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Jan 21 2012
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Asia, Philippines, Travel In General

Traveling Back Home

 

by Sigrid Salucop

Travel is a very important part of a person’s life. Whether you’ve been out of your comfort zone dozens of times or have stayed there ever since you can remember, one thing is for sure, we still travel one way or the other from point A to point B –be it a short bus ride from school to a long flight to the other side of the globe.

 

Some people look for sunny places where they can enjoy the water and the sand while the more adventurous take that infamous unbeaten path; like going to Africa not on a safari but to experience rain weeks on end or to see the sun suddenly disappearing in the horizon –without warning- when nighttime comes. Yet others travel to places that remind them of their recent past –the school they went to, the places where they dined with people they used to know or people they still know. These places somehow remind some of us the Beatles crooning, “There are places I remember all my life” or for the more modern, “Photographs” by Nickelback. Continue reading →

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Jan 19 2012
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Asia, Philippines

Kung Hei Fat Choy!

by Sigrid Salucop

Chinese immigrants from long ago who have decided to stay in the Philippines for the purposes of trade and a better business environment have retained their traditions even when miles away from mainland China. Continue reading →

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Jan 18 2012
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Asia, Philippines

The Philippines: 7, 107 islands, 7, 107 adventures

by Ralph Mckenzie

There are so many places to go to in the Philippines and if you are a Filipino, exploring your own country before visiting other tourist spots in Asia or in other parts of the world is a must. The three main islands in the Philippines include Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Luzon is where the capital is located. Metropolitan Manila may be one of the biggest attractions because the megacity hosts the biggest malls and best bazaars but if you really want to enjoy being in the tropics, going to its beaches is always a great idea. There are many beaches to explore and lots of mountainous regions too. In fact, when a Filipino thinks about the beautiful places in the Philippines, he will not be able to enumerate all of them because for each region or province –there is always a tourist spot –either because of its idyllic beaches, its countryside or its social, cultural and political relevance. Continue reading →

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Jan 17 2012
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Asia, Philippines

It’s More Fun In The Philippines: Is it?

by Sigrid Salucop

A country known for being disorganized, the Philippines’ Department of Tourism has organized a rather interesting campaign to encourage foreigners to visit the Philippines. Although there are a lot of photos that show the large cities in the Philippines, I would suggest that a foreigner go to the countryside instead of staying in places in the Metro Manila area.

I love Metro Manila but I do not like the street children who beg for money, I am not proud of the garbage on the side of the streets and I do not like the traffic. It’s true though, it’s more fun in the Philippines if you go to the countryside or to the beaches around the country.

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Jan 16 2012
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Asia, Philippines

Batanes Islands – A Different Taste of the Philippines

by Sigrid Salucop

About 4000 years ago, Austronesians migrated to the northern part of the Philippines. Identified for its rich culture and its houses made out of corals, the place now known as Batanes Islands is one of the most visited places in the country.

The small province composed of ten islands is located about 160 kilometers from mainland Luzon. It sits in the high seas near Taiwan with the Bashi Channel in between the two. Continue reading →

Mar 20 2011
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Asia, Philippines

A Taste of Amrey’s Kitchen

by Sigrid Salucop

Travellers always look for good food but if you are in the Philippines and are tired of the rather exotic cuisine, it may be time for you to have a taste of Amrey’s Kitchen’s baked goodies.

The baker in the home based bakeshop works as an interpreter but baking is the language she loves the most.

All the cupcakes she makes are filled with love –not flour, making these products very delectable and oh-so-sinful. According to her, her best creation is her dark chocolate cake but I disagree because her banana cake topped with cream cheese is Continue reading →

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Jan 29 2011
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Asia, Philippines

Traveling Back Home

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Jan 01 2011
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Philippines

SIARGAO ISLAND – The Philippines’ Surfing Capital

 

In the far south, beyond the raging waves, is an island paradise called Siargao. The island is situated 800 kilometers southeast of Manila and is one of the most visited places in the Philippines. This island paradise is a part of the Province of Surigao del Norte, widely known for its Cloud 9 waves -perfect thick hollow tubes best for surfing enthusiasts. Siargao Island has been declared as the Surfing Capital of the Philippines and boasts thousands of visitors all-year-round.

Surfers – local and foreign alike flock to the island on its annual Surfing Competition during the Habagat or the Monsoon months of August to November. During this season, waves and winds from the Pacific Ocean come uninterrupted bringing with it excellent surfing conditions.

The island however does not only boast of its giant waves because this teardrop shaped haven is surrounded with pristine white beaches and sugar fine sands.  Most of the beaches face the wide vastness of the Pacific Ocean and the boundless space where the skies meet the seas. This gives city slickers the chance to ultimately be one with nature.

Whether one loves to stay in one place and lay around on the sand or explore the island offshore, Siargao is the perfect spot.  Like many beaches in the Philippines, it has a picture perfect sunrise and calming sunsets –pure opium for the nature lover.

If you want to visit this wonderful place, you can be a witness to its natural and untouched beauty while snorkeling and diving in different dive spots.  One can really be greatly overwhelmed with the outstanding underwater topography.  Coral reefs, fishes, corals and the recently discovered underwater cave at Tuason Point – the Blue Cathedral, with its four or five different entrances will definitely mesmerize explorers.  Other activities offshore include island hopping and island exploration of the different islets surrounding Siargao Island.  The amazing thing about the islets are the caves and the prehistoric fossils that are untouched –a real delight to those who crave for an island adventure.

The island also hosts the biggest mangrove reserves in Mindanao.  It has in fact been a home to the six feet salt water crocodiles for decades.  A tour around the island will bring you to a natural rock swimming pool directly facing the Pacific Highway -  the Magpupungko.  Not far away is the Siargao Island Jungles which has been a habitat to the almost extinct tarsiers, the flying lemurs and the flying lizards. Different species of birds also live on the island.  Some in fact have yet to be discovered.

 

 

 

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Dec 10 2010
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Asia, Philippines

Traveling Around Metro Manila

Author: zerwell Source: Personal URL: no URL T...

Image via Wikipedia

The Philippines is known for its beautiful islands and tourists always prefer the caves and the sands of some hidden provinces in the said archipelago but what they do not know is that Metro Manila has its own features that it can proudly brag about. Apart from the pollution and the traffic jams, the Philippine capital and its nearby cities offer historic sites and shopping havens.

What makes Metro Manila a historic destination is its landmarks i.e. Rizal Park also called Luneta by the locals. Rizal Park is where the Rizal Monument is found. Families and couples often have a picnic in this part of Manila. If you are one who appreciates fresh air and loves to sit on the grass while eating -this is the perfect spot for you.

Near Luneta is Quirino Grandstand –an integral part of the country’s history since it is the usual venue for big events and political campaigns and rallies. The rather old National Museum is also found near Luneta and a great stopping point for those who want a respite from the heat. Inside the museum are original masterpieces of great Filipino artists. Another landmark is Intramuros -the center of power during the Spanish Colonial Era. Manila Bay is also a great spot for those who would like to experience its infamous sunset.

Nightlife In The Metro

Nightlife is one important part of the Manileño’s lifestyle -be it a date, a get-together, or a night out with a few friends –bar hopping is a way of life. Although the bars or clubs are not as wild as that of those in Europe or in other Asian countries, you can be sure that you will find a lo of entertainment in this part of town. For the upper class Filipino, The Fort in the Philippines’ financial capital Makati Ciy is a great destination. Ascend and Encore are among the many bars to go to in Makati. For a more relaxed atmosphere   the bars near the sea-side located at SM Mall of Asia at Pasay City are a great choice.

A Shopper’s Paradise

If shopping is one of your favorite activities, high class malls such as Rockwell Center, Gateway, Alabang Town Center, Trinoma, The Podium and Bonifacio High Street are all great spots.

Before air conditioned malls however, local markets were the most popular shopping places but although middle and upper class malls are very popular, many Filipinos still prefer shopping in the traditional wet markets where different goods are peddled or placed on the cobblestone floors. Filipinos on a tight budget go to Divisoria or Baclaran. There are many tiangge or small stalls in these two places. Going around Divisoria and Baclaran is a real delight if you can stand the heat.

Travel Insurance

Whether you are planning to travel to a European country or to a third world destination, it is always best to get travel insurance. If you are planning to go to Metro Manila, make sure that you are covered for theft, kidnapping and extortion not that this will happen to you but this is only one way to protect yourself from any type of mishap.

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Dec 04 2010
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Asia, Philippines

Gelly’s Grill And The Local Fare In UP Diliman

UP Sunken Garden

Traveling to the Philippines? If you happen to pass by the University of the Philippines in Quezon City, trying out the restaurants and food stalls is a great idea. There are many international favorites one can enjoy inside the university and you can even go to an authentic Persian restaurant if you feel like eating a kebab.

Much like other Asian countries, the Philippines is famous for its street food. Fish balls, kikiam and local milkshakes are only a few of the things you should try. If you are in the University of the Philippines Diliman area however, you should try that delectably hot monay –a semi-sweet bun that comes with cheese. The isaw (pork or chicken intestines) is a local fare you shouldn’t miss either. Grilled to perfection, the isaw is an attraction on its own that’s why lots of people from nearby universities flock to UP just to get their fill of isaw and other grilled delights.

Rolando Tolentino Photography

If you are adventurous enough, it would also be nice if you toured around outside the campus. Krus na Ligas is one of the areas you can go to.  Going to KNL however offers a totally different experience because it is like stepping into a setting of an independent film. The village is more of like a marketplace that’s very much alive at night. It would be a bit hard to bring a car inside since there are throngs of people walking the small side streets. This is fun nonetheless because it gives you a chance to take a look at the local fare being sold in the small, dimly-lit stores.

Along V. Francisco Street right beside the old high school is Gelly’s Grill –a small grill stall with its name taken from a mid-range yet very popular grill resto called Gerry’s Grill. Although the name is a spoof (much like other stalls in KNL), you can be sure that you won’t be spoofed by the food Gelly’s Grill offers. The proprietor and her sisters grill seafood delights as well as the regular pork and chicken barbecue. The servings are quite large and they are very scrumptious too. If you’d like to go to Gelly’s Grill, you may contact Gelly herself at +63 905 320 5327 and she will gladly assist you on how to get to her stall.

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