TRUE or FALSE: PHILIPPINES TRIP JOURNAL

Philippines Trip Journal
by harold Nesmith Brown
Weather from North, East, West or even South. . . .

Let’s try to visit and accommodate those captivating and adventurous places in the Philippines, Connecting with the beautiful, unrevealed, Virgin and hidden places of the country. The Philippines is an island of nature who is propagate in living with a beautiful beaches, seafood, pearls, and being hospitable people said country. Residing in any part of the Philippines will fully adjust your typical day to day activity.

LUZON Part

LAOAG

JUST RELAX

With the paoay Sand Dunes as the Hotel’s and the legendary Paoay Lake and Malacanang of the North just a short walk away. Plaza del Norte Hotel and Convention Center gives you a genuine sense of rustic and historic Ilocos. Tel: +63 7767088190

TAKE IN THE SIGHTS

The Nuesva Era Eco Cultural Village is the newest destination in Ilocos Norte. Experience an interesting mix of cordillera and lowland Ilocos at this enchanting mountain resort. Follow in the footstep of Ferdinand Marcos via the Marcos Heritage Trail.

TASTE THESE

La Preciosa ( Rizal St) is the true haven of Ilocano cuisine. Make sure to try the Bagnet with KBL, poqui-poqui and inabraw. For dessert, try the carrot cake it’s a sweet revelation! Johnny Moon Cafe’s ( La Tabacalera Ilocano Lifestyle Center ) Ilocano-fusion menu is a must-try as well. If you’re heading south, be sure to try the Vigan Longganisa as well as the famous Ilocos Empanada.

WHERE TO SHOP

Take home local Fabric. The best authentic abel Iloco Fabric is sold at Nagbacalan Loomweaver’s Cooperative, a few meters from the Paoay Lake Viewdeck. You can buy towels, blankets and more.

AREA CODE: 77

TOUCH DOWN: Laoag International Airport

GET INTO TOWN via: Sirib Bus (Free shuttle service to downtown Laoag)

DID YOU KNOW: “laoag derives from the Ilocano term “lawag”, which means light. Historical accounts say Laoag had clear skies, which was most likely why it got the name.

CAUAYAN

Stay at Hotel Andres (Don Jose Canciller Ave, Cauayan, Isabela;

www.thehotellandrea.net). Taste some local fare like the Sisig and Spare Ribs at Kusina Kawayan Restaurant, or grab some Goto and serkele at ALing Luring’s. For those with big appetites, Kabayan’s Grill offers bottomless Lugaw (Congee).

AREA CODE: 78

TOUCH DOWN: Cauayan Airport

GET INTO TOWN via: Van, Bus, or Tricycle

TUGUEGARAO

You can’t leave Tuguegarao without trying its famous pancit batil patung. The best I’ve tried are the versions dished out by J-rens Panciteria (on Tuguegarao Diversion Road 2) and Jomar’s Panciteria (Near Buntun Bridge). For pasalubong, get some chicharabao and milk candy at lighthouse Cooperative (39 Luna St, Cnr of Taft St.).

AREA CODE: 78

TOUCH DOWN: Tuguegarao Airport

GET INTO TOWN via: Tricycle, or Taxi

manila

Visit Museo Pambata (www.museopambata.org), the first and only children’s museum in Manila! Take the kids so they can learn while playing in a completely hands-on museum that is housed in a historical, century-old building. Stay in comfort at H20 HOTEL (www.hotelh20.com) of Manila Hotel (www.manila-hotel.com.ph).

AREA CODE: 45

TOUCH DOWN: Clark International (Diosdado Macapagal) Airport

GET INTO TOWN via: Bus or Jeepney

Clark

Experience the thrill of wake-boarding at Deca Wake Park. You can rent boards and basic gear there. Stay at The Holiday Inn. There are country villas that really put you in that vacation mood. It’s also home to a Mequeni buffet with authentic Kapampangan dishes. Mimosa Leisure Estate, Mimosa Dr, Clark Filed; Tel: 63 2 845 1888

AREA CODE: 45

TOUCH DOWN: Clark International (Diosdado Macapagal) Airport

GET INTO TOWN via: Bus or Jeepney

Legazpi

Go on an all-terrain vehicle ride at the foot of Mayon Volcano and check out the hardened lava flows. After that, fill up with 1st Colonial Grill’s tinutungang Manok (Chicken stewed in coconut cream) paired with tinapa rice (Rice with smoke fish). For pasalubong, buy some pili nuts at the Albay Pili Nut Candy Shop.

AREA CODE 52

TOUCH DOWN: Legazpi Airport

GET INTO TOWN via: Taxi

Naga

Be sure to try DJC Halo-halo (Westpark Leisure Hub, Magsaysay Ave).

For something savory, head to Red Platter (Magsaysay Ave) and try the seafood Kare-Kare, pinangat and Bicol Express. If you have the time, check out the Camsur Watersports Complex, which is just a 20-minute drive from Naga City

AREA CODE: 54

TOUCH DOWN: Naga Airport

GET INTO TOWN via: Taxi, Hotel Transfer

Virac

Surfing the majestic waves of Puraran is something you shouldn’t miss when in Virac. If you have the time, trek Balacay Point and get a

a magnificent view of the Pacific Ocean or enjoy downhill long boarding. Fill up at Cafe de Au (Salvacion, Virac; tel: +63 939 158 1749). Try their binalot meals and their version of nachos.

AREA CODE: 52

TOUCH DOWN: Virac Airport

GET INTO TOWN via: Tricycle, Hotel Service

Puerto princesa

JUST RELAX

Stay at Puerto Pension.35 Malvar St, Puerto Princesa City; tel: +63 48 4332969, www.puertopension.com or if you’re a Cheap Traveller you could try Puerto Apartments. Brgy Sta. Monica Puerto Princesa, 5300 Philippines:

Tel: +4799880948 or +63 919 668 8654, puertoapartments@gmail.com .

TAKE IN THE SIGHTS

Go on, on a 5 days and 4 nights with a City Tours, El Nido, Underground River, Firefly Watching and Honda Bay. You can book one from all hotels, Visit the crocodiles and if you’re up for it, try eating one sisig style at the Palawan Crocodile Farm. The romantic evening firefly bay cruise is

also worth doing while you’re in town.

TASTE THESE

Go to Bay walk for the evening atmosphere,good values seafood and grills too many to name. Head to Bona’s Chaolong fo Vietnamese noodles and Itoy’s for good coffee, or you could try to go to Bakers hill for a delightful pasalubong foods ( Hopia Ube with oil Pork, Casoy Nuts, or even Crinkles) .

AREA CODE: 48

TOUCH DOWN: Puerto Princesa Airport

GET INTO TOWN via: Tricycle or Multicab

DID YOU KNOW??

Puerto Princesa, also known as “The city in a Forest”, is home to natural wonders like the Subterranean River, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 wonders of Nature. Puerto Princesa has been named as Philippines’ cleanest and greenest city.

Busuanga

Trek at Mount Kayang and plunge into the cool water of the lake. It’s one of the cleanest in the country-80% freshwater and 20% saltwater. Visit the Twin Lagoon, too.

AREA CODE: 48

TOUCH DOWN: Francisco B. Reyes (Coron) Airport

GET INTO TOWN: Van

San jose

Have a fun and relaxing time at Grace Island Resort. You can try zip line, check out the mini zoo or explore the bike trail. And at day’s end , stay in one of the resort’s floating nipa huts.

AREA CODE: 43

TOUCH DOWN: San Jose Airport

GET INTO TOWN: Tricycle

Visayas part

Iloilo

TASTE THESE

Try the classic La Paz Batchoy at Deco’s and the incomparable coffee at Madge Cafe` ( Traditionally brewed using a culador!), Both located at La Pa Public Market. Have drool-worthy saefood at Breakthrough (Villa Beach, Iloilo City).

TAKE IN SIGHTS

Drive around and explore Nelly Garden on E. Lopez St, Iloilo City; and Casa Mariquit on Sta. Isabel St and Lizares Mansion on MacArthur Drive, both in Jaro.

AREA CODE: 33

TOUCH DOWN: Iloilo International Airport

GET INTO TOWN via: Taxi or Bus

DID YOU KNOW??

The San Jose Church is Home to the image of the Nuestra Senora Del Rosario, which was discovered during the Dutch siege of Iloilo in 1614.

Bacolod

Don’t miss The Arts District and The Ruins in Talisay. Also, make sure you get to try Bacolods chicken inasal. The most sought-after is the one from Chicken House (24th Lacson St). For pasalubong shopping, head to Negros Showroom, which is located at Central City Walk, Robinson’s Bacolod and at Lourdes Building on Lacson Street.

AREA CODE: 34

TOUCH DOWN: Bacolod-Silay Airport

GET INTO TOWN via: Taxi or Van

Caticlan

Swim, play and hang out at Boracay’s Station 1 or Station 2, but if it gets too croweded, go on a boat ride to the quieter Puka Beach. You’ll

never go hungry in Boracay as there are plenty of choices, including popular restaurants such as Gerry’s Grill, Shakey’s and Mang Inasal.

AREA CODE: 36

TOUCH DOWN: Godofredo P. Ramos (Caticlan) Airport

GET INTO TOWN via: Tricycle to Caticlan Jetty port then boat ride to Boracay Island

Kalibo

Pasalubong shopping is easy in Kalibo. Visit the Handicraft of Aklan

Multi-Purpose Cooperative (HAMPCO) for pina cloth, abaca, shawls, bags and other native products. It’s located at 402 Old Buswang. Check out the Kalibo Public Market for barquillos, caramel tarts, pastel, biscocho and other pastries.

AREA CODE: 36

TOUCH DOWN: Kalibo International Airport

GET INTO TOWN via: Taxi, Bus, Van, and Tricycle

Roxas

Go to Talon Adventure Park & Resort at Brgy Talon. Try out the zip line, go biking or ride an ATV. Check out the beach mini zoo and garden, too. If you have the time, visit L.A. Beach Resort at Sitio Marangkalan, Basiao, Ivisan, Capiz, go Island-hopping for as little as 40 per person.

AREA CODE: 36

TOUCH DOWN: Roxas Airport

GET INTO TOWN via: Jeepney, Taxi or Tricycle

Cebu

JUST RELAX

Enjoy the convenience of staying at Quest Hotel. Located on Archbishop Reyes Ave, it’s right across from Ayala Center and a public transport terminal.

TAKE IN THE SIGHTS

Go to Tops Lookout in Mount Busay and take in spectacular views of the city. Be brave and try the Edge Coaster Ride and Skywalk at the Crown Regency Hotel and Tower ( Fuente Towers, Fuente Osmena Blvd). If you have the time, visit the municipality of Argao south of Cebu. Explored the town proper then make your way to Mahayahay Beach and go skimboarding!

TASTE THESE

Go to the Original AA BBQ (Quezon National Highway, Pusok, Lapu-Lapu City; with branches around the city). Pick your meat and have it

charcoal-grilled in the spot. For yummy desserts, try Butter + Love (Raintree Mall, 528 General Maxilom Ave, Ramos). At Ayala Center, try Canvas Bistro and Bar Gallery. The staff is friendly and the food is good. It’s perfect for a business lunch, a Family dinner or a night out with friends.

WHERE TO SHOP

Drop by the little souvenir shops in Carbon for handmade trinkets, shirts and accessories. Taboan Market is still the best place to buy danggit, dried sweet squid or dried mangoes.

AREA CODE: 32

TOUCH DOWN: Mactan-Cebu International Airport

GET INTO TOWN via: Taxi, multicab, or Van

DID YOU KNOW??

Cebu City is the oldest city in the Philippines. Its home to the country’s oldest street (Colon), oldest fort (Fort San Pedro) and oldest university (University of San Carlos).

Dumaguete

JUST RELAX

Bethel Guesthouse is a convention hotel that offer’s clean, air-conditioned rooms. It’s only 15 minutes from the airport and is close to restaurant and tourist spots. Make sure to request a room facing the sea for a view of the sunrise. Rizal Blvd;

TAKE IN THE SIGHTS

Dumaguete is a city that’s ideal for log walks and a visit would not be complete without taking an unhurried stroll along Rizal Boulevard. It’s a great place to hang out while waiting for the sunrise or sunset. At night, vendors set up tables and chairs by the sidewalk and sell barbecue and other street food favourites. Outdoorsy types can take a side trip to Casaroro Falls in the town of Valencia, 9.4km from the City center, or embark on the three-day hike to Mount Talinis.

AREA CODE: 35

TOUCH DOWN: Dumaguete (Sibulan) Airport

GET INTO TOWN via: Taxi, Multicab, or Tricycle

DID YOU KNOW??

Dumaguete is known as a university town. Its home to four Major universities: Foundation University, Negros Oriental State University, St.Paul University Dumaguete and Siliman University, the Oldest American-founded University in Asia.

TAGBILARAN

Relax on the serene beaches of Panglao Island, which is just a 15 to 30-minute drive from Tagbilaran City.

AREA CODE: 38

TOUCH DOWN: Tagbilaran Airport

GET INTO TOWN via: Tricycle or Van

Mindanao part

Dipolog

TASTE THESE

CLS is a Filipino-Chinese restaurant that serves all-time Dipolog favourites like pork Humba and paklay in cozy alfresco setting that encourages guests to linger. New CLS Food Plaza Magsaysay St

TAKE IN THE SIGHTS

Take a morning stroll of go jogging on Dipolog City Boulevard and feel the cool ocean breezes. Spend some “me” time at Chapters, which is located on the boulevard. Just hang out, have coffee or read a book.

WHERE TO SHOP

Get native and locally made souvenir items at Boholana, which is located on General Luna Street. Or you can visit the Dipolog Pasalubong Center on Rizal Avenue for the famous Montano sardines.

AREA CODE: 65

TOUCH DOWN: Dipolog Airport

GET INTO TOWN via: Tricycle or Taxi

DID YOU KNOW??

Dipolog has six coastal areas where fishing and fish processing are major industries, Owning to the fact that the province produces a majority of the bottles sardines sold and consumed nationwide, it has even earned the moniker “bottled sardines capital of the Philippines”.

Zamboanga

Purchase some first-class malong and batik at Barter Trade Center,

Canelar and Yakan Village in Upper Calarian.

AREA CODE: 62

TOUCH DOWN: Zamboanga International Airport

GET INTO TOWN via: Taxi, Tricycle or Jeepney

ozamiz

JUST RELAX

Plaza Beatriz Hotel provides clean accommodation at affordable rates.Port Rd, Ozamiz.

TAKE IN THE SIGHTS

Spend the morning walking or jogging along the boulevard at PanguilBay. Stop by the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, which houses the only bamboo organ in Mindanao. Head to Cotta Shrine where you’ll find the miraculous Birhen sa cotta. Visit Bukagan Hill. Check out the bell tower and enjoy the views.

TASTE THESE

At night, check out Nanay Bebies barbecue (Brgy Carmen Annex) and try her grilled offerings. Head to Gats Bar (Don Anselmo Bernad Ave) and get a taste of its famous sisig.

AREA CODE:88

TOUCH DOWN: Ozamiz (Labo) Airport

GET INTO TOWN via: Motorcab

DID YOU KNOW??

Ozamiz City was named after Jose Ozamiz- the first governor of the province of Misamis Occidental. He became a senator of the Philippines in 1941 and worked with the resistance movement during the Japanese occupation.

Pagadian

Try Big J’s Grill House on Datoc Street and choose from a selection of marinated meats, grilled on the spot.

AREA CODE: 62

TOUCH DOWN: Pagadian Domestic Airport

GET INTO TOWN: Tricycle, Hotel shuttle

Davao

JUST RELAX

Stay at Marco Polo Davao Hotel if you’re a expendable person, or even Royal Mandaya Hotel, or if you want easy going to town you could choose Grand Regal Hotel Davao, or the newly My Hotel along San Pedro Street, by then you could stay in Water Front Hotel Davao if you want it’[s nearer from the beaches of Samal Island. All hotels are at the heart of city.

TAKE IN THE SIGHTS

Get close to nature and visit Eden Nature Park & Resort or Go to the

the First Ever People’s Park. Go white-water rafting on the Davao River- you’ll get free tickets to the Zipline, the zorb ball and the Crocodile Park. Pay a visit to the Eagles at the Philippine Eagle Nature Center; Learn the history of Davao at the Davao Museum and D’bone Museum or even the Japanese Tunnel; and Finally, stop by the

Buddhist Temple. Or you could try to go to Maxima Aqua Adventure , Swimming,snorkelling, Banana boat and whole lot more, or even Island Hopping to Five

Destination.

TASTE THESE

Try Backyard Burger (88 Quimpo Blvd, besides Lechonero’s) which

offers the biggest burgers in town. They’re moist and tasty. For dessert, try these Pomelo Lemon Pie at Osvaldo’s Cakes in Paseo de Legazpi. Try to go to Marina Tuna Davao and taste the Fresh Tuna Sushi and Sinugbang Panga and even Seafood grilled at Lanang Davao City.

WHERE TO SHOP

It’s a good time to shop DAVAO because it’s THE BIG DAVAO FUN SALE, the Philippines First city-wide shopping festival. Until April 16, shoppers enjoy up to 80% off on a wide range of products and services, SM City Lanang, SM City Ecoland, Gaisano Malls, Robinsons Cybergate, NCCC Mall and Abreeza Mall are participating. Visit www.facebook.com/bigdavaofunsale for updates.

AREA CODE: 82

TOUCH DOWN: Davao International Airport

GET INTO TOWN via: Taxi, Jeepney, or Bus

DID YOU KNOW??

Aldevinco is Davao’s first shopping center. The 8,370m²commercial complex was inaugurated in January 1965.

Cotabato

See the largest mosque in the Philippines, Grand Mosque, in Brgy

Kalanganan, and visit Sultan Kudarat’s monument at Tanatawan Park.

AREA CODE: 64

TOUCH DOWN: Awang (Cotabato) Airport

GET INTO TOWN via: Jeepney, motorcycle, or Tricycle

General Santos

Visit Sarangani Highlands to get a breathtaking views of Gensan. Purok

Wal, Tambler.

AREA CODE: 83

TOUCH DOWN: General Santos International Airport

GET INTO TOWN via: Taxi or Multicab

Tawi.tawi

Don’t miss the breathtaking view of Bongao Island via Bud Bongao peak,

then enjoy Malaysia food at the Malaysian Restaurant (Awwal St, Bongao).

AREA CODE: 68

TOUCH DOWN: Sanga-Sanga Airport

GET INTO TOWN: Tricycle

Camuguin

Enjoy the white-sand beaches of white Island and Mantigue Island Nature Park. Aside from the usual swimming and sunbathing, explore the rich marine life. This is considered one of the best dive spots in the country. Stay at Bahay Bakasyunan sa Camiguin.

AREA CODE: 88

TOUCH DOWN: Camuguin Airport

GET INTO TOWN via: Multicab or Van

Cagayan de oro

Chub’d Diner (Corrales Ave) has the best burger and all-day breakfast

platters, which come complete with bottomless Rocky Mountain brewed coffee. Have a nice dinner at Panagatan Seafood Restaurant on Opol Highway. For pasalubong, best in the country! Try Oro Ham, Pine Ham or Slers.

AREA CODE: 88

TOUCH DOWN: Laguindingan Airport

GET INTO TOWN via: Taxi, Express Shuttle

SURIGAO

JUST RELAX

Stay at Le Chard Place Bed & Breakfast. It’s just beside Gaisano Mall.

TAKE IN THE SIGHTS

Surigao offers a lot of options for nature lovers and adventurous travellers. Enjoy activities like island hopping, snorkelling, trekking, spelunking and game fishing. You shouldn’t miss the chance to visit Beunavista Cave and Silop Cave. It’s best to go on a guided sightseeing tour to maximize

your time. Go to Mabua Pebble Beach and watch the sun set or make a trip to the Day-Asan Floating villages, also known as Surigao’s little venice.

TASTA THESE

Don’t miss the chicken barbecue at the Same Place Grill House in the

Port Area. Also, sample the grilled saang (Spider shell) and sinuglaw at Island Seafood Restaurant at the Provincial Sports Complex on Rizal Street. When you’re in Mabua, drop by Marbie’s near Rose Beach and try sayonsong (a delicacy made with ground purple sticky rice) At night, hang out at J-Spot Bar beside Tavern Hotel (Surigao City Blvd).

WHERE TO SHOP

There are plenty of shops at Gaisano Surigao. For souvenirs, check out the products at surigao’s Best (Provincial Sports Complex, Rizal st.)

AREA CODE: 86

TOUCH DOWN: Surigao Airport

GET INTO TOWN via: multicab or tricycle

DID YOU KNOW??

Silop Caves is a system of six caves located 9.7km from Surigao City. To

get there, you can take a habal-habal from Surigao City Public Market. Once you get to Brgy Silop, stop by the town hall and ask for a guide.

Butuan

JUST RELAX

Stay at Almount Inland Resort Hotel. JC Aquino ave.

TAKE IN THE SIGHTS

Visit the Centennial Tree, the oldest tree in the Philippines. It’s a 500

year-old Bitaog tree in Magallanes, Agusan del Norte. Stop by the Butuan National Museum where you’ll see the balangay or Butuan boats as well as items. Excavated from the region. If you have the time, go island-hopping in Britania and see the Hinatuan Enchanted River and Tinuy-an Falls in Bislig.

WHERE TO SHOP

Check out Madyaw Kadyaw souvenir shop for pasalubong items and Margie’s Kitchen for sweet treats. For your basic needs, head to Robinson Mall.

AREA CODE: 85

TOUCH DOWN: Bancasi Airpot

GET INTO TOWN via: Taxi or Shuttle

DID YOU KNOW??

Probably the most iconic symbol of Butuan is the traditional balangay

boat, which is a large, wooden plank-built and edge-pegged vessel constructed by using an ancient South-East Asian boat-building method. Get a look at one at the Balangay Shrine Museum in Ambangan, Libertad, which is just 5km east of the city proper.

Siargao