10 “More Fun” Things To Do In The

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 , , 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 in ;

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 . (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 . 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 , 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; 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 , 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 , “The SM Mall of Asia is the third most largest , 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 , and in some the Filipino performing talents are galleries and University museums Repertory Philippines, the Loboc around 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 , formerly the home of the Philippines. Every major city of the US Air Force in the Pacific, is also country has a number of nightlife known for its Angeles City nightlife activity hubs with restaurants, cafes, stayed almost the same as a lot of bars, clubs and karaoke bars all retired US and Australian citizens promising a good time of fun and decided to make Angeles City their entertainment. second home. The former Clark Air Force Base is now home to the In the country’s financial district annual International Hot Air Balloon Makati, there is the Greenbelt, Festival. Glorietta, The Fort, Jupiter St. and J. P. Street. In the city’s capital, The central Philippine city of Cebu is Manila, nightlife is diverse. There is a popular destination among tourists something for everybody in Malate, because its nightlife is at par if not better than in Metro-Manila. Big and in the newly revitalized Roxas The nightlife of Subic in the province development companies have Boulevard and in the Baywalk. of Zambales, is known all over the opened up operations in the city and City is a popular destination world because of its history as a major club chain operators have set of locals as the club prices are a little former rest and recreation center of up their presence. Be sure to go to lower than those in Makati. Most the US Navy. The city is still teeming Ayala Mall and in the different clubs are close to each other so with nightlife activities as the Subic establishments that abound Osmena common to bar hopping. Try the Free Trade Port is home to a lot of Blvd. The ultimate island-nightlife establishments along Timog & Tomas expatriates from other foreign location in the Philippines is Boracay Morato Avenues and Quezon countries as well and it is now a Island in the province of Aklan. The Boulevard, and in Eastwood City in major tourism hub flowing with island is known for its carefree Libis. Outside of Metro Manila, there activities for recreation, sports, and attitude, and the island is home to a are likewise a number of popular heritage. Check out Subic lot of clubs and bars on the beach. places to go to. International Hotel and the

(10) EXPERIENCE the country’s rich culture

street party that highlights during the Other unique Philippine cultural feast of the patron saint. events and activities include the cultural spectacle Santacruzan - a Another popular festival is the May-time procession of beautiful Pahiyas in Lucban, Quezon, on May Philippine maidens staged as a 15. It is held to celebrate the year’s re-enactment of St. Helen’s quest for bountiful harvest as well as the the Holy Cross. The awesome display celebration of the feast of San Isidro of Filipino religiosity in the frenzied Labrador. Witness the colourful dis- Black Nazarene procession during play of kipings (rice crisps) and other the Quiapo fiesta every January 9 in thanksgiving offerings hung in the Manila is not for the faint of heart. houses that line the street where the The Holy Week rituals in San Philippine culture is best experienced procession of the image of the patron Fernando, Pampanga is one living in events and activities that highlight saint passes by. Giant papier-mâché proof of the Filipino’s deep Catholic what Filipinos are passionate about - effigies join the parade to add to the roots. The displays (giant Christmas faith, love for country, family, culture, spectacle of a celebration. The lanterns), rituals (dawn masses) and history, and celebrations. Masskara Festival in City, traditions (noche buena feasts) marks in October, coinciding with the city’s the Filipinos’ celebration of Christ- Filipinos love to celebrate, and there charter day celebration, is a festival mas (longest in the world). is no better way of celebrating than that features carnivals, fairs and a by having festivals: the Sinulog in mardi gras-style parade by costumed Cebu City and Ati-atihan in Kalibo, and masked street dancers. Aklan, every January, are the biggest events that commemorate the feast of There are as many festivals as there Santo Nino with a week-long street are towns in the Philippines and when party. Ati-atihan dancers dressed as you attend and enjoy a Filipino the aboriginal Atis, representing tradition and celebration and become different communities from the city, closer to understanding the culture of participate in the festive week-long the people.