10“More Fun” Things to Do in the Philippines
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10 “More Fun” Things To Do In The Philippines The Philippines being an archipela- so that you can enjoy the go, offers countless of destinations different exciting experiences to see, adventures to experience that the country has in store for and activities to do. The country is you. Here is a list of ten things blessed with a rich environment — to do in the Philippines to help lush forests, tropical islands, white you plan and maximize your sand beaches, lakes, rivers, stay. Do all ten for a unique, mountains — and friendly, artistic complete travel experience; and hardworking people who are and a guaranteed and unfor- always happy to welcome visitors gettable vacation. and friends. When you come for a A creative map of the Philippines. visit, be sure to stay for a long time (1) SEE some sights There are a lot to see in the Church in Paoay, Ilocos Hills in Bohol. Marvel at Philippines. The country is Norte, the Nuestra Senora the endemic Philippine blessed with a beautiful de la Asuncion Church in flora and fauna: the environment and skilful Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur, San Tamaraw, Tarsier, and people whose talented hands Agustin Church in Phillipine Eagle to name created some of the most Intramuros, Manila, and the a few. magnificent man — made Santo Tomas de Villanueva structures in the world. Church in Miag-ao, Iloilo. Witness the UNESCO World Take photos of the smallest Heritage Sites: Banaue Rice active volcano in the world Terraces; the well preserved Taal Volcano in Batangas; Spanish - style architecture in the perfectly coned - shaped the historic town of Vigan, volcano, Mt. Mayon in Ilocos Sur; the Baroque - Legazpi, Albay; the unique style and centuries — old limestone formation that is Churches: the San Agustin the called the Chocolate The Tarsier, found in Bohol, is the world’s smallest primate. (2) GO on a beach holiday Philippine Tourism Office - SF 447 Sutter Street, Ste. 507 San Francisco, CA 94108 The Philippines is a tropical country with one of the longest coastlines in Asia at 36,289 Tel No. 415.956.4060 kilometres. It has numerous beaches most with fine powdery white sand and clean, clear Fax No. 415.956.2093 and cool blue waters. Be sure to bask in the warm tropical sun and get the perfect tan that [email protected] will be the envy of your friends back home. Top Philippine beach locations: Boracay Island, www.itsmorefuninthephilippines.us.com Aklan; El Nido, Palawan; Camiguin Island; Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte; Puerto Galera, Mindoro; Nasugbu and Lian in Batangas; and Ternate in Cavite. (3) DIVE in Asia’s best reefs The Philippines is located in the largest atoll - like reef in the ‘center of the center’ of marine Philippines which includes 285 biodiversity. If you are a diving species of fish and 197 species enthusiast — amateur or of corals (featured in the SHEDD professional, or someone who is Aquarium permanent Philippine looking for an underwater reef display in Chicago, Illinois, experience of a lifetime, then you USA); the Apo Island Marine must go to the Philippines. This Reserve & Fish Sanctuary in archipelagic wonder has the Dumaguete, Negros Oriental; highest density of coral species Balicasag and Pamilacan and marine life in the world; it is Islands in Bohol; and also home to a diverse species of Malapascua and Moalboal and aquatic resources. Amateur Pescador Islands in Cebu. divers can train and get their Subic Bay in Zambales, also licenses at any of the world-class Apo Reef National Park in Mindoro Occidental is the largest atoll-like reef known for wreck diving, is only dive centers located in diving in the Philippines with 285 species of fish and 197 species of corals. three spots like Anilao, Puerto Galera hours and Boracay. Once done with others are the UNESCO World Heritage Site or less training, they can dive side-by- Tubbataha Reef and the location of some of the travel side with the best certified dive best wreck dive sites in the world - Coron, both in time professionals in the country. The Palawan; Verde Island in Mindoro Oriental; Apo from must-see diving spots among Reef National Park in Mindoro Occidental, the Manila. (4) ENGAGE in your favorite outdoor sport or activity The Philippines offers a wide variety Davao; trek Mt. Pinatubo or explore of sports adventures. Different Callao caves in Tuguegarao, in locations cater to a specific activities: Cagayan; go white river rafting in play a few rounds of golf in world- the Cagayan de Oro River or go class golf courses designed by PGA kayaking at the St. Paul Under- Champions; snorkel and interact with ground River Cave in Palawan; the “gentle giants” - the whale sharks windsurf in Lake Caliraya or in Taal in Donsol, Sorsogon; surf in Siargao Lake, and wakeboard in Pili, Island, Surigao del Norte, Baler, Au- Camarines Sur. Whatever suits your rora, and Daet, Camarines Sur; adventurous spirit, the Philippines will climb the country’s highest peak at surely have it! 9,689 feet in Mt. Apo in Davao City, (5) RELAX in a spa or have a traditional massage There is nothing more relaxing than enjoying the traditional Filipino 'healing' massage or touch therapy called Hilot. The soothing touch of this massage relax- es and heals tired muscles and aching joints. Try this and other spa treatments at the Nurture Spa in Tagaytay, Man- dala Spa in Boracay, Sanctuario Spa in Manila, Chi Spa Village in Shangri-La Mactan Hotel and Resort in Cebu, and at The Farm at San Benito in Batangas. There are health and wellness centers all over the country at very affordable rates. “Have a massage or wellness treatment at some of the country’s first-class wellness centers” Page 2 TEN (10) THINGS TO D O (6) FEAST on unique culinary specialties Be ready to put on a few extra pounds seafoods - fish, squid, shrimp, lobsters as you satisfy your cravings by that are all grilled to perfection. The indulging in a Filipino feast. Dishes to more adventurous should try Balut or try: Lechon, spit-roast whole pig boiled duck eggs containing a partially served with liver sauce; Adobo, pork, formed embryo, and Dinuguan, the chicken or a combination of both, mar- pork blood stew eaten with steamed inated in vinegar, soy sauce and garlic rice or Puto (rice cakes). For the not- and stewed until tender; Kare-kare, so-adventurous, there are restaurants meat and vegetables cooked with offering various cuisine from American peanut sauce served with shrimp to Chinese, from Indian to Greek, from paste; Sinigang, pork, or seafood in Japanese to French. These facilities Filipino Food is a gastronomic telling of the rich and colorful tamarind soup; or the freshest range from casual to fine dining. Philippine history. Various colonial influences are reflected in the food. (7) SHOPPING in world class malls and bargain centers Shopping in the Philippines is an Mall and at Tiendecitas. In Cebu, experience both in bargain and check out the Ayala Center, the variety. Most shopping places or Gaisano Malls, Robinson’s Place, Malls in Manila, Makati, Cebu and SM City; and for native delicacies, Davao virtually have everything that fresh produce and fresh and dried you will need— from designer seafood, go to the Carbon and Tabo- western brands to items specifically an Markets. In Davao, shop at designed for the tourist market. Aldevinco Shopping Center (for Around the country, specifically in city fabrics, batik, and carvings) Victoria centers, Tiangges or the Filipino Plaza, Gaisano Mall and at the New version of flea markets abound City Commercial Center offering quality items at bargain Department Store. An experience prices. In Manila shop at the third not to be missed in flea market - largest mall in the world Mall of Asia, shopping in the Philippines is the Balikbayan Handicrafts, Tutuban ”bargaining” where shoppers can buy Center Mall and at the San Andres items with big discounts, usually Market (for fresh fruits and other obtained by using charm and skills. produce). In Makati and in its sur- rounding areas, shop at Greenbelt, “The SM Mall of Asia is the third most largest Glorietta, Greenhills Shopping shopping mall in the world with an IMAX Theater Center, SM Megamall, Shangri-La screen that is 8-stories high.” (8) WATCH a performance of world-class artists The Bayanihan National Dance Company. the Bayanihan Dance Troupe. World Fabian de la Rosa, National Artists - renowned artists Lea Salonga and Fernando Amorsolo, Carlos Cecile Licad; from time to time, give Francisco, Victor Edades, Vicente performances in big concert halls in Manansala, other Philippine painting Manila. The Center of Arts in San greats and contemporary visual Antonio (CASA) in San Miguel, artists can be viewed at the Zambales features violinist Alfonso Philippine National Museum. The “Coke” Bolipata and his Pundaquit Metropolitan Museum of Manila, talents. Other groups that showcase the Ayala Museum, and in some the Filipino performing talents are galleries and University museums Repertory Philippines, the Loboc around Metro Manila will likewise The Philippines is home to a number Children’s Choir, and the Amazing showcase fine art. All around the of world-class artists. Occasionally, Philippines Theatre. country in simple stages, live bands the Cultural Center of the and professional singers perform in Philippines show performances by In the Visual Arts, works of world- clubs and music halls showcasing the Ballet Philippines, the class Filipino masters Juan Luna, Filipino talents. Philippine Madrigal Singers, and Felix Resurrection Hidalgo and PHILIPPINE TOURISM OFFICE - SF Page 3 (9) ENJOY and unwind in the country’s unique nightlife There is an abundance of places to Magsaysay Blvd. Angeles City in go to and enjoy a night out in the Pampanga, formerly the home of the Philippines.