Philippines Travel Guide and Trip Reports

Baguio: The 5,000 Pesos Challenge

Posted on September 13, 2011 by admin

THE Summer Capital of the Philippines is one of the most inexpensive places you can go to for a family or barkada vacation mainly because of the big savings you can get on accommodations. Baguio climate is cool year-round. So while it’s really hot here in the metro, Baguio proved to be different. That’s why most hotels and inns in Baguio do not provide their guests with aircon. No air conditioning = cheap rates.

I went on a Baguio trip to see if I can enjoy a three-day vacation alone with only me spending less than P5,000. Well, prepared to be surprised, because I got there on a comfortable air-conditioned bus, stayed in a hotel, enjoyed really good food and had fun walks around the parks. Yes, I won the challenge. I only wished I went with a friend – it would have been a blast!

For kicks, I even threw in a massage treatment, visited the museum of National Artist and set aside P500 for pasalubong.

Check out my Trip Calculator and find out how much it will cost you to have your own Baguio Adventure:

Victory Liner (air-conditioned bus)
Cubao Terminal to Baguio P430
Baguio to Cubao Terminal P430

Day 1
Hotel accommodation P630

(P1,900/3)
Breakfast P100
Bencab Museum Entrance Fee P100
Lunch P150
Dinner P200
Day 1 Transportation Budget P200

Day 2
Hotel accommodation P634
Breakfast P100
Lunch P150
Pasalubong Shopping P500
North Haven Spa Hilot Treatment P450
Dinner P250
Day 2 Transportation Budget P200

Day 3
Breakfast P100
Last Minute Pasalubong Shopping P200
Lunch P150

Baguio Trip Total P4,978

Posted in Baguio | Tagged Baguio, climate, cool, mountains, night, pine trees | 1 Comment

Cebu Philippines Travel Guide

Posted on September 12, 2011 by admin

I love Cebu. It’s similar to Manila. At the Mactan-Cebu International Airport, it’s pretty easy to hire a taxi service or even a private car to take you to the city center. If you’re staying for more than a few days, you can hire a car for that time. There are metered cabs by the terminal too.

By day you can drive to Vaqueroz Mountain Horse Trailing Adventure in Cantopla. Go on a guided trail hike up a mountain then try the zipline at K-33 A Green Adventure. With a 220m return, it’s the fastest in Cebu and a cool way to go down the mountain.

By night I suggest you go to Crossroads Mall or the IT Park and take your pick of entertainment. For drinks try the Outpost where you can listen to local bands. For romantic and relaxed ambiance, go to the Bellini Champagne Bar.

Should you decide to sleep over the night I suggest Marriott Hotel. It’s right next to the Metro Ayala Mall, in the heart of the city. It’s an ideal hotel whether you’re in town for business or pleasure.

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What I Didn’t Do In Boracay

Posted on September 2, 2011 by admin

So what I’ve got now is a wish list of what I didn’t do the first time around, but which I probably should get around to the next time I’m on Boracay’s white sands. But returning anytime soon is an iffy preposition since partying in Boracay’s a drain on the wallet. Four days for two persons can cost up to P50,000, all in.

What to do in Boracay

Kiteboard at Bulabog
Cliff dive at Ariel’s Point
Explore Station 3 More Thoroughly
See Lots More Sun on Boracay

You’ve got to save up for the second time. Which also means the smart visitor knows that what he want to do the first time he’s on Boracay is to make “sulit” (worth it) his expenses.

Make a list and plan, but make sure to get it done.

Talk to family and friends who’ve been to Boracay to find out what it is you really should be doing in the short time you’re on the island.

Or surf the internet.

Boracay’s probably the most surfed Philippine tourist destination on the net. There are lots of first-person account on vacationing in Boracay and millions of accompanying photos. Once you’ve gone through a few, you’ll begin feeling like a “Boracaynon,” which is a local term for people who’ve been bitten by the “Boracay bug” and who want to keep going back to the island.

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Sagada: Where To Stay?

Posted on August 12, 2011 by admin

I had a late lunch in Bontoc at Midtown Restaurant before I headed to Sagada. Sagada was filled with tourists! Gone were the backpackers of the old days, and now replaced with urbanites in their expensive SUVs. It took me a while to find a place to stay because there are a lot of places where you can stay in Sagada. Fortunately, the new Ganduyan Inn along the Besao road had an empty room good for two for P600.

It’s a very cozy place to stay in Sagada. Its near St. Joseph resthouse and walking distance from the log cabin. If you plan to travel early going to Baguio or any nearby province then this is the perfect place for you. The rooms are clean with hot and cold shower, towel and blanket.

After checking in, I spent the rest of the afternoon walking around Sagada.

In the evening, there was a concert of ethnic music at the grounds of St. Joseph’s. Local composers and musicians played in front of a crowd of locals and tourists. They sang the beauty of Sagada and the importance of it.

After my Sagada Trip I was back finally to Manila. The first bus leaves at 5 AM and the last bus leaves at 1 PM. There is one bus every hour, on the hours. This one’s really worth the trip!

Posted in Baguio | Leave a comment

Davao Travel Guide

Posted on August 9, 2011 by admin

The famous Durian, which is found in Davao, is known as the King of Fruits because of its large spin-coveredd husk and overpowering smell. It has been banned in some South-East Asian hotels because of its distinct odor.

Francisco Bangoy International Airport or the the Davao International Airport is about 15 minutes away from the city center. Davaoeno cabbies are known for their honesty.

By day we took a short ferry ride to the picturesque Samal Island.

If you’re anything like me, you will enjoy scoring cheap finds at the weekend bazaar in Matina Town Square.

By night we went to Jack’s Ridge. It was once a Japanese headquarters during WWII. Right now, it’s a popular dining destination and nightspot because of its breathtaking views of the city.

Since we’re a big group when we got to Davao, we stayed at Linmarr’s apartment-style accommodations. What I noticed is that each appartelle has a kitchen, a living room and even a garage. Neat!

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IloIlo Travel Tips And Guide

Posted on July 27, 2011 by admin

Iloilo is a city of many firsts. It has the first provincial high school, Iloilo National Highschool, as well as the first concrete road (which stretches from Forbes Bridge to Jaro Plaza) in the country.

There are taxi services available; prices range from PHP300 upwards. There are also metered cabs right outside the airport. It takes 30 to 45 minutes to get to the city. By day we checked out Fort San Pedro, which offers scenic views.

By noon we went to Nelly’s Garden. It’s an art-deco house.

There are also old buildings in Calle Real.

By night the avenue building in Pison compound houses Coffee Break, Nothing but Desserts, Bauhinia, Mojave Grill and Steak House, and Amalfi.

Through Urban Inn‘s rooms are not very spacious, they are clean and sleek in design, with Wi-Fi, 24-hour security, and free use of the gym. You may contact them at (33) 329 67 24.

Ilonggo breakfast is real homey! This Ilonggo food is called “Laswa”. I like it. It’s probably the best breakfast I ever had in iloilo!

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10 Things To Do In Iloilo

Posted on July 19, 2011 by admin

Just 30 minutes by plane from Manila, Iloilo City is a summer getaway where you can enjoy the best of both worlds. The creative comforts of a metropolitan city and the rustic treats of nature, with beaches just a stone’s throw away. Here’s the perfect to-do list:

Eat more for less.
Have dinner for two – or more.
Go to the beach – in just 15 minutes.
Bar-hop Ilonggo style
Live in style.
Shop without breaking the bank.
Savor a special treat.
Enjoy the view.
Discover Dinagyang.
Bring on the Pasalubong.

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Sidetrip to Nagcarlan and Liliw

Posted on July 7, 2011 by admin

An interesting side-trip while exploring the Seven Lakes is a visit to the adjacent towns of Nagcarlan and Liliw.

The underground cemetery of Nagcarlan is the only one of its kind in the Philippines. It was built in 1845 by Franciscan Missionaries, and it is said that there’s a tunnel linking the cemetery with the Church of San Bartolome. During the 1896 Revolution, the underground chapel was used by the Katipuneros in planning a revolution against the Spaniards.

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The adjacent town of Liliw is everybody’s favorite destination for shoes, sandals or slippers. But besides shopping, Liliw is also becoming a good place to dine and to sample local delicacies.

At Liliw Bakery, one can buy freshly-baked pianono rolls. In front of many shoe shops are many tinderas selling uraros and cassava-chips.

There is also one vendor from Lucban who brings in freshly-made Longganisang Lucban in Liliw.

Posted in Laguna | Leave a comment

Most Exciting Beach Destination In The Philippines: Boracay, Aklan

Posted on July 4, 2011 by admin

Easily the most popular beach destination in the country, Boracay Island – or simply “Bora” to many- has become a must-see for tourists and locals alike, especially during the holiday and summer seasons. What started out as a remote island with no electricity nor five-star accomodations has become a world-renowned tropical paradise that attracts hundreds of tourists a year.

We had a difficult time looking for the best budget resort in Boracay Island (because almost every resort caters to the budget) but it’s definitely worth it to choose the Seabird International Resort last time. Almost every kind of beach activity is available to its visitors, but what I love most is the pulsating nightlife. I think it’s unrivalled even by the Manila club scene. No wonder Boracay has made its marks on the map as one of the world’s most exciting beach destinations!

When To Go: The Christmas holidays, Holy Week, and summer break. If you’d rather avoid large crowds and long lines, go from January to February or from June to September.

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Best Hotel Discount For Barkada: Seabird International Resort, Boracay

Posted on June 15, 2011 by admin

When looking for cheap vacations while travelling with a posse, Boracay is surely the most popular default destination. There’s the whole ‘what happens in Bora, stays in Bora’ culture”. For a private experience, I recommend Seabird International Resort. It is one of my fave picks for chilling out at the resort with my barkada. I’ve been staying here with friends for five years now. It’s nice and steady. Cheap Boracay room packages are from $36 to $116 a night.