Luzon Islands What to Expect

Most visitors (which is almost exclusively male) come her for one reason and since kids and people who complain too much read this, I won't say what that reason is. But there is another activity that is g-rated to do. Mt. Pinatubo is a volcano that had a huge impact when it erupted in 1991. It expelled 10 cubic kilometres on the surrounding 125,000 sq km. Today it is peaceful and you can go hiking through some of the new terrain that has been created. Myself I took a flight over and around the volcano. It was a bit hazy that day but still had clear views of the crater lake that is on top of Mount Pinatubo.

Talk about taking things for granted. My family came from a very poor background. The family that remained in the Phillippines at the time I visited was still having a hard time making ends meet. We had stayed for about a month and a half; me, my sis, and mother, father. We stayed mostly with our Uncle Efren, Auntie Edna and our five cousins. This was in Angono Village in Makati I believe. I was very young then like 10years old. The things I remember most are: water from a pump well we had to boil the water to drink, bringing home a live pig and my uncle slaughtering it. My Uncle Efren making my Xmas gift which was a very large paper mache' and bamboo kite; probably the most appreciated gift I had ever recieved. Sleeping in mosquito nets. Children or toddlers running around with no clothes. The closeness of family regardless of the conditions. The creek by there house which we fished out of with just a string and a makeshift hook. The village town center where parties, church and gatherings were held. The look of the kids when I brought my remote control car with me. The festivities during New Years was like no other I have ever experienced even till this day. I think about what we have now here in 'North America' and we truly take things for granted. Manila isn't like that anymore as I have heard from others who travel often to and from. That trip as a spoiled brat was enlightening and still lives with me till this day.

Avoid buses and open places at night. Because there are a lot of homeless people and children, trying to get money or even try to rob you. Try to avoid traveling alone as well.

dont eat the food bring your own if possible dont give money tto kids nobt buy anything off the streets

Dude!!! awesome night club, I dont know the name, but trust me they do. Leave your significant other and or kids at the hotel, its an adult experience.

If you want to see the Ifugao tribes, then go to the Bontoc mountain province. It was such an interesting experience to see pine forests in the middle of the tropics. We stayed at Mount Data lodge, where it actually got quite chilly at night - very special place in the Philippines.

You really need to travel with someone who knows how to get around Manila because catching Jeepneys, tricycles or buses is not easy if you don't know how!! Because of the traffic, make sure you allot plenty of time to get to your destination, especially the airport! Don't give money to beggars or more will swoop down like pigeons or seagulls (take your pick). Best way to experience Manila is to stay with a family or a friend who lives there. The only good reason to visit Manila (apart from seeing family and friends) is for the shopping. The malls are huge and pretty cheap too.

Keep an eye on your stuff, particularly when walking around. When you get in at the airport, go upstairs to the departure area to get taxis that just dropped off passengers; the taxis who wait for new arrivals overcharge.

New traditional Filipino cuisine restaurant in Quezon City, near the Sulu Hotel. It's called Adarna, and they have very good food. Highly recommended.

Best bargain shopping, if you're up for a little adventure and heat, is in Divisoria. Take the MRT north to Quezon Avenue, then hop on a jeepney to Divisoria. It's a district of stalls and bargain shopping.

Bring lots of water. Be polite, but careful. Although there are a lot of nice people in Manila (and the Philippines in general), there are always a few jerks who try to take advantage of travelers, especially if you obviously don't look Filipino.

the most modern place in manila. it's got fancy restaurants and shopping malls. but be careful. always follow your common sense!!

Lovely people. So-so food. Terrible traffic.

If you want to see the Ifugao tribes, then go to the Bontoc mountain province. It was such an interesting experience to see pine forests in the middle of the tropics. We stayed at Mount Data lodge, where it actually got quite chilly at night - very special place in the Philippines.

You really need to travel with someone who knows how to get around Manila because catching Jeepneys, tricycles or buses is not easy if you don't know how!! Because of the traffic, make sure you allot plenty of time to get to your destination, especially the airport! Don't give money to beggars or more will swoop down like pigeons or seagulls (take your pick). Best way to experience Manila is to stay with a family or a friend who lives there. The only good reason to visit Manila (apart from seeing family and friends) is for the shopping. The malls are huge and pretty cheap too.

Keep an eye on your stuff, particularly when walking around. When you get in at the airport, go upstairs to the departure area to get taxis that just dropped off passengers; the taxis who wait for new arrivals overcharge.

New traditional Filipino cuisine restaurant in Quezon City, near the Sulu Hotel. It's called Adarna, and they have very good food. Highly recommended.

Best bargain shopping, if you're up for a little adventure and heat, is in Divisoria. Take the MRT north to Quezon Avenue, then hop on a jeepney to Divisoria. It's a district of stalls and bargain shopping.

Bring lots of water. Be polite, but careful. Although there are a lot of nice people in Manila (and the Philippines in general), there are always a few jerks who try to take advantage of travelers, especially if you obviously don't look Filipino.

the most modern place in manila. it's got fancy restaurants and shopping malls. but be careful. always follow your common sense!!

Lovely people. So-so food. Terrible traffic.

don't drink the water! ha ha! I made that mistake because i thot it was bottled but they just reused bottle, i had the craziest dreams and didnt sleep 24 hrs.

Load up on Vitamin C if you're not used to polluted cities. If you get sick, the health care is very cheap and fast.

Let's just say an eye opener to third world countries!!!

There are many tourists attractions in Manila...But be sure to have a guide because you will be lost surely because of too many people, traffic, crowded places, etc. Manila is beautiful. Shopping capital of the Philippines.

I was here while in the Navy back in the day, thats all I can remember hahahahahahahahahahaha