BELL CHURCH

On the last day of my stay in Baguio City, I decided to visit one of Baguio’s hidden secrets. The Bell Church. This Taoist Church is located at the border between Baguio city and La Trinidad, Benguet. The Bell Church is usually not included in a typical Baguio city tour offered by tour agencies. As some would call it, this church is already off the beaten track.

At first glance, I really thought I was already in heaven. The structure reminds of the beautiful Taoist Temple of Cebu. Red is the most dominant color here.

There is a large arch at the entrance with two dragons facing each other. There is also a lotus pond, and a fish pond where you can say your wish there.

Aside from the main temple, there are also pagodas located on top of the hill. Unfortunately this section is open only during weekends and holidays.

The main temple is so serene. One can have a quiet time with himself here. On the main altar, stands several gods of the Taoist faith. Picture taking is not allowed while inside the temple.

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ENCHANTED KINGDOM

Enchanted Kingdom is a theme park in the Philippines. It is located in Santa Rosa City, Laguna, about 29 kilometers (18 mi) from Manila. It has a land area of 17 hectares (41 acres). The park is managed and operated by Enchanted Kingdom Inc., formerly named Amtrust Leisure Corporation.
Enchanted Kingdom is a member of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions.

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STAR CITY

Everything You Want To Know About Star City Is Here!

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SCIENCE DISCOVERY CENTER

PASAY CITY, METRO MANILA–Children can enjoy the experience of learning if they are given interactive learning tools.
The Science Discovery Center inside the Mall of Asia (MOA) provides such interactive tools. The center is a favorite location of schools during fieldt rips.
This 3,000-square-meter discovery center houses advanced interactive learning tools visually enticing to both parents and kids.
Kids can bond with parents as they learn about the solar system, robotics, earthquakes, and other scientific concepts.
At the entrance of the center, kids can observe the movement of insects. The interactive setup allows kids to try to step on the virtual insects and see how fast these insects can respond to such “threats.”
There is also the “Grossology Station,” where kids can learn about the human body. Children can also experience “operating” on a mock human body.
Another feature of the center is the 15-meter “Planetarium,” which shows a fully interactive three-dimensional (3D) short film about the galaxy. However, you and your child might feel dizzy because of the 3D effect, so just be ready.
After viewing the galaxy, visitors can go to a virtual reef and interact with a titan fish named “Mr. T”.
There is also a robotics section where kids can see an actual robot playing the piano. The robot, called “Maestro,” also gives information on the advances of technology and music. Other attractions include the Transportation Nation, Spaceship Earth, and City Science.
If you wish to spend a nice, productive weekend with your kids, the Science Discovery Center is the place for you. The center is located at the south side of the MOA’s entertainment building, and is open seven days a week from 10am to 10pm.

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MANILA BAY

Manila Bay is a natural harbor which serves the Port of Manila (on Luzon), in the Philippines.The bay is considered to be one of the best natural harbors in Southeast Asia and one of the finest in the world. Strategically located around the capital city of the Philippines, Manila Bay facilitated commerce and trade between the Philippines and its neighbouring countries,^[1] becoming the gateway for socio-economic development even prior to Spanish occupation. With an area of 1,994 km² (769.9 sq mi), and a coastline of 190 km (118.1 mi), Manila Bay is situated in the western part of Luzon and is bounded by Cavite and Metro Manila on the east, Bulacan and Pampanga on the north, and Bataan on the west and northwest.^[2] Manila Bay drains approximately 17,000 km² (6,563.7 sq mi) of watershed area, with the Pampanga River contributing about 49% of the freshwater influx. With an average depth of 17 m (55.8 ft), it is estimated to have a total volume of 28.9 billion cubic meters (28.9 cubic km). Entrance to the bay is 19 km (11.8 mi) wide and expands to a width of 48 km (29.8 mi). However, width of the bay varies from 22 km (13.7 mi) at its mouth and expanding to 60 km (37.3 mi) at its widest point.^[2]

The islands of Corregidor and Caballo divides the entrance into two channels,^[2] about 2 miles (3.2 km) towards the North and 6.5 miles (10.5 km) wide on the South side. Mariveles, in the province of Bataan, is an anchorage just inside the northern entrance and Sangley Point is the former location of Cavite Naval Base. On either side of the bay are volcanic peaks topped with tropical foliage: 40 km to the north is the Bataan Peninsula and to the south is the province of Cavite.

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LUNETA PARK

Rizal Park, also known as Luneta Park or colloquially Luneta, is a historical urban park located in the heart of the city of Manila, Philippines, adjacent to the old walled city of Manila, now Intramuros. Since the Spanish Colonial Era, the park has been a favorite spot for unwinding, socializing, an urban oasis for family picnics on Sundays and holidays. It is one of the major tourist attractions of Manila.

Located along Manila Bay, Luneta has been the site of some of the most significant moments in Philippine history. The execution of pacifist Dr. José Rizal on December 30, 1896, sparked the fire of the Philippine Revolution against the Spanish colonizers, elevating the martyr as the national hero of the country. The park was officially renamed Rizal Park in his honor and his monument serves as the symbolic focal point of the park. The Declaration of Philippine Independence from American rule was held here on July 4, 1946 as well as the political rallies of Ferdinand Marcos and Corazon Aquino in 1986 that led to the EDSA Revolution deposing the dictator.

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Pagudpud, Ilocos

 

Pagudpud, Ilocos

Not quite the “Boracay of the North” as some tag it, but Pagudpud has earned its rightful spot with its laid-back and idyllic charm. To boot, you can sample the regional cuisine and set sights on Ilocos’ Spanish-era houses and churches after a drive to Ilocos Norte’s capital.

It is considered the largest island in the Philippines. The hills and mountains are luxuriant, the valleys productive. It lies 45 miles north of Laoag City, the provincial capital, and about 350 miles north of Manila — about the equal distance between Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area. Creeks, streams and waterfalls splash the landscape and spill into the South China Sea. All around, the ocean and sky are awash in varying shades of blue.

 

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Anawangin Beach, Zambales

Although several other beaches in Luzon has finer and whiter sand, Anawangin Beach Cove is a popular camper’s point in Luzon especially in the summer months of March to May. This may be attributed to the evergreen forest cover near the beach, the swamp or the towering beach rocks great for viewing the sunset.

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La Union Botanical Garden -- La Union, Luzon

La Union Botanical Garden is a unique botanical garden of its kind in that it is a 20-hectare "Garden of gardens" in a tropical rainforest mountain located in Barangay Cadaclan, San Fernando City, Luzon Island, Philippines. It has plants which grow on tropical, sub-tropical, wet, arid and desert climates. Among the gardens are the Shade Garden, Sunken Garden, Fragrance Garden, Evergreen Garden, Medicinal Garden, Philippine Native Plant Garden, Chinese Garden, Japanese Garden, Palm Garden, Arid Paradise Garden, Orchid Garden and many more. What makes it more remarkable is that there exists a harmonious relationship between the various species of plants in the garden and the animal species around the garden and hill forest vicinity. Traveling to the Garden is an easy 5-mile distance from San Fernando City.

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Calle Crisologo, Vigan

Vigan Heritage Village – Those who have taken up Philippine History will undoubtedly recognize these row of Spanish era houses that have been preserved for future generations of Filipinos and also the world. The Vigan Heritage Village in Calle Crisologo is  listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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The Rice Terraces in Banaue, Ifugao are considered to be the Eighth Wonder of the World. The terraces are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Approximately during the ministry of Jesus Christ on earth (over 2000 years ago), the native people of Ifugao began carving the terraces of the mountains using merely their bare hands and sticks from the trees in the forests. The terraces were carved mainly to provide an area of land suitable for planting rice which is the staple food of most Filipinos whether breakfast, lunch or dinner, rice is always served and eaten with the main dish. The rainforests above the mountains act as a natural irrigation system used to water the rice plants. The terraces are 7 hours of travel by car (50 miles) from Baguio city, the summer capital of the Philippines. Travelling from Manila, the capital city of the Philippines, it would take a total of 12 hours to reach the terraces, a distance of about 205 miles.

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CORON, PALAWAN

            Palawan long considered as the Philippines last frontier offers many exciting trips for travelers and visitors, you can island hop in Honda Bay or go to the famous island of El Nido, Dos Palmas and many more.

          Coron has vast tourist potentials. It can be transformed into a key player in the development of Philippine tourism.

           Coron Island has numerous caves which are home to a rare Philippine bird whose nest (balinsasayaw) is a rare expensive popular Chinese delicacy. There are seven lagoons in Coron which are only 15-minutes apart. For more island hopping and fun, Coron offers the enchanting 219 islands and islets with white sand beaches.

             Most vistors to Coron like to stay at the beautiful Sangat Islands CYC Beach, Banul, Cabugao, Debatoc, Diwaran , Kalibunan, Lagat, Tara and the developed Maricaban, Dimakya, Malcapuya, Banana and Maleroyroy.

          Coron also has the world renowned dive sites which are located at the narrow passages of Sangat, Gutob and Black Islands. The main attractions are the 26 sunken Japanese naval vessels.

            For those who like hot springs, there is the popular Makinit Hot Spring Resort located at entrance of Coron harbor . It has wide pools with soothing hot saltwater to treat tired muscles and heal other diseases like arthritis.

             Mountain climbers and hikers will enjoy the trek up Mount Tapyas which is more than 2,000 feet above sea level with some 719 concrete steps which lead to the top. Once at the top, one can witness the full view of Coron town and harbor.

            Still included in the long list of Coron’s rich natural resources is the Los Siete Pecados. When fully developed, it is sure to contribute to the success of the Coron tourism program. Part of the master plan is the construction of hanging bridges to interconnect the seven rock islands complete with diving boards, stairways, floating rest houses and slides.

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VIGAN HERITAGE VILLAGE

 

          Those who have taken up Philippine History will undoubtedly recognize these row of Spanish era houses that have been preserved for future generations of Filipinos and also the world. The Vigan Heritage Village in Calle Crisologo is  listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

           If you are commuting to Ilocos, take one of the Partas buses in either Cubao or Pasay terminal. Best time to travel is night because it is a long 9 hours bus ride to Vigan. You can click HERE for a more detailed account on Iloos adventure. Vigan famous food:  Vigan longganisa, bagnet and empada are super favorites of local travelers

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MAYON VOLCANO

          The almost perfect cone shaped of Mayon Volcano makes this a favorite backdrop of pictures for local and foreign tourists in the Philippines. This famous landmark is located in Bicol Region, specifically Legaspi in Albay.

           To go there you either take a 11 hours bus ride from Manila to Bicol or alternately fly to either Legaspi airport or Naga airport. If you are taking the Naga airport, you need to travel 2 hours more to reach Legaspi.

              Bicol Foods and produce: Bicol is home to the Philippine’s spicy and hot foods, popular Bicolano dishes includes Laing or Taro leaves in Coconut Milk,  Kinalas – it’s a sting ray meat cooked in coconut milk with loads of local chili called ‘siling labuyo’. Other famous produce includes Abaca native bags and Pili nuts pasalubong.

            Sidetrips for more of Bicol tourist spots: Visitors to the Majestic Mt Mayon can also check out the many popular attractions of Bicol starting from (1) Whale Shark Watching in Donsol, Sorsogon; (2) CamSur Water Sports Complex for wakeboarding and other water sports; (3) Caramoan Islands for white sand beaches – some of the islands there were used for the taping of Survivor France and Survivor Israel

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PAGSANJAN FALLS

 

          One of the most famous Philippines water falls is the Pagsanjan Falls in Laguna. You have to ride a canoe and cruise the Pagsanjan river to get to the falls.

            If you want to know more on how to go to Pagsanjan click HERE.

Sidetrips: Pagsanjan is close to the artistic town of Paete where you can see hand sculptured figures, wood carvings and paper mache products. Alternative side trip is to visit the town of Liliw where you can buy hand made footwears.

          Laguna famous foods: Espasol, Buko Pie and Puto Binan

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WINDMILLS IN BAGUI

 

            What’s more iconic symbol to Ilocos than these windmills gracefully rotating its blades beside a pristine black sand beach? Find the Bangui Windmills in Bangui, Ilocos Norte.

           The Philippines is a perfect place to utilize renewable energy sources specifically harnessing the energy of the sun and the wind because almost all year round the sun is out it its glory hotness and also because winds blows strongly in many islands in the country but sad to say, only the local government of Ilocos has seen this potential and acted on this.

Ilocos Foods: Ilocandia offers many food specialties. I so love their crunchy bagnet and yummy vigan longganisa! Ilocanos love veggies in their food no wonder they have many dishes that are mix of veggies like Pakbet and Poqui-poqui.

          Sidetrips for Ilocandia Travel: Have an adventure and head for an Ilocos Roadtrip, you can click HERE for a more comprehensive Ilocos trip guide/experience. Ilocos offers lots of tourists’ attractions and scenic spots!

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