the Philippines about an ideal camping site and they will most likely refer you to the “City of Pines.” Dubbed as the “Summer Capital of the Philippines,” Baguio has a cool weather all year round. The city, which is home to Camp John Hay, Burnham Park, and Mines View Park, brings visitors closer to the environment – the primary idea of camping.

Local Philippines is your travel buddy. We have information about the destinations, how to get there, what to do while in the area and more! Destinations in the beaches or in the mountains, destinations under water, destinations right at the middle of the urban hub, name it and Local Philippines will most likely feature it.

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Travel the Philippines – Say Hello to Iloilo

January 1, 2011 by Anita  
Filed under Travel And Leisure

Allan Merin asked:




Got enough of the Philippines? If not head down to Iloilo to explore more astonishing tourist attractions in the archipelago of 7,107 islands.

With an area of 4,829.1 square kilometers, this beautiful province is the commercial, industrial, financial, and cultural center of the Western Visayas region. Iloilo, which is also considered the cradle of early Philippine civilization, is subdivided into 42 municipalities, one component city, and one highly urbanized city. The province is bordered by Antique to the west and Capiz and the Jintotolo Channel to the north.

Like Boracay and Palawan, Iloilo’s beaches are worth exploring. Its beaches are known for its white sand and gentle waves. Tourists can also select from a wide array of resorts and vacation packages that suit their interest and budget. Here is a sampling of the premier tourist attractions in Iloilo.

Miag-ao Church

Recognized for its fortress-like design, Miag-ao Church is deemed as one of the country’s architectural and religious masterpieces. Located in the first-class municipality of Miag-ao, the church was built in 1786 by Augustinian priests, making it one of the oldest in the Philippines. In 1993, Miag-ao Church, which is also known as Church of Santo Tomas de Villanueva, was included in the UNESCO Word Heritage List.

Agho Beach

Agho Beach is a perfect weekend destination for travelers looking for a serene atmosphere. Its white sand and crystal-clear water are comparable to some of the world’s finest. Agho Beach also caters to the needs of the adventurous. Diving, boating, and snorkeling are some of the water recreations visitors can enjoy here. There are also cottages and picnic sheds for the whole family near the beach. Beautiful and pristine beaches can also be found in the towns of Concepcion, Carles, San Joaquin, and Ajuy.

Dinagyang Festival

Dinagyang Festival is the pride of Iloilo. Celebrated annually on the fourth Sunday of January, this colorful event in Iloilo City is a way of honoring the Santo Niño. It is also held to commemorate the arrival of Malay settlers in Panay. During the festival, street dancers dressed in vibrant costumes shout the thundering words “Hala Bira” (Hit them).

Iloilo Museum

To know more about the province and its culture, you should visit the Iloilo Museum. Located beside the provincial capitol, the museum houses various artifacts such as fossil collections, Chinese potteries, and war relics. It also showcases new and Spanish-era masterpieces made by local artists and craftsmen.

Ilonggo Delicacies

Aside from fascinating man-made and natural attractions, Iloilo is also famous for its food. Thus an ultimate Iloilo adventure is never complete without tasting dozens of mouth-watering Ilonggo delicacies such as Cabanatuan’s tinuom, Pototan’s aripahol, Alimodia’s sinakol, and Passi City’s dried pineapple. But two of most famous among Ilonggo dishes are the La Paz batchoy and inasal (grilled chicken).

Local Philippines is your travel buddy. We have information about the destinations, how to get there, what to do while in the area and more! Destinations in the beaches or in the mountains, destinations under water, destinations right at the middle of the urban hub, name it and Local Philippines will most likely feature it.

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Top Philippine Destination and Paradise Spots

December 17, 2009 by Anita  
Filed under News

Ruel Hinaloc asked:


Explore Paradise Philippines. Take a peek at Filipino’s culture and history as mirrored in century-old churches, ancient forts and modern museums. Paradise Philippines have the top of nature’s paradise pictured thru white-sand beaches and three-layered virgin forests.

Paradise Philippines is blessed with an extensive coastline, ringed with unspoiled beaches and first-class resort facilities. Paradise Philippines’ deep-blue, crystal-clear waters offers about 40,000 square kilometers of coastal reefs teeming with a variety of marine life.

Top Philippine Destination and Paradise Spots

Paradise Philippines is endowed amid a tropical climate offering perfect paradise treat to enjoy the sunlight. Lying in Southeast Asia and surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, the Paradise Philippines boasts of unsullied beaches, spectacular sunsets, luxuriant pastoral lands, cool mountain weather, brilliant man-made paradise resorts, and dazzling 7,000+ islands.

Paradise Philippines boasts of one or two of the best beaches and scuba diving waters in the world. Witness the vast expanse of nature’s paradise Philippines’ splendor underneath the spell of cool paradise Philippines mountain breeze.

Here are some featured destinations and paradise regions that is living proof of Paradise Philippines reputation of being referred to as Paradise Philippines.

Alona Beach, Paradise Philippines

Panglao Island, Bohol (May 6, 2007) – The Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano has inaugurated the first age of a P600-million upscale resort complex that is riding on the tourism boom in this province. Durano said, referring to the 16-hectare Eskaya Beach Resort & Spa, which is making 70 luxurious villas catering to the rich Filipino tourists and visitors from Europe, the United States, Australia, Japan and Korea.

Donsol, Whale Shark Capital, Paradise Philippines

Once a sleepy coastal village located at the northwestern tip of Sorsogon province, this town now eyes to be a first-class municipality, thanks to giant sea creatures that are now attracting hordes of foreign and local tourists who infuse millions of pesos to the local economy.

Boracay Paradise, Paradise Philippines

Widely known as one of the best swimming destinations in the world, Boracay is blessed with unsullied fine talcum powder-sand beaches. Its tranquil crystal simple waters are best for swimming, sailing, fishing and sunbathing. Boracay in addition boasts of sapphire seas and spectacular sunsets. Countless hidden coves dot the island and tall coconut trees line up along the beaches. Boracay lies at the northwest tip of Panay, in the west Visayas region, off the Sibuyan Sea.

Captivating Guimaras, Paradise Philippines

Nueva Valencia, Guimaras – An Italian couple on a two-month holiday in the Philippines chose to include the present paradise in this itinerary and stayed at the Raymen Beach Resort in December 2006, unperturbed by to know about the oil spill that brought the island province to world attention in August of the same year. “We are just here to see good beaches,” said the Boldo couple, who are just among the hundreds of intercontinental guests who kept coming to Guimaras even in the aftermath of the infamous oil spill.

Wonderful Palawan, Paradise Philippines

The exotic beauty of Palawan remains undefiled. Branded as the country’s survive frontier, Palawan is a sanctuary to an amazing variety of exotic flora and fauna which are found nowhere else. With more as opposed to a thousand islands and islets, Palawan boasts of white-sand beaches, scenic rock formations, underwater rivers and magnificent caves. Palawan is additionally structure to Tubbataha Reef, the only nationwide marine park that made it to the World Heritage List and whose grandeur is comparable to the Great Barrier Reef of Australia.

Banaue Rice Terraces, Paradise Philippines

Traversing the rugged terrains of Cordillera highlands in a duration of one week is an adventure in itself and could be an immense learning experience for someone who has the guts to be on the look down to the depths of mountain cliffs to get a good view of the rice terraces. With tall rice terraces at the backdrop and cool breeze shuttling between mountain peaks, a journey across the Cordillera heap ranges exposes one to an atmosphere strangely different from the daily offering of Manila and its suburbs.

Amazing Coron, Paradise Philippines

Coron, a town in the Busuanga Island in Northern Palawan, can charm much the most insensitive amongst men. Its natural beauty can only be described as seductive, giving first-time visitors and repeaters alike a sense of wonder so is hard to shake off.

Cebu City, Paradise Philippines

Cebu City drew 403,326 worldwide visitors in 2005, making the “queen city of the south” the top provincial destination of worldwide travelers. Data from the Department of Tourism (DOT) also showed such a Cebu City attracted 1,813 distant Filipinos and 712,938 domestic travelers.

Pagudpud, Paradise Philippines

If Aklan has Boracay, Ilocos has Pagudpud, its northernmost town bordering the South China Sea. The coastal town of Pagudpud is the perfect setting for panoramic movies and photoshoot for travel magazines cover. The town’s main attractions are Saud Beach, famous for its fine white sand stretching for hundreds of meters and Maira-Ira Point, which hides a secluded beach called Blue Lagoon. Other breathtaking landscapes in Pagudpud include Bantay Abot-abot, a natural sculpture carved by the wind and sea, the Mabogabog Falls and the Patapat viaduct that treats motorists to a scenic view of red lushes and green waters of South China Sea.

Bohol, Paradise Philippines

Bohol is one of the loveliest islands in southern Philippines. It is situated at the heart of Visayas and with coastline skimmed by gentle coves and white-sand beaches. Many highways snake along sparkling beaches or leafy rivers where one can stop at any point and jump in. With its rolling hills and plateaus, crystal springs and beaches, the province of Bohol is a picturesque province replete amidst ancestral structures and centuries-old churches.