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Tagaytay, Philippines

admin — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 14:41:51 +0000

This place brings all the wonders which Philippines have to offer. Many visitors consider Tagaytay as a little town paradise whether a Filipino or a Foreigner it’s because of their splendid tropical forests plus glaring rays of the sun which made it a picture perfect though the place remains having a cool climate because of its high altitude with an average temperature of 22.7 °C. Not only that, Tagaytay is also a perfect place for those adventurous people whose seeking leisure activities like picnics, horseback riding, camping, great golfing at two championship courses, plus breath taking sightseeing to its God-gifted nature.

The local residents of Tagaytay give their visitors a warm welcome which makes them much friendlier as we thought. And if you are looking for a room to stay, the Royal Taal Inn has something to offer. It has both the domestic as well as international visitor the least expensive rooms overlooking Taal volcano. Amenities are very outstanding and they also serve mouth-watering dishes that will surely boost everyone’s appetite.

Around 80 percent of Tagaytay’s annual revenue comes from the tourism itself. The local officials are now planning to expand and improve their infrastructures by securing a dynamic, safe, peaceful and healthy environment conducive for retirement, learning, sports, and religious tourism. They will make Tagaytay be a competitive to the world’s best.

Mount Apo Natural Park in Davao, Philippines

admin — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 18:15:20 +0000

Located 32 kilometers west of Davao City, and the provinces of Davao del Sur and North Cotabato; The 64,053.00 hectares Mount Apo Natural Park is dominated by the highest mountain in the Philippine archipelago at 2,954 m. Although, there is also Mt. Talomo appears to be an extinct volcano in the area, but Mt. Apo, though it is quiescent at this time, has numerous vents producing steam and sulphurous gases.

Mount Apo is considered a favorite destination of extremist climbers because of its slopes forest of exotic flora, steaming geysers, rainwater lakes, swift-flowing rivers, and cascading waterfalls. The Department of Tourism Regional Office usually allows climb in around March or April.

It is one of the richest botanical mountains in the region hosting hundreds of rare, endemic and threatened species of flora. There are 629 of identified floral species 42 of which are endemic and 18 species are considered at risk, including the Vanda sanderiana (Waling-Waling) which is known as the “Queen of Philippine Orchids.”

There are endangered species that lives there specifically the Philippine Eagle mostly preys on monkeys, flying lemurs, flying squirrels, and occasionally, pigs and goats. Mount Apo is also a sanctuary for some rare birds such as the flycatcher, fairy blue birds, flower catchers, coltos, doves, sunbirds, and racket-tailed parrots.

Mount Apo was declared as National Park by late President Manuel L. Quezon on May 9, 1936 through Presidential Proclamation No. 59 with an aggregate area of 76,900 hectares. However, it was amended by former President Carlos P. Garcia through issuance of Proclamation No. 413 which converted some 3,946 hectares into agricultural areas reducing the park’s land area to 72,954 hectares. On September 24, 1996, President Fidel Ramos issued another Proclamation 882 declaring Mt.Apo as protected area under the category of Natural Park.

Baguio, Philippines

admin — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 18:55:47 +0000

Baguio is known as the summer capital of the Philippines and a highly urbanized city in northern Luzon. It is also called the “City of Pines” due to all the pine trees growing on the mountain slopes around the city. If you ride a plane from Metro Manila, it only takes an hour for you to arrive in Baguio. For economical reasons, you can also ride a bus but it takes you not less than 5 hours upon arrival. Some people prefer to ride a bus for them to enjoy seeing the views as the road enters the mountainous regions.

During 1900s, Baguio City was established by Americans at the site of an Ibaloi village known as Kafagway which the name derived from the word bagiw, the indigenous language of the Benguet Region, meaning “moss”. On June 1, 1903, the place was officially designated by the Philippine Commission as the summer capital of the Philippines. According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 252,386 in 52,302 households.

There are many ways of transportations upon reaching Baguio. One of the examples is jeepneys, a common transportation because of its cheap way to travel. However, taxis are more convenient to ride than jeepneys.

Burnham Park is synonymous to Baguio which is located in the heart of the city. The park features a man-made lagoon ideal for boat rides, a skating rink, an athletic field and stadium, basketball and tennis courts, a biking zone, tree-and-flower lined promenades, and a plant market. Baguio has been also popular for its golfing destination; the city takes pride in its Baguio Country Club and Camp John Hay.

Baguio is a major tourist destination for domestic tourists as well as foriegners. It is especially famous with the Balikbayans to have vacation there. The cool climate is a primary reason enough to visit, though some of the attractions and scenery add to the experience.

Let’s Enjoy Swimming in Pagsanjan Falls

admin — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 09:21:12 +0000

The falls have grown into one of the famous tourist attractions in the Philippines. Pagsanjan falls is situated three miles outside of the town of Pagsanjan somewhere in the rugged highlands of Cavinti about 100 km SE of Manila located in the Laguna province near the town of Santa Cruz. Its site is a national territory under the supervision of the Parks and Wildlife Office of the Bureau of Forestry Development. The only passable route to it is the Bumbungan River of Pagsanjan. Before reaching Pagsanjan Falls, tourists or visitors have to ride these boats (bangka), manned by skilled Pagsanjeño boatmen (bankeros). Two young men are hired with the canoe which usually carries two passengers.

Many people believed that Pagsanjan Falls is rich in legendary lore. In long, long time ago, tells one legend, there were no falls. There were only the foliose highlands, the Twin Rivers, called Bumbungan and Balanac, and the alluvial delta (where the town of Pagsanjan now nestles). On the eastern bank of the Bumbungan River lived two old brothers named Balubad and Magdapio. For many years, the two brothers loved a rustic life of peace and happiness. But one day calamity struck. A terrible drought brought ruin and death in the place. The brothers prayed for rain, but the gods did not heed their prayers. The older and weaker of the two brothers, Balubad, died of thirst. Magdapio, with a sorrowing heart, buried him on the slope of the mountain overlooking the river delta. This mountain is now called Balubad.

Magdapio left alone in a waterless world and agonizingly trekked to the upper region of the arid riverbed. He reached the high rocky cliffs, after an arduous journey. To his utter disappointment, he found no water. In total despair, he angrily hurled down his big cane among the rocks. Suddenly, a spring bubbled on the spot where the cane fell. Rapidly it grew bigger. The fresh waters roared down the canyon walls, soon becoming a booming waterfall. Amazed at the miracle, Magdapio fell on his knees and thanked the gods. He drank the cool water until he felt new energy surging in his blood and thus emerged the world famous Pagsanjan Falls.

Everyone is welcome to visit in Pagsanjan Falls to admire the spectacle or get wet going over the pool and behind the waterfall on a bamboo raft. You may also stay in at the Pagsanjan Falls Lodge and Summer Resort and open the door to adventure. Many surprises waits such as freshwater carp and prawn caught in nearby mountain lakes or coconuts plucked right before your eyes are waiting.