Travel Asia – The Beaches of the Philippines

July 16, 2011 by Anita  
Filed under Travel And Leisure

Matthew Davidson asked:




The Philippines is composed of 7,107 islands. Wherever you may be, you are certain that there is a beach within an hour’s drive to give you a nice tan line. However, if you want to see the most pristine and most beautiful beaches in the Philippines, you need to uncover these gems for yourself. We are listing some of the beaches which we have uncovered that truly captured our hearts because of their divine beauty.

Boracay is probably the most famous beach in the Philippines. It boasts of kilometers of sand so fine it passes through your hands in seconds. It is also known for the nightlife and celebrity visits it gets yearly, both from local ones and international stars such as Brangelina.

Puerto Princesa in Palawan is heaven on Earth. It is home to the famous Subterranean Underground Park which was nominated as one of the new seven wonders of the world. Besides its white sand beaches, underwater life is dazzling in Puerto Princesa. The Tubbataha Reef was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site because it is one of the best diving spots in Asia.

If you want to see nature at its finest, such as hills by the hundreds and relaxing rivers, but still want to be near the beach, then Panglao Island in Bohol is the place to be. One will be greeted by the amazing attractions such as the Chocolate Hills and the Tarsier, the smallest primate in the world while being just a couple of minutes away from white sand beaches.

If you plan on going on vacation but are just so tired of the usual places you go to, why not try out one of the Philippines’ thousands of beaches. Before you know it, you will fall so in love with it you won’t want to leave.

Kansieo.com

Pilgrimage Tourism Sites in the Philippines

January 7, 2011 by Anita  
Filed under Travel And Leisure

Allan Merin asked:




Travelers looking to rev up their spiritual life need not go any farther than the Philippines, which is home to some of the world’s oldest and beautiful churches. The archipelago of 7,107 islands, which was under Spanish rule for more than 300 years, is the largest Catholic country in Asia. Hundreds of churches have been constructed across the nation since the Spaniards arrived in the Philippines in 1521. With its rich religious heritage, the Philippines is cashing in on pilgrimage tourism to boost its coffers.

Wise men in the travel industry believe that tourism is not only centered on man-made and natural attractions but also on meaningful rituals that are based on religious faith. Large churches made from indigenous materials have placed the Philippines on the tourism map. This makes the country a versatile player in the sector, as it has a lot of attractions to offer from exquisite natural wonders to colorful events and festivals. Since a whole day, maybe even a week or a month, is not enough to visit all the historic and elegant churches in the country, the following travel information might help in your ultimate spiritual trip to this pre-dominantly Catholic nation.

San Agustin Church

Have a trip down memory lanes by visiting San Agustin Church in Manila. Constructed in 1607, this place of worship is considered the oldest standing church in the Philippines. The church, which is made from adobe stones, has withstood several world wars and numerous earthquakes. A point of interest inside San Agustin Church is the magnificent trompe l’oeil mural on its ceiling and walls.

Paoay Church

One of the notable travel destinations in northern Philippines is the Paoay Church in Ilocos Norte. Completed in 1894, the church is an excellent example of Baroque architecture. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has 24 massive curved buttresses designed to withstand powerful earthquakes. Its bell tower was used by local militants as an observation post in their revolt against Spanish colonizers.

Barasoain Church

Barasoain Church in Malolos, Bulacan, ranks among the most historic sites in the Philippines. Dubbed as the “Cradle of Democracy in the East,” this 17th century structure was the site of the First Philippine Congress in September 29, 1898. Barasoain Church was destroyed at the height of the Philippine Revolution but was renovated several times to preserve its original structure.

Basilica del Santo Niño

Another top pilgrimage destination in the country is Basilica del Santo Niño. Located in the heart of Cebu City, this 16th century church was erected on the same spot where Spanish explorers purportedly found a sculpture of the child Jesus in 1565. A side trip in this historic site is a visit to a museum showcasing the history of Christianity in Cebu. The basilica remains under the Order of St. Augustine.

Dauis Church

Aside from the world’s famous Chocolate Hills, tourists flock to Bohol to catch a glimpse of the Dauis Church. Located on the island of Panglao, this place of prayer is also called the Our Lady of Assumption Church. Catholic faithfuls believe that the well located in front of the altar contains water that has medicinal powers.

Quiapo Church

Another famous pilgrimage site in the Philippines is the Quiapo Church in Manila. It is home to the Black Nazarene, a life-sized, dark-colored sculpture of Jesus Christ bearing a cross. Due to the growing number of devotees, Catholic leaders launched an expansion project in 1984. Outside the church, you can find hordes of vendors selling various goods from religious items to traditional medicines.

Caffeinated Content

Philippines: Finest Travel And Vacation Destination

August 29, 2009 by Anita  
Filed under Destinations

Bercle George asked:


The Philippines is the second largest archipelago in the world, after Indonesia, and enjoys a healthy tropical climate. The charm and beauty of the Philippines has always mesmerized travelers and vacationers. The people in the Philippines are very friendly and hospitable, which makes travel and vacation more enjoyable.

In many parts of the Philippines, access to mobile Telephony & wireless Internet and to Geriatric Medical Care (in Tertiary-level Hospitals around Metro Manila) have both become readily available. The archipelago is also considered as one of the top biodiversity hotspots in the world, with more species crammed and concentrated in one areas. Tourists plays an important role to the Philippine economy.

The Rice Terraces:

The rice terraces were carved out of mountains thousands of years ago and by far the most extensive of its kind in the world (longer and bigger than those in Indonesia) with sophisticated irrigation and engineering that was unthinkable during the time it was built. The rice terraces cover 4,000 square miles (10,000 km squared ) of mountainside. It is, in fact , a UNESCO world heritage and is said to be the 8th wonder of the world.

Beaches and Dive Sites:

The best dive sites in the Philippines are located in Anilao, Boracay, Malapascua, Apo Island, Balicasag, Pamilacan, Tubbataha, Palawan, and Puerto Galera.

The Hundred Islands, also located in the Northern Philippines, is a group of more that 400 islets with coral reefs surrounding the islets.

Beaches in Bohol island are considered as best of the world. In fact, this region is used as ‘setting’ for film (both local and foreign).

Foods:

At times fresh seafood is served with exotic sauces and spices. Apart from a few exceptions, such as Bicol and the Muslim areas of the south, the seasoning is not spicy.

Coconut is used to make desserts such as pudding, which is made of ground rice, sugar, and coconut milk and baked in the oven. The diet of poor families is generally rice, fish, and vegetables, combined with starchy snacks. Rice is served with almost all meals, as it is their staple food.

Events:

The flower season of Baguio- described as the summer capital of the Philippines because of its perennially cool weather-is something to look forward to. Christmas vacations will give you ample time to celebrate the festival with great enthusiasm. Manila’s vibrant party scene rivals those of Shanghai and the nightlife is amongst the underrated in the world with the Filipinos penchant for parties and fiestas.

Shopping:

The convenience of Philippine online shopping will convince you that you have found the best way to shop. Prices of the goods for Philippine bargains are comparable to the ones in Thailand and in China. Shopping is one of the things tourists love about the Philippines.