Philippines People & Culture

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.

When you are in Koronadal City, take a side trip to Lake Sebu which is barely an hour away. Enjoy the indigenous culture and savor the fresh fish from the lake. The locals has created various ways of cooking "tilapia". You will have this fish in sweet and sour, fried, "kinilaw", and paksiw. Having dinner or lunch at a restaurant which is floating on the lake is indeed a wonderful treat. You will also be entertained by young people showcasing their native dances. After eating, enjoy the karaoke on board. Then, take the 1 hour cruise that will bring you around the lake guided by a local tourist who are very helpful. The cruise guide is supposed to be bilingual but its not. The local language, b'laan, is nice to hear. After the cruise, enjoy shopping of locally made products... mostly earrings and necklaces using beads. On your way back to Koronadal and off to General Santos City, pass by the huge pineapple plantation at the foot of Mt. Matutum. Its pineapples and pineapples as far as your eyes could see. You may also buy fresh fruits along the highway. Ten years ago, the road to Lake Sebu was not so good. Today, it is very accessible and safe.

Lovely people. So-so food. Terrible traffic.

DO NOT TRUST TO THE FIRST PERSON YOU MEET. FILIPINOS ARE FRIENDLY TO FOREIGNERS BUT THERE ARE ALSO SOME WHO ARE WISE TAKING ADVANTAGE OF PEOPLE.

My all time favorite Place. I've been to the Philippines 3 times and I love the people there. A lot of the people really have respect for tourist.

When you are in Koronadal City, take a side trip to Lake Sebu which is barely an hour away. Enjoy the indigenous culture and savor the fresh fish from the lake. The locals has created various ways of cooking "tilapia". You will have this fish in sweet and sour, fried, "kinilaw", and paksiw. Having dinner or lunch at a restaurant which is floating on the lake is indeed a wonderful treat. You will also be entertained by young people showcasing their native dances. After eating, enjoy the karaoke on board. Then, take the 1 hour cruise that will bring you around the lake guided by a local tourist who are very helpful. The cruise guide is supposed to be bilingual but its not. The local language, b'laan, is nice to hear. After the cruise, enjoy shopping of locally made products... mostly earrings and necklaces using beads. On your way back to Koronadal and off to General Santos City, pass by the huge pineapple plantation at the foot of Mt. Matutum. Its pineapples and pineapples as far as your eyes could see. You may also buy fresh fruits along the highway. Ten years ago, the road to Lake Sebu was not so good. Today, it is very accessible and safe.

If you want a relaxing vacation come to the Philippines where you can see different cultures, good food that they make and great oceans, river falls!!

Vigan is a huge on culture when it comes to the Spaniards colonial houses. It also know for its trade of pottery, the palatable longganissa (stuffed pork meat into sausages). There's also an old steeple that's quite popular because it was where the movie "Ang Panday" (the blacksmith)was filmed.  

Yeah it's an adult playground. But it also a great place to find charitable causes to lend your knowledge on if your in the medical or social services professions. Additionaly, the diversity of cultures there is amazing and so chances to try different foods abounds. Try Margarita Station on Field Avenue and order the Salpicao. It's outstanding! Additionaly, take in the sights and tours which are extremely cheap compared to other tourist spots. If you want a tattoo, the world famous Mad Dog tattoo is in an inconspicuous little shop in upper Fields. They do quality work and it's safe (most importantly). Watch out for pickpockets, police, underage whores (unfortunately pedophiles love asian countries), legal age whores (in addition to the police), the thriving gangbanging community, scam artists, DONT ever take up an offer to go play cards, the transvestite population (unless you're into that sort of thing), and obviously someone is going to go there for the adult entertainment...so use a condom, and of course, stay away from the Koreans. If you run into a rude asian, it's probably a Korean and not a Filipino.

Baguio is really a nice place to have a vacation. I was there with family and friends last December 2007. We had a great time. We visited all the tourists attractions there. We also went to the famous strawberry farm where they are culturing planting strawberries but
I can say that it is more expensive to buy strawberries from there unlike in the Baguio market where it is 100% cheaper. Its just that the strawberries in the farm are fresh and taken straight from the plant. You can also buy lots of cheap souvenirs around Baguio
City.

For live Music go to Manila! Did you know that all over the Asian Pacific Area music bands from the Philippines are on stage! Pilipinos are born with music and are extremely talented. In Manila don't miss Hobbit House (Freddie Aguilar, check which day of the week) or Cowboy Grill. Just walk along mabini street, Malate area. Lot's of music and fun.

We boarded the airplane , from Manila airport the Philippines at noon, the seats where wooden , and very nostalgic, after Ali the passengers boarded , they loaded the luggage , after us, in the cabin, in front of the plane door, and the man in charge of the luggage, boarded last , and he was holding the door of the plain, with his foot while leaning on the luggage! it was my first trip to the far east and it was already full of , many interesting scenes for me! as an airliner the whole thing looked a bit hilarious and dangerous!
the flight took off, and we had an adventurous trip, the Pilot was the same age as his old bird 45 years old, he told us that while chatting with us , before boarding!
thanks to his skills we approached , an Emerald green spot in the med of a Torques blue sea! and slowly approaching landing
we , could see the tarmac a long black snake in a field, the airport tower was a coconut hut,
we were heartily welcomed upon arrival, with flower lays and drinks!
then we were escorted to the an open truck . I saw the truck had the same wooden seat which were on the plain,
i thought o my self , may be its the trad mark of the resort!
we arrived to a charming village of many huts , nicely spaced for privacy , around 2 acre of land!
the huts were all made of Bamboo Huge , flattened sheets of bamboo , walls floor and furniture were all made out of the same bamboo ,
i fall in love immediately with the hut , which was spacious and airy a walking distance , stands the restaurant ,
and the Hotel open air lobby! were all activities took place¨
it had a roof of coconut leaves, we got our meals and evening entertainment there , for the evening ,
was a lively band playing nostalgic music, Filipinos are happy people, and they enjoy ,
singing and playing good music! the only drink available was , water , coconut water ,and singa beer,
any other drinks where very expensive! and mostly not avalbal¨
we paid over 20$ at that time for a bottle of wine for our Christmas eve dinner!
the meals , were very simple, mostly fish, and fried banana and rice! , we are on an island remember!
the whole island is a fisherman village which located further down in the beach , and the resort!
the hotel arranged for trips to the beach every day after breakfast, and served lunch at the beach!
Christmas mass we attended , on a hill in an simple but very charming chapel ,
the Priest was imported from main land by a boat, and the village children sang the Christmas carols,
was short and sweet ceremony, with the sea in the back drop of it all ,
and garlanded with the Bougainvilleas and Hibiscuses flowers for a natural Christmas decoration.
during the night , it was the sound of the nature playing there own music, a gecko , calling , the sea
splashing on the beach, and all kind of night, white noises to lull us to sleep!
a day before our departure we realised that the , Numbers of the people in the hotel has increased,
when we asked we were told the flight couldn't`t land for the last 2 days, due to cyclone, on the area,
of course one of the after noon delight was going to the airport , to watch the palin landing!
so we were granted 2 extra day to enjoy this paradise , which at that time was , untouched virgin nature,
i wonder what the 21 century had done with it i bet it has a Satellite TV now with huge flat screen in the lobby!
Sicogn , remained in my mind , as an dream came true , the nature in its most Wilde untouched way!
P.S the truck seat were , from the other flight which crash landed the week before we arrived! no one was hurt!
up for an adventure?
P.s the truck seat , were from the last week flight which crash landed, no one was hurt!
p.s p.s. i was off Banana for a long time after the holiday! up for an adventure?

http://beta.lomography.com/ magazine/locations/2009/02/01/ sicogon-island-philippines




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check out Cowboy Grill in Ermita its fun hehe everyday live music

When you are in Koronadal City, take a side trip to Lake Sebu which is barely an hour away. Enjoy the indigenous culture and savor the fresh fish from the lake. The locals has created various ways of cooking "tilapia". You will have this fish in sweet and sour, fried, "kinilaw", and paksiw. Having dinner or lunch at a restaurant which is floating on the lake is indeed a wonderful treat. You will also be entertained by young people showcasing their native dances. After eating, enjoy the karaoke on board. Then, take the 1 hour cruise that will bring you around the lake guided by a local tourist who are very helpful. The cruise guide is supposed to be bilingual but its not. The local language, b'laan, is nice to hear. After the cruise, enjoy shopping of locally made products... mostly earrings and necklaces using beads. On your way back to Koronadal and off to General Santos City, pass by the huge pineapple plantation at the foot of Mt. Matutum. Its pineapples and pineapples as far as your eyes could see. You may also buy fresh fruits along the highway. Ten years ago, the road to Lake Sebu was not so good. Today, it is very accessible and safe.

When in the Phil, do not miss to travel to Palawan where one can go sightseeing or have a wonderful vacation at the different beautiful resorts and beaches. Puerto Princesa City can be your jump off to see the world's longest underground river, to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling and to travel to its surrounding beautiful islands with its world class resorts like in El Nido.

Be sure to take advantage of all of the little islands around Cebu, which have beautiful beaches but not so many tourists. If you like diving or snorkeling there are lots of great places to go--but plan in advance with a travel agent because lack of organization can make planning inside of Cebu quite confusing if you don't speak the local dialect or are being escorted everywhere by a local.

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.

great place if you are looking for water adventures - white water rafting, diving and snorkeling is readily available in this city...

Coron is perfect for those who want to escape urban life. Much of Coron is a group of islands and the view is breath-taking! Sunglasses can help you enjoy the sights a little longer.

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!!

Zamboanga is one of the first chartered cities and the sixth largest in the country. Today, the city is commercially branded for tourism by the city government as "Asia's Latin City." Zamboanga is one of the oldest cities in the country and the most hispanicized. It is also one of the largest cities in the world in terms of area, with over 1,480 km², including its 28 surrounding islands. The people of Zamboanga speak a unique Creole language called Chavacano - a blend of Spanish and European, Mexican-Indian languages and other local dialects but mostly Cebuano as its substrate language. Zamboanga is the only city in Asia where the majority of the population speak Chavacano.

Manila is the capital of the Philippines. Manila is the center of government in the country and one of the central hubs of a thriving metropolitan area home to over 14 million people. The metropolitan area is the second most populous in Southeast Asia. Manila became the seat of the colonial government of Spain when it controlled the Philippine Islands for over three centuries from 1565 to 1898. Beginning in 1898, the United States occupied and controlled the city and the Philippine archipelago until 1946. During World War II, much of the city was destroyed.

Olongapo is a city in the central west province of Zambales in Luzon Island in the Philippines. The city used to host the Subic Naval Base of the United States. The naval base was abandoned in the early 1990s and the facility was converted by the government into an export and business zone, the Subic Freeport.

There are recreational and shopping destination within and and around the Subic Freeport.

OASIS COUNTRY RESORT is a dynamic evolution in itself and a milestone for the province of La Union. The hotel-resort started as a single proprietorship in 1963. It was incorporated and registered under the Securities and Exchange Commission in 1975. With a vision to be global, preferred and the best and a mission to give its customers great value, delightful experience and to achieve a sustainable growth, came a remarkable moment when the development of the hotel got into fruition in 1996, the same year when it was finally inaugurated and known as OASIS COUNTRY RESORT. Oasis is owned and managed by La Union Country Resort Hotel, Inc. (LUCRHI), the highest rated Triple "A" resort accredited by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and hailed as the "Healthiest Hotel in Region I" by the Department of Health (DOH). Strategically located right at the heart of La Union at San Fernando City, the coastal capital city of La Union, is an investment paradise. This emerging Subic version of the North-Western Luzon Growth Quadrangle is an important trading and commercial center being a home to several major industries in the Region. Host to Poro Point Special Economic and Free Port Zone and Regional government agencies, San Fernando City is considered the growth center of the Region. San Fernando is also a favorite destination of tourists especially during summer. La Union and the surrounding provinces is also perfect for out of town escapades with its clear, pristine beaches ideal for swimming, snorkeling, jet-skiing and surfing; and many historical and religious sites for recollection and pilgrimage. Undoubtedly, Oasis is a boost to the tourism industry. The hotel continues to be the most favorite destination in the Ilocos Region for business and pleasure guests alike. It has also been the preferred site of banquets, balls, dinners, luncheons, conventions, meetings for the civic, social, business and political organizations of La Union and its surrounding provinces, state and national organizations. It is also the priority choice of foreign-accrediting companies and a host to many international events such as medical missions and outreach programs. Anchored in the unique hospitality and warmth of its people, Oasis is a recognized trailblazer in the industry.

Hinatuan is a coastal town, where people live on fishing and farming. It has a wonderful mangrove forest and people are protective of their natural resources for the protection of their own livelihood. The local government is trying to develop its tourism industry with the focus on its own Enchanted River. Locally, it is called Tinuay-an Falls.

Cagayan de Oro is the provincial capital of the province of Misamis Oriental and the regional center for Northern Mindanao. The city's economy is largely based on industry, trade, service and tourism. Cagayan de Oro is a young city compared to other highly urbanized cities in the Philippines.

This is my hometown!!!! General Santos is situated in the southern part of the Philippines, in the province of South Cotabato. The city has a population of 535,747 as of the 2007, making it as one of the populous cities in the Philippines. The city's economy is primarily agro-industrial. Due to its rich soil, good rainfall and typhoon-free climate, the area is the largest producer of corn, coconuts, copra, pineapples, asparagus and rice. It accounts for the largest total daily fish landings in the country and is the leading producer of sashimi grade tuna.