Philippines Guest Book

Manila’s Top 3 Museums you should visit

adminis — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 03:54:56 +0000

The Philippines, a Southeast Asian archipelago made up of more than 7,000 islands located in the Western Pacific Ocean, is known for its vibrant and welcoming culture. A melting pot of diverse tastes, particularly due to the many influences spurned by its past colonizers, the Philippines’ unique identity can be best viewed through its many museums.

To give you that distinct perspective on the multi-faceted culture of the Filipino people, here’s a short list of some of the best museums that the Philippines has to offer:

National Museum of the Philippines (Rizal Park, Manila)
Located near the port area of Manila, the National Museum of the Philippines is popularly known for exhibiting one of the best – and largest – paintings in the Philippines. Housing the Spoliarium, a massive oil painting done by Filipino activist and painter Juan Luna; this one historical masterpiece can make anyone’s visit a truly memorable experience. The National Museum of the Philippines does contain other important works of art, particularly works by the different national artists of the Philippines.

The Ayala Museum (Makati)
Nestled within a city known for its modern image and fun nightlife, the Ayala Museum comes not only as a breath of fresh art air, but is also a venue for the country’s most exciting contemporary artists. Just the building’s architecture is sure to astound any visitor. For a modern museum, The Ayala Museum’s archaeological collection of gold accessories found in pre-hispanic times, can easily match up with any other traditional museums’ exhibits. The museum is also known to host well-attended lectures by the witty Dr. Ambeth Ocampo, an expert on the Philippines’ national hero, Jose Rizal.

Museo Pambata (Roxas Boulevard, Manila)
Just right beside the US Embassy in Roxas Boulevard, one can find a very colorful – and sometimes noisy – building. This is the Museo Pambata (Children’s Museum), a museum where fun and learning happens. The Museo Pambata is known for its interactive exhibits, where children and the young-at-heart get the opportunity to crawl into a gigantic woman’s mouth, create bizarre yet educational science experiments and dance to various Filipino ethnic music. Child rights and advocacy are also strongly discussed in this small yet wondeful museum.

You may not be able to visit each of the thousands of islands in the Philippines, but you can very well get a good grasp of the warm and diverse culture in its museums. So for that spectacular and learning experience on the Filipino culture, take the time to visit any – or all – of the museums listed above!

How to Apply for a Tourist Visa in the Philippines

adminis — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 02:58:49 +0000

If you wish to visit and spend your vacation in the Philippines but you are not sure as what you are supposed to do, then you should know that the most important thing to accomplish is to be able to get a tourist visa in the Philippines. A tourist visa is usually required for those people who would like to visit the country and tour around the different sites and attractions that it offers. Getting a visa is not really difficult as you could be able to apply for one in just three easy steps.

Check passport validity
The foremost thing that you have to do is to check your passport validity before applying for a tourist visa because you would definitely need your passport once you arrive in the Philippines. See to it that your passport is still valid for at least 90 days from your departure date. Aside from that, you also have to make sure that you have sufficient un-used pages that are needed for all the necessary stamps. Once you are able to check that your passport is valid, you can now move on to the next step on acquiring a tourist visa.

Contact nearest embassy
You also need to contact your nearest embassy. The embassy will confirm all the required documents that you would need for you to be granted a tourist visa in the Philippines. Once you are able to know all the necessary documents and have in on hand, all you have to do is to submit your application for a tourist visa and wait until it gets accepted and released. Contacting the nearest embassy can help you make your tourist visa application and processing a lot easier.

Check for travel advisories
After you are able to have a tourist visa, the only thing that you need to do is to check for travel advisories regarding the Philippines. This is done for you to make sure that travel is safe for foreigners. You also have to make sure that there is no national emergency or terrorist threat in the country before booking a flight there. When you see to it that you check for any travel advisories, you can be assured a safe and enjoyable vacation in the Philippines

Applying for a tourist visa in the Philippines is really easy. All you need to do is to check your passport validity, to contact your nearest embassy for the requirements and check for any travel advisories to ensure a safe travel. If you follow these three simple steps, you would definitely have the a great and memorable time when you visit the Philippines.

Great Modes of Transport to Use When You Visit Baguio City

adminis — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 02:56:25 +0000

If you are planning to spend your summer vacation in Baguio City, then it is only necessary for you to check every detail when you go there to ensure that you would have a great time for your vacation. And one of the most important factors to consider touring around the city is to actually know the type of transportation that you will use to explore the different sites and attractions. If you don’t know where to start, here are some of the means of transport that you can choose to experience that ultimate vacation in the summer capital of the Philippines.

The most ideal mode of transport is perhaps for you to just bring your own car when you visit Baguio City. This is especially true when you are vacationing with a child or an elderly. Having your own car can help you save more money when you choose to visit a particular place that is far away from the central district. You just have to try to avoid going to places that have large volumes of people like the market as well as the session road for parking in these places can be really difficult. Bringing your own car when you visit Baguio City can really make your tour there more convenient.

You might also want to take a cab when you tour around the city. Not only will you be able to save money but you also do not have to worry as to where you would park your car. Taking a cab in Baguio is really affordable than in Manila because cabs there are not air-conditioned anymore since the place already has a natural cool air. The cab driver can also serve as your tourist guide who can help you choose the ideal places that you should try to visit in Baguio City. Choose to take a cab when you visit Baguio City for a worry-free tour around the great tourist sites and attractions there.

Getting a tour around Baguio City is surely a fun and memorable experience. You could always bring your own car with you if you are going to visit sites that are quite far from the central district but you could also take a cab if you want to get to the different places around the city without having to worry about parking. Either way, you will surely enjoy your trip and get a one-of-a-kind experience in the summer capital Baguio.

3 Popular Festivals in Mindanao worth traveling to

adminis — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 02:36:43 +0000

Mindanao, a large island mass found in the southern region of the beautiful Philippines, contains different colorful and unique cultures. With the many cultures mixed and matched in this island, it comes at no surprise that different festivals are celebrated as well. These festivals’ different themes and subjects are a good reflection on the dynamic identity of Mindanao. From festivals as tributes to harvests, to conservation and celebration of ethnic and traditional practices, Mindanao festivals are meant to be visited by all.

To get an idea on that unique Mindanao experience, here are a few of the many beautiful Mindanao festivals that you may want to travel and participate in.

Kalimudan Festival
Done in culturally significant Sultan Kudarat, the Kalimudan Festival is a beautiful festival that strives to maintain and conserve the ethnic and traditional practices found solely in Mindanao. Kalimudan, a Maguindanaon phrase for “informal gathering”, is aptly named due to it being a nexus or hub for the different tribal dances, songs and practices done in the festival. One can get a good view of Mindanao’s colorful past and experience authentic traditional activities in the Kalimudan festival.

Tuna Festival
As being the tuna fish capital of the Philippines, Gen. Santos City takes pride on its main produce by making a festival as a tribute to it. The Tuna festival features entertaining street dances, band performances, celebrity appearances and a parade filled with Tuna designed floats. Well visited by people all around the world, Gen. Santos’ Tuna Festival also features a diverse range of tuna dishes to choose and eat from. Local and international chefs duke it out in this festival to create tasty and unique tuna themed dishes. All in all, a fun and gastronomic festival worth your time and appetite.

Kadayawan sa Dabaw
Dubbed as the “festival of all festivals”, the Kadayawan sa Dabaw festival in Davao city takes tribute on some of the city’s best and freshest products – flowers and fruits. As a tribute to a bountiful harvest, streets are filled with a myriad of colorful performances, creating an illusion of being in a kaleidoscope world. With dancers decked out in fruits and flowers; and energetic dance competitions, you won’t get bored in this grand festival.

These are just some of the best festivals that Davao has to offer for tourists. There’s actually a lot more, so to maximize your experience, book a flight and explore Mindanao!

3 things to conquer in Siargao Island, Mindanao

adminis — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 01:15:48 +0000

Do you want to experience a thrilling and exciting time? Want something different, something new from all of the Filipino destination spots you’ve visited? Or maybe just want to experience a different kind of Mindanao? Fret not, young wanderlusted traveler! Visit Siargao Island for a one-of-a-kind experience. Here are some reasons why you need to see – and conquer – this wonderful island.

Island Hopping
Siargao Island’s exotic location is home to different islands. Visiting the different islands in its vicinity can provide you a natural thrill that you’ve never experienced before. Visit Naked Island, Daku and Guyam to see how these almost virgin islands’ beauty. These nearby islands can be visited by renting a boat from the many friendly fishermen in Siargao. Even better, an additional tip for most of these fishermen can bring you to the islands’ best kept secrets.

Beach Bum
When you’re done island hopping, consider enjoying one of Siargao’s most beautiful assets – the beach. The white sand and crystal clear waters of Siargao Island’s beaches are the best spots for all of your favorite beach activities. Go diving and explore the wonderful marine treasures in Siargao’s shores and reefs. Kayaking is a good family activity, where everyone can either have a fast-paced ride, or a relaxing drift down the shoreline of Siargao. Or go close up and see the beauty of the underwater white sand when snorkeling. All these and other beach games and activities are at your disposal in Siargao Island’s pristine beaches.

Surf
Best of all, Siargao holds the best waves in the country. Known as the Surf Capital of the Philippines, Siargao Island is home to the best local surfers. The island’s appeal is actually known worldwide, with international surfers flying over to conquer the many waves of Siargao. Siargao Island is also a chosen and proud venue of International Surfing Competitions. You don’t have to worry if you don’t know how to surf, though. A surf school can actually be found in the island, and the many friendly local surfers can teach you a thing or two on conquering that big wave.

Siargao Island is a beach paradise, with many fun things to do at. Its natural beauty is accentuated with its nearby islands, and its white sand beaches lets you live the beach life. And of course, when it comes to surfing, nothing beats riding the waves in Siargao Island. Make it a point to do these things in Siargao, for a different kind of Mindanao experience.

3 popular Baguio pasalubongs

adminis — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 01:13:46 +0000

If ever you get the chance to visit cool Baguio, make sure to check these “pasalubongs” out. A “pasalubong” basically means a gift purchased from a certain place, meant to be given to a loved one or family member. And when you do visit Baguio, you’d want to make sure that your pasalubong is unique. Let’s get to know some of Baguio’s most popular pasalubongs:

Bee Honey
Baguio, because of its cool climate, is the perfect breeding ground for bee honey. So when in Baguio, make sure to purchase a fresh bottle of Benguet fresh honey. This wildbee honey brings out the strong, yet sweet taste that only the best and well-cared bees can provide for. And when purchasing, you can actually ask any vendor for a free taste as well. Be careful, though. Even just a teaspoon of this honey (which of course, we all know is healthy) can be very addictive. You may even buy more than just one bottle after a taste!

Strawberries
One of the most popular pasalubongs ever to grace from the City of Pines, Baguio strawberries are actually sought off, even from far-away cities and provinces. The fruit is so sweet and fresh, that the Baguio Strawberry Farm is one of the city’s top tourist stops. On visiting this farm, you also do have the option to pick the fruits yourself, for that one-of-a-kind handpicked feeling. As tempting as it sounds though, do opt to buy the fruits instead. Picking strawberries is an art in itself, in that an amateur may make mistakes in pulling out the red fruits, which can result to an inferior taste. Also, Baguio takes pride on its many strawberry offshoot products. The most popular is the strawberry jam. These bottles of sweet delight are the perfect match for snacks and sandwiches. It’s so good, that some even eat it straight out of the bottle. Also of fine mention is the strawberry taho. For those not in the know, Taho vendors, sporting aluminum buckets filled with soy products and other sweet products, to be mixed together for an invigorating drink, are scattered and common in almost all Filipino provinces. What makes Baguio’s version so delightfully different is the mix of fresh strawberry syrup. This, of course, is gastronomic heaven. The sweet and fragrant pinkish drink always brings a smile on anyone that drinks it.

Wood Carvings
For something more permanent, purchase Baguio wood carvings. Baguio is known for its master craftsmen, famous for creating beautiful carvings. Animals are a common theme of the works, but for a controversial and funny piece, look for the infamous Baguio bucket man. The work depicting a Filipino native in a drum, sports a phallic surprise. Pull the bucket away from the man and something big pops out.

Baguio is filled with wonderful things that can serve as the perfect pasalubong. From delicacies such as the bee Honey and strawberries, to the bizarre like the bucket man, Baguio has it all. Make sure to check these products out next time you’re in Baguio.

Must-See Places When You Visit Mindanao

adminis — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 07:43:24 +0000

If you want to experience the best summer vacation that you could ever ask for, then the best place to go is Mindanao. Contrary to what most people say about the place being unsafe, most of the places in Mindanao are relatively safe for thousands of tourists who visit their every year. So if you want to indulge yourself with all the wonderful things Mindanao has to offer, then you might want to check the following provinces to see if what suits the kind of vacation you have in mind.

You could always take a visit in Davao City. It is considered as the commercial and economic centre of Mindanao. There are other exciting places that you can go to when you visit Davao City. There is the famous pearl farm as well as the conservation center for the Philippine eagle and Philippine crocodile. Aside from that, you could also try to taste the ever famous durian fruit with its very distinct smell yet very delicious taste. Also, this is where Mt. Apo, the highest mountain in the Philippines is found. Davao City is the place to go if you want to bask yourself in the wonders of nature.

You could also drop by the city of Cagayan de Oro. This is one of the most famous tourist destinations especially if you want to experience the thrilling white water rafting. Cagayan de Oro also offers various delectable foods like the pastel, a type of bread that has a sweet filling to it as well as the well known Chedeng’s roasted peanuts. Going to Cagayan de Oro City is relatively easy as it has its own domestic airport as well as a seaport. Whatever you choose to get to the place, a whole new exciting adventure surely awaits you when you visit Cagayan de Oro.

Another must see tourist destination in Mindanao is of course Bukidnon. Get a taste of the sweet tasting pineapple like no other when you visit Bukidnon as it has the largest pineapple plantation in the whole country. Furthermore, you would be able to get to meet real life cowboys like in the Wild West when you visit the province. Do not forget to include Bukidnon in your itinerary when you visit the Philippines.

There are a lot of must see places when you visit Mindanao. You can always visit Davao City and indulge in the blessings of nature no other place can offer. Try to visit Cagayan de Oro City to experience the sailing through the waves. Of course, get ready to get a taste of the finer things in life when you visit Bukidnon. Be sure to visit these places when you visit Mindanao to get the ultimate vacation you will never forget.

Three Basic Things You Need to Know About the Philippines

adminis — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 07:40:55 +0000

If you want to take pleasure in a variety of sights and sceneries on your vacation, then you should visit the Philippines, one of the most sought after tourist destinations in Asia. Aside from that, the country has a rich culture and deeply-rooted traditions that tourists from all over the world are eager to learn and experience. For you to be able to make the most out of your vacation in the Philippines, it is only necessary for you to familiarize yourself with some of the basic things that you need to know about the country.

TRANSPORTATION
It is important for you to know the various modes of transportation that you can use when you tour around the Philippines. Various destinations in the Philippines can be accessed using different modes of transportation like taxis, buses, tricycles and railway trains. You can also ride ferries if you want to go on a cruise in the country. But if you really want to learn the Filipino culture, then you might as well ride a jeepney, the country’s main mode of transportation. However, you can still choose to rent cars if you want a more personal ride around the area. Feel free to ask assistance from any road officials and individuals if ever you get lost.

WEATHER
The Philippines is a tropical country, thus, it only has two seasons– the dry and rainy seasons. The dry season usually begins during the month of October and ends during the month of May. On the other hand, the rainy season is experienced during the months of June to September. Knowing the weather can really help you plan your activities well and make the most out of your vacation in the Philippines

FOOD
One of the most common things that tourists usually look forward to whenever they would visit the Philippines is the rich variety of food that the Filipinos have to offer. Everywhere there are hundreds of establishments that cater Filipino dishes and delicacies. Adobo, an all-time favorite Filipino dish made from pork or chicken should also be part of your food itinerary. Food in the Philippines is one sure way of getting to know the culture and tradition of the country.

The Philippines is definitely one of the best places to spend your vacation in. When you are able to familiarize yourself with all the basic knowledge about the country like transportation, weather and food, you are now all set to travel the country. All you have to do is pack your bags and book your flight to the Philippines and discover for yourself the sights and wonders it exhibits.

Central Luzon’s Hot Air Balloon Festival: 3 fun things to do

adminis — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 05:24:16 +0000

The hot air balloon festival, done every February in Clark Airfield, Pampanga, is one of the most popular aeronautical activities that you can find in the Philippines. From having colorful hot-air balloons filling up the sky, from the strangest flying machines that you wouldn’t believe can lift up into the air, the hot air balloon festival has everything for everyone. Let’s check out some fun nice things you can do in this festival:

Shoot the Sky
The hot air balloon festival’s many beautiful sights to see makes it a wonderful place to shoot pictures. It’s a haven for journalists and photographers, with even local galleries promoting the event. Professional and amateur photographers shoot to their delight as they document and take in all the pictures they can get. From the colorful spectrum of balloons in the sky, and from having to shoot way above; all kinds of beautiful images can result from this great outdoor activity.

I can fly too
Though you’re no pilot, you can join in the aeronautical fun too. By simply bringing your own kite, you can experience flying the clear open skies of Pampanga. The Kite Association of the Philippines is a regular participant of the hot air balloon festivals, where they show festival attendees the wonders and capabilities of their large, creative kites. They also help people fly kites, so if you don’t know how to fly one, you wouldn’t need to worry.

Up, up away I go
For a small fee, festival participants are allowed to ride on some of the best hot air balloons. Just seeing these wonderful aircrafts is a sight to behold; imagine the thrill to ride in one! You can get to feel how is it to be like a bird, flying among the most colorful of man-made aircrafts ever.

Central Luzon’s Hot Air Balloon Festival is an event that anyone, regardless of being an aeronautical junkie or not, shouldn’t miss out. It’s got everything for everyone! Photography hobbyists and experts can get those once elusive landscape and air shots they’ve always crave for. Kite flying can be enjoyed, with experts and amateurs showing and sharing all their tips and tricks on comfortable flying. And aside from watching, riding on a hot air balloon in itself is an experience that anyone will surely treasure for their entire life. So when it’s February, make sure to visit Clark Airfield Pampanga for a wonderful, one-of-a-kind aeronautical thrill.

Five Great Things to Do When You Visit the Philippines

adminis — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 06:53:04 +0000

Philippines is a country that serves as a melting pot of different cultures. The country boasts of different tourist spots you could visit and at the same time invites you to experience and enjoy the diversity of its rich and deeply-rooted culture. This is exactly why there are many interesting things you can do here. On top of the to-do list is to travel. Since the country is an archipelago, island-hopping would be a suitable travel activity. It is advisable to make a destination plan first before travelling so that your time would not be wasted.

Philippines is fully blessed with grand nature that gives amazing sceneries and exotic as well as rare plants and animals. Taking pictures to preserve memories of the places you visited is definitely a must for every tourist.

Experiencing the different vehicle transportation rides like colorful jeepneys, cozy tricycles, and unique rigs while going from one place to another would also be exhilarating for every traveller like you for these would add more appreciation of the places on your travel vacation.

Furthermore, each place in the Philippines has its food specialties. Balut, or fetal duck egg, is a must-try when it comes to these. It is considered to be one of the famous exotic foods around the world and it is usually eaten with salt. Pateros City in the National Capital Region is known for its balut-making industry. Another must-try are the streetfoods of Manila, Philippine’s capital city, like kwek-kwek or penoys, tokneneng or quail eggs, fishball, squidballs, kikiams, isaws, and many more. Filipino viands like tinola, sinigang, adobo, kare-kare, and dinuguan are so delicious it would seem that you miss half of your life if you haven’t eaten them. Kakanins like bibingka, palitaw, kutsinta, and the likes must not also be forgotten.

Participating in different Philippine festivities is another thing to do here. For example, watching the events of the Moriones Festival in Marinduque every Holy Week gives you a unique sensation especially if you are a Christian. You could even try dancing with many other childless couples on Obando Fertility Dance Festival in Bulacan when you want to make an appeal to the heavens for a child. Plus, you could join several food festivals which are being celebrated annually in the country. By doing these mentioned activities, you are simultaneously learning and absorbing the Filipino culture which, again, is composed of different cultures.

From these, you would realize that the Filipino culture is rich, diverse, and complex that you would eventually enjoy becoming versed about the whole thing whether you are a true-blooded Filipino or not. So visit the Philippines now and get to experience life at its finest.