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!

Following a two-hour drive from congested Manila, Sonya’s Garden is literally a breath of fresh air. You are greeted by a bed of flowers, pebbled walkways and canopied corners. But it’s not just the surroundings that will win you over. I particularly go there for the food.

The meal starts off with a salad of fresh greens that you can top with hardboiled eggs, ripe mangoes, langka and corn, drizzled with the yummy dressing Sonya concocted herself. Bread with several interesting dips follows. My personal favorite is the sun-dried tomato blend while my girlfriend is partial to the kesong puti.

In Sonya’s Garden, the fresh salad alone is worth the trip. So take your friends to a day of Tagaytay-tripping, enjoy the scenery and don’t forget to eat. Just don’t forget to call (917) 532 90 97 for a reservation beforehand and inquire how much money to bring otherwise your trip might be spent staring at the Taal Volcano instead.

Across the town center are old stone houses dating back from the Spanish and American era. Look for the old house at Magcasi Road that was used as the set for 80′s horror flick “Tiyanak” or more commonly known as “Ang anak ni Janice”.

San Pablo is also the best place to sample traditional Tagalog comfort foods in a garden setting. Here are some pictures of the best places to try and experience southern hospitality at Laguna Philippines:

Casa San Pablo

Sulyap Gallery

Kusina Salud

Tahanan ni Aling Meding.

and P.S. for the adventurous, the Bat and Balls soup and the Goto Mami near the train station are the must-try items.

On my way to Sagada, I found myself surrounded by numerous terraces. It was a perfect mountain getaway. Although Sagada is much talked about, it is rarely visited by most city folk in the Philippines. So when I got the chance to visit this cool place, I felt like I was warped back into a time when Baguio was still a fresh tourist destination.

Popular activities you can do here include trekking and hiking along Kiltipan and Echo Valley (here, one can find the hanging coffins), exploring both caves and waterfalls of Sumaging Cave (popular for its spelunking activity viewing of the stalactites and stalagmites), Bomod-ok  Big Falls, and Bokong Small Falls. Other activities I suggest are bonfires, picking, picnics, visitng historical sites such as St. Mary’s Church and Ganduyan Museum, and nature hikes.

When you get at Sagada, roll down your windows and feel the cool winds, take in the scenic view of the iconic terraces caraved out of the mountain. Keep your eyes open as well; if you’re lucky, you might spot eagles and other native birds in the air.

It’s surprising to know Sagada now has a Megalink ATM inside the Rural Bank of Sagada. Civilization has really seeped in – so gone are the days of 30-minute jeepney rides to Bontoc just to withdraw money.

Just a tip: Since Sagada activities require a lot of walking through rocky areas, it is important to wear really comfortable clothes, most especially footwear.

I was able to get some helpful advice on directions, transportation and weather on my visit here through this website, visitsagada.com and sagadagenuineguides.blogspot.com.

To get to Pagudpud, you need to take a plane going to Laoag City, the only city in Ilocos Norte.  After you land, you need several hours ranging from 8 up to 10 hours by vehicle in order to get to Pagudpud proper.  There you will be able to stay at any of the numerous hotels and resorts situated along the pretty Saud Beach.

While in Saud beach, you can enjoy the tremendous view of numerous windmills, numbering around 10 up to 15, that constantly gives power to the municipality.  Thus, natural and clean air is preserved whilst attaining the same amenities that electricity can provide.

The specialty in this municipality is the lobster.  It is a must have that every tourist should indulge in.  At around 300 per kilo, you can really enjoy a full course lobster meal that will surely satisfy all of your food cravings.

There are many places to visit here in Pagudpud.  If you sweat it out during the morning then you can try the 30 minute trek to Kaibigan Falls.  You can then enjoy a morning swim after the trek.

You can also opt to visit the Malingay Cove or Blue Lagoon.  Here you can indulge yourself in blue water and white sand combination that you cannot find elsewhere.

Lastly, you can also go for the Bantay Abot Cave.  It is a natural cave sculpted by nature centuries ago.  This is the perfect place for picture taking and video capturing.

Fort Ilocandia is a Hotel and Resort located in the edges of the Ilocos Norte region.  It is around 77 hectares long, featuring numerous amenities of 5-star class hotels and resorts that is roughly 10 kilometers away from the city of Laoag.

You can play volleyball by the beach, eat out in the cottages by the seaside and explore greenery or forest like surroundings full of coconut trees and other shrubs in around an hour or a couple of hours depending on your pace.  You can hang out at the sandy beach that stretches for 2 kilometers and get a tan anytime you want to.

You can choose from 8 different types of hotel rooms that are all equipped with air conditioning units, cable TV and internet connection for some higher class rooms.  You also get exclusive bath tubs, individual balconies and even safety vaults when you check-in to this wonderful hotel and resort.

You can find out more about Fort Ilocandia by visiting http://www.fortilocandia.com.ph/ or by calling them at Tel#: (63-77) 670-9001 to 15.

The province of Ilocos Norte is usually flocked by tourists from other Southeast Asian Countries.  Korean tourists, Chinese tourists, Taiwanese tourists, Indonesian tourists, Malaysian tourists and Thai tourists are just some examples of people who visit this beloved land.

It can be accessed thru bus and plane.  The bus travel typically lasts around 12 hours up to 48 hours whilst the plane ride lasts for 45 minutes up to an hour from Manila to Laoag.

Travel within Ilocos Norte is very easy.  You can immediately hire different kinds of vehicles upon your descent from the airport.  Large vans and jeepneys are perfect for traveling groups.  Tricycles and the infamous calesa or horse-drawn carriage are perfect for couples.

Amongst the most popular sites is the Laoag Sinking Bell Tower.  This is the 45m high bell tower that has been dropped a few meters due to the passing of years.  As such, most people tend to bend before being able to enter it.

Ilocos Norte has been coined as the fortress province of the Marcos Family.  This is due to the influence of the Marcoses, especially during the reign of former president Ferdinand Marcos.  In fact, there is a museum solely dedicated to the Marcos Family called the “Marcos Museum”.

Sand boarding in the La Paz Sand Dunes has been one of the trademark features of Ilocos Norte.  This is similar to skate boarding with the main difference in terrain.  There are also numerous merchants offering sand board renting services to allow every tourist to experience a lovable ride in the sand.  You can contact the Laoag Eco-Adventure Development Movement at Tel +63 (77) 772 0538 for more details.

If you happen to pass by Rizal corner Hizon Street then you would encounter the famous Saramsam Restaurant/KTV Bar.  This restaurant is famous for serving succulent dishes that will surely satisfy any palette.  Pasta and pizza are its specialties including the native dish called “Dinakdakan”.  You can contact (077) 771-5825 for more information.

The Balay da Blas Pension House is a good place to stay while in Ilocos Norte.  It features modern facilities that will allow you to watch cable TV.  You can even use the free wi-fi services that they offer if you stay there.  You can refer to www.balaydablas.com/ or +63 (77) 770 4389 for more details.

Driving through the rice fields that have earned its name as “The Rice Bowl Of Mindanao”, we passed a man-made lake that was built during the logging boom.

The drive from Butuan to Surigao Del Sur lasted a good 4 hours and took us from the plains of Butuan, through the mountain ranges, then the plains of Surigao del Sur. Used to take 6-7 hours, we were told, but the roads are now smooth and well built.

It’s hard to stay awake through that trip. The landscape undulates gently and the road winds through lush jungle, rocking you between sleep and awakening. You awake from naps to the constant dreamlike sight of lush foliage and red earth.  Truck loaded with logs will pass you by or a carabao cart. Shimmering rivers, mountain tops, cloud-washed skies hovering over the Pacific Ocean. Surigao is magical.

There are 5-star hotels in Surigao Del Sur. The Paper Country Inn in Bislig City was a pleasant surpise – a respectable, homey place to spend the night. Over a dinner of crabs, prawns and fresh fish kinilaw, I was told of the time when mining, lodging, and paper manufacture were the foremost industries of Surigao Del Sur.

Get There
Domestic carriers have daily flights to Butuan City, the center of the Caraga Region. You can either hire a van outside the airport or ride a bus going to Surigao Del Sur. Travel Time from Butuan to Tandag City, the capital of Surigao Del Sur, is approximately four hours. Visit www.philippinesairlines.com or www.cebupacificair.com for the flight rates and schedules.

Eat There
There are plenty of small eateries all over Surigao del Sur. In the coastal areas, get ready to feast on fresh sea food everyday, from giant crabs to small sea shell only found in the seas of Surigao Del Sur. in the Fish Sanctuary Restaurant overlooking Lanuza Bay, ask for the Durian rice drops. Even non-durian eaters will go crazy over this one.

Shop There
Agsam Crafts, a cottage industry, sells bags and accessories made out of a sturdy wild vine only found in Surigao del Sur.

Stay There
Paper Country Inn, the only DOT accredited lodging in Surigao Del Sur so far, is a simple yet cozy and clean place to stay for the night. Their local soup named “Mutya ng Bislig” cooked at the inn’s restaurant is a must try. Post 1 Tabon, Bislig City (63 86) 628 22313

Other accomodation options in Surigao Del Sur:
Haguisan Inn, Kansilad Beach Resort, Licanto Beach Resort, Muyco’s Resort by the Bay, Shacene Pension House and Restaurant, Saladese Apartelle, Terraza Viktoria.

In 1980, the Escudero family opened the plantation to the general public and has since developed a worldwide reputation as a focal point to experience Philippine culture and history in a beautiful rural setting.

It takes about 2-3 hours to reach Villa Escudero from Manila. You can take private vehicle or one of the many bus lines. Take the South superhighway and exit at 50A (Lucena, Legaspi, Batangas exit). Then turn left at the Sto. Tomas junction. Head straight down, by-passing the town of Alaminos and San Pablo City proper. Slow down upon seeing Quezon arch and turn left immediately after.

I drove to the villa for a day visit at a rate of P1,105 for adults (weekday) and lunch by its manmade waterfalls. It also includes a welcome drink, carabao cart rides, and use of outdoor recreational facilities. Too bad I wasn’t able to see the Cultural Show which are only during Fridays, weekends, and holidays.

9 AM I started from my resort room towards the garden pavilion which is surrounded by lots of flowering plants, coconut and bamboo trees. With the early morning mist, I could feel the fresh air getting into my system  and it felt good doing deep breathing.

The road to the village area is unpaved. There are different modes of transport inside the Villa Escudero from riding the mini colorful jeepney, bamboo rafting, carabao cart, or just like me, you can walk around and jog around to view the Villa up close. The Villa is one big community of more than 1,000 residents and the houses are almost of the same make and design. I learned that the owners donated 300 square meters of lots to each family and the latter took charge of building their houses. The sight of an approaching carabao cart added to the old barrio atmosphere.

There is also a concrete air-conditioned Catholic chapel in the village. Even if the road is not cemented I still felt good since the tenants maintain the cleanliness of their surroundings.

After breakfast, I joined our group in the tour of the “Malaking Bahay” or the big house, the ancestral home of the surviving members of the family. We went next to the Escudero Private Museum, which features a trove of religious art and other important pieces dating to Spanish times.

It was time for jogging and I proceeded to the riverside of Labasin Lake where I passed by the pool and then the Don Placido Hydro-Electric which was built in 1872 and rebuilt in 1937 to provide irrigation and electric power to the farms and the village. A man-made waterfalls became a product of the plant which now serves as a refreshing backdrop for a restaurant in the resort.

In just about 50 minutes of jogging and walking, I saw the villa up close and it gave me a better appreciation of its role in history. The villa is also good place to go if you want to experience rural life in the early 19th century. The best part for me is the bamboo rafting, which was once the means of transport during the old era.

At 5pm it was time for my departure and I paid P680 for the Day Nipa Hut which I rented since 9:00a.m. that day. Definitely a wonderful place in the Philippines to visit. I will be back next time.

The Apo Island is the only one of its kind in the Philippines. It is one of the world’s top dive destinations, and you can rent a banca for a 40-minute boat ride to take you over to the coast at Dauin, Negros Oriental and back. My place has a great patio view of the entire beach area. Even though the island only has electric power from 630PM until 930PM, the diving is spectacular and there are many shoals of fish.

I got an email from my buddy Mark who went to dive 2 months ago, and here’s what it says:

“As a veteran scuba diver, Apo Island I must say was an adventure in itself. I’ve seen more than the usual coral reefs and colorful tropical fish. And the topography! WOW. Man I wish you had been able to join me. The clear inviting waters gave me the joy of exploration, and being underwater it felt – different. I’ve entered a mysterious yet beautiful world where you can have an enjoyable opportunity for taking underwater photography. Since it’s a deep blue sea, scuba diving the island is like climbing a mountain cliff.  But I was fearless. And out I went and down. The experience was priceless.”

For those of you not in the know, Apo Island is a sweet little island filled with tiny village residents, who embrace a sustainable living through boating and diving businesses. Here’s some pics I took yesterday:

And just a few minutes before our departure a boat fiesta celebration was happening in honor of Sto. Nino. The banca boat that ferried the locals was full, and they were dancing along with constant beating of the drums. For all those wondering what’s in the Sto. Nino celebration, here’s a little history:

“On April 7, 1521, the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan arrived and planted the cross on the shores of Cebu, claiming the territory for Spain. He presented the image of the child Jesus, the Santo Niño, as baptismal gift to Hara Amihan, wife of Rajah Humabon. Hara Amihan was later named, Queen Juana in honor of Juana, mother of Carlos I. Along with the rulers of the island, some 800 natives were also baptized to the Roman Catholic Church. At the moment of receiving the holy image, it was said that Queen Juana danced with joy bearing this image of the child Jesus. With the other natives following her example, this moment was regarded as the first Sinulog. This event is frequently used as basis for most Sinulog dances, which dramatize the coming of the Spaniards and the presentation of the Santo Niño to the Queen. A popular theme among Sinulog dances is Queen Juana holding the Santo Niño in her arms and using it to bless her people who are often afflicted by sickness caused by demons and other evil spirits.” Source: WIKIPEDIA

I took a video of it that is worth sharing, so have a look at it at this link: Sto. Nino Video At Apo Island

I have also taken  many more pictures apart from the ones I ‘ve uploaded, so have a look at all of them on my site at Marks Travel & Adventure

Cheers,
Mark