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DOT ups the ante for PHL food, brings Fil-Am chefs to PHL

As part of its relentless efforts to position the Philippines in the world gastronomic scene, the Department of Tourism (DOT) has tapped three of the most celebrated US-based Filipino-American chefs to discover their food roots in the country for a three week-long culinary smorgasbord experience.

Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat says it’s all systems go for the “Chefs’ Food Trip Project” that will commence on Saturday, November 9, 2019. The said project aims to heat up the country’s profile as a culinary destination in the world by tapping into the Philippines’ stable source of gastronomic geniuses starting off with the fast-rising Filipino chefs in the US.

Invited US-based Fil-Am chefs include 2019 James Beard Awards’ Best Chef for the Mid-Atlantic, Tom Cunanan of the famed Washington, DC’s Bad Saint; Charles Olalia, owner and manager of Ma’am Sir, one of GQ’s Magazine’s Best New Restaurants in America for 2019; and chef Grant “Lanai” Tabura, host of food show Cooking Hawaiian Style and winner of Food Network’s The Great Food Truck Race.

A self-confessed foodie herself, Secretary Puyat points out that “This is the perfect occasion for us to institutionalize Filipino cuisine and flavors that can proudly stand side by side with other cherished cuisines of the world. Going back to their roots will certainly inspire these leading Fil-Am chefs to lend their voices and talent to raise the world’s perception and taste towards Filipino dishes”.

Organized by the DOT in collaboration with three of the country’s leading chefs Margarita Forés, Claude Tayag and Tatung Sarthou, the “Chefs’ Food Trip Project” spotlights some of the country’s renowned culinary destinations in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, and will feature respected Filipino food advocates along with their town’s most iconic dishes and heritage cuisine and local produce like Atching Lilian Borromeo, a beacon of Kapampangan cuisine; Bacolod’s eponymous Mang Enting and Ramon Uy, Jr. of Fresh Start Organic Farm; Olive and Rex Puentespina of Malagos Farmhouse; and Davao-based restaurateur Carmina del Rosario of Mindanao Butchers and Company.

The project also includes interactive symposia to be undertaken in partnership with World Food Expo (WOFEX) University, the teaching arm of the World Food Expo (WOFEX), an institution in food exhibitions in the Philippines, that will engage the visiting chefs with culinary tourism stakeholders, students, and food and gastronomy aficionados alike. Dubbed “DOT x WOFEX University Fun Food Talks”, the symposia will be held in Pampanga on November 13, 2019, Bacolod on November 16, 2019, Davao on November 19, 2019 and Manila on November 21, 2019. For tickets and more details, you may call +632 8929-7993, +63 999-888-5000, email at info@peptarsus.com or visit www.peptarsus.com.

Best Restaurants in Manila: 26 Places To Eat & Drink

Featured Content by Travelling Foodie

October 9, 2019

Being the capital of the Philippines, Manila’s food scene is emerging as the hub for food lovers from around the world with over 22,000 restaurants. With this many options, it’s hard to decide where to eat in Manila. In this food guide, we’ve broken down some of the best restaurants in Manila!

One thing I love about being a travelling foodie is learning about a destination’s culture through its food. Besides being a city with rich heritage, Manila has a unique food culture that awes the foodies.

When you visit the Philippines, you’ll quickly realize that Filipinos love to eat! It’s just part of the culture, which is why Manila has a plethora of restaurants that offer diverse world cuisines…

Click here to read the full article

DOT Hails CNN pick of Vigan as Asia’s Most Picturesque Town

MEDIA RELEASE

September 4, 2019

The Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) welcomes the selection of the City of Vigan as among the CNN’s 13 of Asia’s Most Picturesque Towns.

“The City of Vigan’s heritage, the Hispanic architecture, and the food make it a picture-perfect site and deserving of the spot in the CNN’s list,” Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage City.

Vigan City, described by CNN as “one of the best places to experience Spanish colonial-era architecture in Asia,” is the capital of Ilocos Sur Province, an ideal destination for meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE).

CNN’s Kate Springer also noted the plethora of must-see Instagrammable landmarks at Vigan City including Plaza Salcedo, the restored church of St Paul’s Cathedral, and the trade center at cobble-stoned street Calle Crisologo.

Vigan’s traditional Hispanic checkerboard street plan, grid street pattern and historic urban lay out reflects its rich history, recognized as the best-preserved model of a Spanish colonial town in all of Asia.

“The CNN citation of the City of Vigan means that sustainable tourism is not just about environmental protection but also the preservation of the country’s history and culture,” Sec. Puyat points out.

The DOT chief says Vigan City showcases the local government’s efforts in preservation of its ancestral houses by mandating thorough research and documentation of the building original design before permitting any restoration work.

A touch of Spanish colonial style is also a requirement for the design of new structures in the area to complement the City’s preservation and tourism program.

Family ancestral houses are transformed into museums, souvenir and antique shops, and restaurants while maintaining its original Spanish style influence.

Selected as one of the New 7 Wonders Cities in 2014, Vigan’s attractions include the pottery workshop, food adventures with its established culinary scene that features unique native dishes, such as the Bagnet, a deep fried crispy pork belly dish, Poqui-poqui, a mixed vegetables dish, and theEmpanada, a stuffed fried pastry.

The other localities completing the “13 of Asia’s Most Picturesque Towns” are Thailand’s Phuket Town, Hong Kong’s Sai Kung, China’s Zhouzhuang, and Japan’s Yufuin.

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TPB Annual Calendar Of Philippine Festivals and Monthly Themes

Looking for how to experience the Philippines as a local? Experience how Filipinos throw a real celebration with vibrant colors, extravagant costumes, and many entertaining festivities!

NAME OF EVENT	DATE/LOCATION	BRIEF DESCRIPTION
JANUARY
Feast of the Black Nazarene	January 9Quiapo, Manila	Celebrated at the heart of Manila- Quiapo, devotees come from all over the metropolis to participate in this annual event honoring the hundred-year-old statue of the Black Nazarene.
Sinulog Festival	January 15 or second SundayCebu City	An annual festival held in Cebu, which commences nine days before the third Sunday of January.
Ati – Atihan Festival	3rd SundayKalibo, Aklan	A celebration in honor of the Infant Jesus, the town’s patron. Ati-Atihan, observed in honor of the Child Jesus. Ati-atihan means ‘making like Atis,’ that is, pretending to be like the aboriginal natives that once inhabited Aklan. This involves smearing oneself with soot to darken the skin and dressing up in tribal finery. The start of the procession is signaled by drums and whistles, and later punctuated by shouts of “Hala Bira!”
The Dinagyang Festival	4th SundayIloilo	Dinagyang is a Hiligaynon word extrapolated from dagyang meaning “merrymaking” It celebrates the feast of the Infant Jesus and the pact between the Datus and the locals.
FEBRUARY
Paraw Regatta	Third SundayStrait between Iloilo City and Guimaras Island	This festivity features racing events between local outriggers in the strait between Iloilo City and Guimaras Island.
Taytay Hamaka Festival	February 10 to 16Taytay, Rizal	This is a seven-day event showcasing the artistry, craftsmanship and various talents of the people of Taytay.
The Tinagba Festival	February 11Iriga City, Camarines Sur	This is a harvest-offering affair for Our Lady of Lourdes. Farmers parade in carabao-drawn carts filled with the best of local produce while Agtas come down from the mountain to dance.
International Bamboo Organ Festival	Las Piñas	This is a ten-day series of cultural events with a focus on the unique bamboo-made organ, made by Fray Diego de la Cera, and found only in Las Piñas.
Panagbenga(Baguio Flower Festival)	Baguio City	Month-long celebration of flowers in the country’s summer capital. Similar to the Rose Bowl Parade of the U.S., this festival is highlighted by a parade of floats made entirely of fresh blossoms from local horticulturists. The highlight is in the 4^th week of February.
Ollalion Festival	February 14Tabuk, Kalinga	The festival celebrates the Kalinga culture through its sports, crafts, and indigenous food.
Babaylanes Festival	February 19Bago City, Negros Occidental	This highlights the culture of the first settlers of Bago City before the Spanish colonizers arrived. As defined by Negros historians, the babaylan is a doctor, herbalist, artist, adviser, herbalist, seer, diviner and agriculturist.
Kalilangan Festival	February 20 to 27General Santos City, South Cotabato	This features cultural shows, a civic/military, agro-industrial fair, sports competition, and a beauty pageant.
Kaamulan Festival	2nd week of February up to March 10Malaybalay, Bukidnon	A three-day gathering of Bukidnon’s various ethnolinguistic groups in Pines View Park. It includes a performance of traditional rituals.
MARCH
Malasimbo Festival	March 10-12Puerto Galera	Malasimbo Festival has four pillars: music, arts, indigenous people, and environment. The festival is well known for bringing some of the most versatile musicians. In the event, the Malasimbo grounds is decorated with world-class artwork by various talented Filipino and visual artists, also showcasing indigenous peoples’ work.
UNESCO-ITI World Theater Week	March 21 – 27	World Theatre Week is an occasion for theatre artists of varied disciplines in performance and media arts to celebrate the power of Theatre to bring people together and an opportunity to share with audiences the wealth of each country’s heritage, history, habitat, theatrical traditions and expertise modeling cultural caregiving for marginalized sectors and disadvantaged youth exemplified in the Philippine program of the Earthsavers Dreams Ensemble honored as UNESCO Artists for Peace;
Island Garden City of Samal Festival	1st Week	A week-long celebration of Samal’s founding anniversary held every first week of March.
Anibina Bulawanun Festival	March 8Compostela Valley Province	An eight-day multi-themed annual festival that culminates on the province’s foundation day, March 8. It is a colorful and joyful celebration of the province’s rich agricultural harvests, abundant mineral resources, governance’s feats, trade and tourism fair, and a showcasing of the people’s culture and traditions. The Al-law Ng Kalomonan (Tribal Day) falls on the 7th day of Anibina.
Holy Week	March-April	A week-long event honoring Jesus Christ’s death on the Cross; The Palm Sunday is held on the fifth Sunday of Lent where churchgoers bring palm and leaves to re-enact the arrival of Jesus Christ in Jerusalem; Holy Thursday is held with a Visitaa Iglesia where Catholics visit at least 7 churches. A “Pasyon” or narration of Christ’s life through singing is held; On Good Friday, believers re-enact the sufferings and death of Christ on the Cross. Easter Sunday is highlighted by “Salubong” or dawn processions held in various parts of the country.
Moriones Festival	Holy WeekMarinduque	A week-long celebration participated in by male penitents in costumes who parade around town. On Good Friday, they reenact the story of Longinus, a centurion, blind in one eye, who speared Jesus’ side. Christ’s blood fell on his blind eye, miraculously restoring it, leading to his conversion.
Centurion Festival	Holy WeekGeneral Luna, Quezon	This is believed to be the origin of Marinduque’s Moriones Festival and is as colorful.
Ang Pagtaltal	Good FridayJordan, Guimaras	This is a procession of flagellants and devotees in biblical attire that ends in the Balaan Bukid Shrine.
Pangalap Ritual	Good FridayNueva Valencia	This is a ritual where believers crawl through the Catilaran cave chanting prayers in the hope of gaining supernatural powers to ward off evil spirits.
Witches Festival	Holy WeekSiquijor	Siquijor is popularly known throughout the country for “witchcraft”. A “Witches Festival” is held at Crocodile Hill overlooking the Bay of Lazi and the Mindanao Sea. When the moon is full, the sorcerers, called magbabarang gather herbs, roots and live insects, throw these into a giant cauldron filled with boiling water, then sit in a circle around it while mumbling incantations. This is followed by dancing and ends in an exclusive ritual in a secluded cave at dawn.
APRIL
Turumba	Pakil, Laguna	A seven-day feast in honor of our lady of sorrows highlighted by a procession and a dance (to the beat of a turumba song).
Lami-Lamihan Festival	April 14 to 16Basilan	Began in 1983 by former mayor Wilfrido Furigay, the festival showcases the rich Yakan traditions. This is highlighted by a parade and a horse race.
Kadaugan sa Mactan	April 27Cebu	This is mainly the re-enactment of the Battle of Mactan along the islands’ beach.
MAY
Flores de Mayo	Whole MonthCatholic-wide event	Literally translated, it means “Flowers of May” and highlights a procession honoring Virgin Mary. Coinciding with it is the Santacruzan, re-enacting the search of Queen Elena for the cross upon which Jesus Christ was crucified. The town or city’s loveliest ladies grace the occasion.
Pasalamat Festival	May 1La Carlota, Negros Occidental	A labor and thanksgiving festival marked by street dancing and a parade of farm products.
Magayon Festival	May 1Albay Province	A showcase of Albay’s culture and arts marked by exhibits, parades, shows, and sports.
Pista y Dayat Festival	May 1Pangasinan	A seaside festival and a thanksgiving day by local fishermen for a bountiful year.
Boa-Boahan	May 2Nabua, Camarines Sur	A re-enactment of the 13th-century rite of offering chains of coconut embryos called boa to deities. They believe that doing so would mean a prosperous year.
Carabao-Carozza Race Festival	May 3Pavia, Iloilo	An event where carabaos (water buffaloes) pull decorated bamboo carts in a 400-meter course race.
Lanahan Ritual	May 1-3Balabag, Digos, Davao del Sur	A ritual performed by the Bagobos involving the making of medicinal oil (lana) after their pilgrimage to Mount Apo.
Balanghai Festival	Butuan	This commemorates the coming of the early migrants from Borneo and Celebes. It is said that they came to Agusan in balanghai or wooden boats.
Tapusan Festival	Alitagtag, Batangas	A month-long celebration honoring the Holy Cross.
Barangay Boat Festival	May 11Aparri, Cagayan	A fluvial festival held annually in honor of Saint Peter Thelmo, the town’s patron saint.
Carabao Festival	May 15Pulilan, Bulacan	An event honoring. San Isidro Labrador, the patron saint of farmers. Carabaos are paraded and blessed by the town priest.
Pahiyas Festival	Lucban and Sariaya, Quezon	A thanksgiving festival to San Isidro Labrador for the past year’s bountiful harvest. The event is popular for the elaborate edible decorations that cover entire houses like fruits and vegetables, most prominent of which are the brightly colored rice wafers known as; The image of the patron saint is also paraded around town assuring the farmers of a bountiful harvest in the years to come.
Obando Festival	May 17 to 19Obando, Bulacan	This festival involves the different dance rituals held for three consecutive days honoring three patron saints: May 17 for St. Paschal (for couples who want a male child), May 18 for St. Claire (for couples who want a female child) and May 19 for the Our Lady of Salambaw (patroness of fishermen).
Pahoy-Pahoy Festival	May 19 to 25Calbiga, Samar	Every May, the quaint little town of Calbiga abounds with giant pahoy-pahoy (scarecrows) made of indigenous materials dancing about its streets. Musical instruments made up of bamboos, cans and stones create the sounds that scare the local maya birds.
JUNE
Naligayan Festival	2nd weekAgusan del Sur	This is a province-wide festivity which coincides with Agusan del Sur’s Foundation Anniversary in June 17. Incepted in 1993 during the incumbency of the late Gov. Democrito O. Plaza, the festival is a recognition of the Manobo people’s loyalty to their tribal leader, Datu Lipus Makapandong.Literally meaning “the chosen one” the weeklong celebration showcases the indigenous people’s culture through music and dance, native products, ethnic games, and a host of sporting tournaments and special events.The festival depicts the Agusanon culture and heritage. Natives from far-flung places of the province usually come down and display skills through tribal dances and rituals. A trade fair displaying the province’s cottage industries also takes place in Naliyagan Cultural Center Grounds at the Gov. D. O. Plaza Government Center, Prosperidad.
Pagdayao Festival	June 11 -12Tacloban, Leyte, Masbate	A two-day affair, which serves as a thanksgiving feast in honor of the Lord.
Araw ng Cotabato	June 12 – 20Cotabato	The city of Cotabato in Mindanao celebrates its founding with special events as the layang-layang or giant kite festival, fluvial parades, banca race and sports competition.
Parada ng mga Lechon (Parade of Roast Pigs)	June 24Balayan, Batangas	Crisp, golden-brown roast pigs are paraded through the streets. As soon as the best decorated roasted pig is announced, the eating commences.
Hibok-Hibok Festival	June 24Camiguin Island	The event is held in honor of St. John the Baptist and is marked with fluvial processions, parades and water sports.
Daet Pineapple Festival	3rd WeekDaet, Camarines Norte	A festival showcasing the famous and sweetest of all pineapples- the Formosa variety- abundantly growing in Daet. The week-long celebration features sports events, talent and skills competition, an investment forum, cultural shows and concerts, a food fair, an agro-industrial and trade fair, search for Bicolandia Queen, and street dancing contests.
Tacloban Festival	Last WeekTacloban, Leyte	The festival consists of three major activities: (1) Subiran Regatta – a sailboat race held at the eastern entrance of San Juanico Strait, (2) Balyuan – a pageant reenacting the historic exchange of images between Basey, Samar and Tacloban City, and (3) Pintados Festival where participants paint their bodies and dance to the rhythm of bamboo sticks.
Piat Sambali Festival	Last WeekPiat, Cagayan	In Piat, Cagayan, the colorful celebration is highlighted by street dancing, cultural shows and a beauty pageant. This festival commemorates the Christianization of the Ytawes region of Cagayan.
JULY
Sagayan Festival Tubod	1st weekLanao del Norte	A festival with a Maranao war dance as a main event. The dance is performed during the Araw ng Lanao del Norte and is participated by all the municipalities in the province. The war dance is complemented by a fan dance performed by Maranao maidens wearing colorful dresses.
Pagoda Festival	July 4 – 7Bocaue, Bulacan	In Bocaue, Bulacan, a feast is held in honor of the Holy Cross of Wawa found in the Bocaue River. The main attraction of the affair is the fluvial parade of the pagoda or decorated barge and colorful small boats.
Sublian sa Batangas	July 23Batangas City	This coincides with the Foundation Day of Batangas City. It revives the tradition of dancing the subli, which is indigenous to the province.
Sinulog and Kinabayo Festival	July 24 – 25Dapitan, Zamboanga del Norte	The event honors Dapitan, Zamboanga del Norte’s patron saint St. James.
Sinulog de Tanjay Festival	Last weekTanjay, Negros Oriental	The celebration of the residents of Tanjay, Negros Oriental of this 10-day fiesta features the origin of the old sinulog culture. A parade is held showcasing the clothes locals wear, while the horsefighting presentation re-enacts the battle between the Spaniards and the Muslims.
Kahimoan Abayan Festival	Last weekButuan City, Agusan del Norte	In Butuan City, Agusan del Norte, the feast is held in honor of Santa Ana (St. Anne), known to protect the residents along the Agusan River from man-eating crocodiles. The celebration includes the holding of a prayer on boats for safe passage and prosperity.
Sandugo Festival	Last weekBohol	Celebrated in Bohol, this festival commemorates the blood compact between Spaniard Legaspi and Filipino Sikatuna. It includes an agro-industrial exhibit, a trade fair, a beauty contest, street dancing and a re-enactment of the blood compact.
AUGUST
Pangapog Festival	August 1 – 7Samal Island, Davao	A thanksgiving festival for a bountiful harvest highlighting the culture of the Sama, the indigenous people of Samal, as shown in the indigenous sports, and other culture-based competitions.
Pangasinan Bamboo Festival	August 14Calasiao and Sta. Barbara, Pangasinan	Pangasinan Bamboo Festival August 12 This is a festival showcasing bamboo products and includes bamboo planting and film exhibitions. Venue: Calasiao and Sta. Barbara, Pangasinan
Mercedes FISHtival	August 6-11Mercedes, Camarines Norte	A thanksgiving festival by local fisherfolk for blessings received during seafaring, and fish-farming.
Marang Festiva	August 5Basco, Batanes	Locals celebrate the bountiful harvest of the fruit Marang.
Palu-Palo Festival	August 4-5Basco, Batanes	This is highlighted by a cultural presentation showing the life and times of the Ivatans.
Pasaka Festival	August 14Tanuan, Leyte	“Pasaka,” the native word for Assumption, is a street spectacle in honor of Our Lady of Assumption.
Lubi-Lubi Festival	August 15Calubian, Leyte	A dance festival extolling the many uses of the coconut in homage to Our Lady of Fatima and St. Roque.
Kalibongan Festival	August 17 – 18Kidapawan, Cotabato	A gathering of Mindanao ethnolinguistic groups like the Bagobos and Manobos. This is highlighted by a horse fight and a Manobo wedding.
Kadayawan sa Dabaw Festival	3rd weekDavao City	Dabaweños celebrate the annual Kadayawan – a colorful occassion that lasts for five days – as a thanksgiving festival and a tribute to its indigenous peoples. Kadayawan is a native expression in Dabawnon tongue, which means “anything excellent that brings great fortune” from “dayaw” (good), describing a thing that is valuable and superior.
Gigantes	August 19Lucban, Quezon	On August 19, in the town of Lucban, Quezon, townsfolk trot out their beloved gigantes or giants. Measuring about 14 feet tall, the giants come in pairs, the mag-asawa or couple, a giant man dressed in the peasant’s camisa chino or undershirt, and his wife clad in the native patadyong and kimona, a loose skirt topped with a flimsy blouse. Made from papier mache, the giants are borne on shoulders by those who have made a panata (oath) made in return for a favor received. This festivity is shared by Lucban with the town of Angono, Rizal, which holds it in November.
Buyogan Festival	August 19Abuyog, Leyte	Buyogan focuses on the bee locally known as “buyog” from which the town’s name originated.
Bankaton	August 20Lavezares, Northern Samar	An annual boat racing contest celebrating the feast of Nuestra Señora de Salvacion, the town’s Patroness.
Kagayhaan Festival	August 26-28Cagayan de Oro City	This festival is highlighted by streetdancing participated in by contingents from schools and civic organizations.
SEPTEMBER
Aurora Festival	Last Sunday of August to 1st week of SeptemberTanjay, Negros Oriental	The festival features evening novenas participated in by more than 40 clans, which culminate in a nocturnal fluvial procession at the Tanjay River.
Hin-ay Festival	September 1-29Irosin, Sorsogon	This features a cultural show, trade fair, and a street dance depicting the archangels’ victory over the “Black” Angels.
Bicol Food Festival	September 1-30Naga City	A festival of Bicol cuisine: pinangat and laing, bicol Express, inolokan or tilmak, pecadillo and cocido.
Sarakiki Festival	September 1-8Calbayog City	The festival features street dancers dressed as cocks swaying to the beat of ancient Samareño instruments.
T’boli Tribal Festival	3rd weekSouth Cotabato	A gathering of the major ethnolinguistic groups in the province together with representatives from Davao.
Peñafrancia Fiesta Festival	3rd SundayNaga City, Camarines Sur	A religious festival honoring Nuestra Señora de Peñafrancia, the patroness of the Bicol Region River.
Dalit Festival	September 25Tangub City	This showcases local rituals, dances, and way of life.
Linapit Food Sharing Festival	September 30Gueday, Besno	A festival with a delightful pre-planting feast at its core where natives share their food with everyone.
Djanggo Festival	September 28-29Nassiping, Gattaran, Cagayan	This commemorates centuries-old religious and cultural tradition based on the life of St. Michael.
Banigan-Kawayan Festival	September 29Basey, Samar	This celebrates the banig and the kawayan crafts industry flourishing in Basey.
OCTOBER
Halaran	1st weekRoxas City	This festival highlights the performance of the history and culture of Capiz during pre-Hispanic times.
Universal Children’s Festival	1st weekDapitan City	The festival involves children of locals, dressed in costumes of UN member countries, parading around the city.
Masskara Festival	Bacolod City	A grand Bacole celebration marked by carnivals, fairs and masked street dancers.
Ibalong Festival	2nd weekLegaspi City	This festival is based on Ibalong, a Bicol epic showcasing legendary superheroes Handiong and Baltog.
Zamboanga Hermosa Festival	October 10-12Zamboanga City	The festival features a regatta, colorful vintas, banconan flower show, and fireworks honoring the Nuestra Señora del Pilar Zaragosa.
Kasanggayahan Festival	October 10-17Sorsogon	The festival is itself the foundation anniversary of Sorsogon. The festival’s name means “prosperity and happiness.”
Feast of La Naval Manila	October 11Quezon City	The image of the Virgin is paraded around town in a colorfully-decorated carriage, which resembles a ship. The image is believed to be miraculous and ensures safe voyage to anyone who prays to it.
Inug-og Festival	October 15Oroquieta, Misamis Occidental	This is held in honor of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary
Calbayog Grand Karakol	October 16Calbayog City	A religious celebration of thanksgiving and joyous pageantry of dancing devotees of San Rafael.
Sagingan Festival	October 16-17Tubod, Lanao del Norte	The feast is in honor of San Isidro Labrador with street dancers dressed up in various banana-like costumes.
Megayon Festival	3rd weekTigbao, Zamboanga del Sur	A colorful harvest festival participated in by the Subanean indigenous group.
Lanzones Festival	4th weekMambajao, Camiguin Island	The festival is held to celebrate the abundance of lanzones fruit in the island with a streetdancing competition involving the youth all dressed up in lanzones leaves or fruits. The lanzones is one of the island’s most important crops.
Catadungan Festival	October 24Virac, Catanduanes	This festival commemorates the province’s independence from Albay.
NOVEMBER
Pintaflores	November 3-5San Carlos City	This festival is marked by a streetdancing involving the pintados or dancers with tattoos or flowers on their body.
Kalag-Kalag Festival	November 13Cebu City	This restages the Filipino tradition of visiting relatives to lovingly remember departed loved ones.
Sanduguan Festival	November 15Calapan, Oriental Mindoro	This festival reenacts the first contact between the natives of Mindoro and traders from China.
Feast of San Clemente/ Gigantes	November 22-23Angono, Rizal	This celebration is marked by giant Papier-mâché effigies, natives in wooden shoes and costumes joining the procession of the statue of San Clemente around town.
P’yagsawitan Festival	3rd weekMaragusan, Davao Province	This involves performances by indigenous groups of the area, and harvest-related thanksgiving rituals.
Kawayanan Festival	3rd weekCapitol Complex, Pagadian, Zamboanga del Sur	This celebrates the versatility of the Bamboo plant and its importance in the area.
Santa Ipon Festival	November 25 – December 25Santa, Ilocos Sur	A thanksgiving celebration highlighted by the catching of the ipon, a small but mysterious fish.
Day-ang Di Onga Festival	November 30Baguio City	This is one of the region’s major events featuring young Cordillerans in a day-long event to “celebrate life.”
Binabayani Festival	Last weekOlongapo, Zambales	This festival re-enacts the war between the Aetas and the Christians through dance.
DECEMBER
Paskuhan sa Barangay	Parian, Cebu City	This is highlighted by nightly cultural presentations from the different universities in Cebu City.
San Fernando Giant Lantern Festival	Philippine Christmas Village, San Fernando, Pampanga	This is a month-long lantern showcase where lanterns measuring 14 to 18 feet in diameter delight spectators with their kaleidoscope patterns
Kamundagan Festival	Naga City	This month-long festival features “Kiti-Kiti,” “Pastoras,” Bikol Song Festival, and other cultural events.
Subayan Keg Subanon	December 1- 8Ozamiz City	This involves a trade fair, a street theater performance, and songs and dances depicting the rich Subanon cultural heritage.
Pasko sa Tanjay Festival	December 1 to 9Tanjay, Negros Oriental	A month-long Christmas festivity featuring cultural presentations and contests.
Fiesta de Agoo	December 5-8Agoo Civic Center, Agoo Basilica	This features a Lantern festival, the coronation of Miss Agoo, the awarding of Bannuar ti and Dakilang Datu Awards.
Sinadya	December 5-8Roxas City	This features a fireworks display, a grand parade, a food festival, and the Capiz dance festival.
Hanging of the Green	2nd weekZamboanga City	Children join in the “hanging of the green” signifying the start of the Christmas season.
Feast of the Immaculate Concepcion	December 8Puerto Princesa City	A grand celebration in honor of the city’s patroness and is highlighted by a parade of several images of Virgin Mary.
Pagdiwata	December 8Palawan	The Tagbanuas’ feast of thanksgiving for a bountiful rice harvest along with food offerings to deities and departed kin. The rite involves men and partaking of rice wine with the spirits. After the harvest, the Tagbanuas gather in the house of the babaylan or the priestess whom the spirits speak to.
Dad-Iw Day-eng Chants	December 8Bakod, Benguet	This features the Ibaloi, Kankana-ey tribal songs and dance presentations.
Karisyohan Han Pasko Ha Palo	December 10 to January 6Palo, Leyte	This features a Misa de gallo, a cultura show and a Christmas eve choral concert at Palo Cathedral.
Philippine International Lantern Parade	December 14Asia World Complex Roxas Blvd., and Quirino Grandstand	A grand colorful parade featuring lanterns from different countries along with local bands, indigenous groups, vintage cars, and calesas.
Christmas Among the Tribes	December 16Cabarroquis, Quirino	This involves house visitations for Christmas gifts undertaken by the indigenous groups in Quirino.
Simballay Festival	3rd weekNabunturan, Davao Province	A week-long festival highlighted by Mansaka dances, neo-ethnic shows, street dancing and a grand parade.
Shariff Kabunsuan	December 15-19Cotabato City	A celebration to commemorate the arrival of Shariff Kabunsuan and Islam to Mindanao.
Pastores Bikol	December 18Legaspi City	This involves boys and girls in costumes playing the roles of shepherds who rejoice at the birth of Jesus.
Maytinis Festival	December 24Kawit, Cavite	A town-wide re-enactment of Mary and Joseph’s search for a room on the eve of Christ’s birth.
Salubong	December 29Plaridel, Bulacan	This is procession of dancing women, horses and calesas to fetch the Santiago Maria Moros from Barangay Sipet.

This list of festivals shared by the Tourism Promotions Board will be updated continuously as many of the dates and details can change every year.

Connect with our travel experts to plan your upcoming festival attendance!

Plan Your Destination Wedding in the Philippines

After getting engaged, many brides get lost in a flurry of tasks: choosing colors, finding the dress, picking out decorations, and what seems like a thousand other things. One of the most stressful parts of planning a wedding is finding the right place for your nuptials. With the average ceremony and reception cost in the … Continue reading “Plan Your Destination Wedding in the Philippines”

After getting engaged, many brides get lost in a flurry of tasks: choosing colors, finding the dress, picking out decorations, and what seems like a thousand other things. One of the most stressful parts of planning a wedding is finding the right place for your nuptials. With the average ceremony and reception cost in the United States reaching $15,163, it is no wonder that the venue takes a toll on a couple trying to find the perfect setting at a reasonable cost.

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Although the money-savvy couple can find venues in the U.S. for a modest amount, they are often lacking extras – like seating, food, and decorations – which the couple must furnish themselves or pay extra for the venue to provide. This can leave many couples dreaming of a destination wedding instead. If this echoes your struggle and you’re wondering where in the world to get married, let us recommend some of our favorite places for Filipino nuptials. From the beachy keen couple to those who imagine heart-stopping heights, we have locations for every type of bride!

Eco-Conscious Bride

The Philippines is full of eco-conscious and eco-friendly spaces. Whether you want the whole experience in one of the many eco-friendly resorts or if you want a simple elopement on a breathtaking protected beach, you are sure to find a place that meets both your vision and environmental ethics. Here’s just a quick sample of the exquisite locations you can find.

Pangulasian Island – El Nido Resort (Palawan)

El Nido owns a group of sustainable resorts that focus on a variety of experiences. Their Pangulasian Island Resort offers the most services, including a coordinator on site who can assist you in planning the wedding of your dreams. In addition to promoting responsible tourism, their entire staff continually undergoes training on conservation, environmental ethics, and waste management.

Amorita Resort – Bohol

As a recipient of the ASEAN Green Hotel Award and Condé Nast Johansens’ 2017 “Best for Service” Award, Amorita strives to make sure every guest experiences world-class comforts without compromising sustainable practices. They work to protect and preserve the surrounding natural environment, which doubles as picturesque scenery for your destination union.

Fundacion Pacita – Batanes

Maybe the beach or exclusive resort isn’t your style. For those who prefer to get married in a more harmonious setting, with a dramatic volcano rising above you, Fundacion Pacita is waiting for you. Their staff will strive to make sure you cherish your day, from the farm-fresh food to the awe-inspiring views.

Beach Bride

If you prefer to get married with the sand between your toes and a rose gold sunset creating a magnificent backdrop for your vows, we have plentiful beaches for you. Let’s face it: nothing says romantic wedding like a sandy paradise.

Kandaya Resort – Cebu

Kandaya has a pristine white, sandy beach nestled beside a lush landscape. With luxury accommodations and exquisite sunsets, it is easy to see why so many couples choose Kandaya to exchange their vows.

Bellarocca Island Resort – Marinduque

Have you imagined getting married in a Grecian paradise, but want a non-traditional spin? Look no further than Bellarocca, situated on a tiny island off the coast of Buenavista. Book a breathtaking cliffside villa, with infinity pools that seemingly stretch into the space between sea and sky, and you have a perfect escape for both your ceremony and honeymoon.

Crimson Hotel – Cebu

If you want relaxed nuptials on the beach followed by a toast in the sea, the Crimson Hotel in Cebu is for you. This resort will help take care of everything, plus their stunning location will make the perfect backdrop for memories you will treasure for years to come.

Perfect cone Mount Mayon in the Philippines

Adventurous Bride

Maybe you want to find a scenic setting off the beaten path. These locales are not for the faint of heart or large groups. If your dream destination wedding involves a beautiful landscape that is out of this world, the next three places are calling you by name.

Mount Pulag – Kabayan, Benguet

Mount Pulag, the Philippines second highest peak, creates an unreal atmosphere above the clouds. You will have to work for the view as it requires a six-hour hike to the top. However, once you get there, the panorama of the Milky Way and the blanket of clouds below creates a backdrop of galactic proportions.

Daraga, Mount Mayon – Albay

This area was recently made famous by the incredible photos taken while Mount Mayon erupted in the background. With an array of venues for the ceremony, you are sure to find the perfect spot. Then you can capture the active volcano in your couple shots, showcasing how explosive your love is for each other. You will need to keep in mind that flexibility is key in this location; since the volcano is active, you may have to delay your wedding if evacuations are in place.

Sila Island – Northern Samar

Sila Island boasts one of the only pink sand beaches in the Philippines. As such, rose gold fanatics can find the perfect spot here, especially if they can catch the golden rays of the sunset hitting the dusty pink beaches. Traveling to Sila Island is not easy, however, as it takes almost every mode of transportation to arrive on its blushing shores. The long travel is worth it as the lack of accessibility means that it is one of the least crowded and tranquil islands the Philippines offers.

Foodie Bride

The Philippines is full of fantastic and cheap local cuisine. For very little money, you can feed your entire reception with a scrumptious feast. Below are some of our favorite regional treats and where you can find them!

Lechón – Cebu

Lechón is a whole pig slowly roasted and basted above a fire pit over the course of several hours. The result is beautifully tender meat with a crispy, flavorful skin that will delight your taste buds. Cebu is known for having the best lechón, but don’t just take our word for it! Even celebrities like Anthony Bourdain had said Cebu lechón is the “best pig ever.” Filipinos typically serve the dish on special occasions, so it is a perfect meal to accompany your reception. Check out favorites, like Rico’s and House of Lechón, or ask your venue to contact their favorite lechón maker.

Adobo – Manila

Many consider adobo the national dish of the Philippines, so you cannot miss it as you plan your nuptials! The best adobo is found in Manila, which is perfect for the bride who still wants the glamor of the city. Adobo refers to the vinegar based marinade and slow cooking method and can be made with pork, chicken, or vegetables. That means no matter what your guests’ tastes are, they can find a way to enjoy this traditional cuisine. Order some lumpias with the adobo and you have a perfect dinner for the occasion.

Traditional Desserts

Since you are planning a destination wedding, you can forgo the traditional wedding cake if you want. You might try out the heavenly local sweets and create a dessert table for your guests to enjoy. Add succulent seasonal fruit to the table and you will have a dazzling array of confections to satisfy everyone. Our favorites are halo-halo, palitaw, puto, leche flan, silvana, sans rival, turon, and maja blanca. If you are unsure of what you might want, spend a day checking out the neighborhood bakeries and pastry shops to find what you love. If you still want a traditional cake, don’t worry! There are plenty of amazing bakers who can create the stunning (and scrumptious) cake you desire.

Weddings…It’s More Fun in the Philippines

Now that you have a handful of places to choose from, we hope you have found the perfect location for your destination wedding. You will find that your wedding is more fun than you could have imagined if you choose to have it in the Philippines.

7 Must-See Churches in the Philippines: Plan an Easter Experience

Lent, Holy Week, and Easter Sunday are celebrated by Christians around the world, but in the Philippines, it’s different. More than 80 percent of Filipinos are Catholic. Their traditions have influenced the culture and whole communities celebrate together.

For travelers interested in observing these holy days, it’s an ideal time to visit the Philippines. Plan a spiritual experience with your family or with close friends. It’s important to start planning this trip early–booking both travel and accommodations–as many guests visit for the Easter holiday and Filipinos travel to be with family and friends.

Must See Churches

Enhance your journey through the Philippines during the Easter holidays by visiting some of the oldest and most beautiful churches on the islands.

Church of Santo Tomas de Villanueva – Ming-ao, Iloilo

Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993, the Ming-ao Church has an extensive history. It’s thick walls and mismatched bell towers helped protect the area from invaders during the 18^th and 19^th centuries. The belfries were commissioned by two different parish priests and the west tower is both older and taller. While visiting this church, don’t forget to go inside and see the solid gold retablo also known as a sanctuary.

St. Matias Parish Church – Tuamauini, Isabela

Built entirely of red bricks in 1783, the church, commonly known as the Tumauini Church, has been under consideration as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2006. It was built in the style of Late Baroque or Early Rococo and its bell tower stands four stories tall.

Nuestra Señora del Patrocinio de Maria Parish Church – Boljoon, Cebu

While this parish dates back to the 1690s, the church building, which is commonly known as Boljoon Church, was first built in 1783. It was listed as a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum of the Philippines in 2001 and continues to be a candidate to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is well-known for its special ceilings which are made of “tag-ut” which means “coming from trees” and are beautifully painted. They date back to at least 1883.

Archdiocesan Shrine and Parish of Saint Michael the Archangel – Argao, Cebu

Completed in 1788, the church commonly known as the Argao Church is a two-level structure built of coral stone. The beautifully painted ceiling tiles are made of wood. The paintings themselves were completed by two artists, one being the renowned Cebuano painter Raymundo Francia. Sadly, the other half was completed by an unknown Boholano artist. As the name suggests, the church was dedicated to the archangel Saint Michael.

Saint Augustine Church – Paoay, Ilocos Norte

Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993, the church, commonly known as the Paoay Church, began construction in 1694. It is known as a prime example of the Spanish Colonial Baroque Architecture-style which was adapted for the Philippines due to the frequency of earthquakes. You’ll see larger than normal buttresses and stair-style buttresses. The facade is made up of two materials, brick on the lower part and coral on the upper.

The Camarin de la Virgen at the Sta. Ana Church

Commonly known as the Santa Ana Church, it was established by the Franciscan Order in 1577. The first cornerstone for the larger stone church and convent was laid on September 12, 1720. The image of the patron saint, Nstra. Sra. De los Desamparados – or Our Lady of the Abandoned – was carved in Spain and brought to Santa Ana by Fr. Vicente Ingles, OFM, who was the parish priest at the time.

Minor Basilica of Saint Martin of Tours – Taal, Batangas

Within the Archdiocese of Lipa you’ll find this church, commonly known as Taal Basilica. It is considered the single largest church in the Philippines, as well as in all of Asia. First established in 1575, the church was severely damaged by the largest recorded eruption of the local volcano in 1754. The church was then moved to its current location on top.

Tips for What to Expect

If you’ve never been in the Philippines for Holy Week and Easter, you will need to keep a few things in mind.

Heavy traffic and crowded streets cause problems getting anywhere quickly. Processions involving people, carts, floats, and crowds around the churches are common. Plan to become part of the celebrations and immerse yourself in the experience.
Many businesses are closed during Holy Week or have shortened working hours. Once you know where you’ll be staying, learn what will be open and be prepared for stores and services to be shut down, including grocery stores and restaurants.
Some television and radio stations feature reruns or pre-recorded shows during parts of Holy Week, while others play seasonal content to join in the spirit of the holiday.

Plan Your Trip to the Philippines

Spending the holiday living like a Filipino local creates one-of-a-kind, spiritual memories.

The time to plan your trip to the Philippines is now if you want to be a part of this immersive religious experience before it’s gone. If you’re ready, our partners are ready to help you discover the Philippines.

Don’t Let Hurricanes Delay Your Vacation: Come to the Philippines

Your bags aren’t packed yet, but your boss already approved your vacation time, right? Even if Hurricane Irma didn’t care about your vacation destination, your much-needed vacation shouldn’t have to be postponed.

Hurricanes and tropical storms are devastating bringing destruction and grief to many island destinations. We are optimistic that the Caribbean Islands will rebuild better than ever. In the meantime, the Philippines can offer you all the amenities and similar exciting attractions for a vacation you’ll never forget.

Beautiful Diving Destinations

With new resorts and diving tours popping up across the islands, the Philippines is a perfect destination for both beginners and experienced divers. Filipinos have a history of helping divers experience the underwater beauty of the Philippines through Scuba Diving since 1966. Pick your favorite spot and get to diving today!

Shipwreck exploration in Coron

Below the surface, there are several sunken Japanese warships leftover from World War II when the U.S. Navy attacked on September 24, 1944. The ships serve as a host to marine life and are a unique memorial from the war. You can visit the ocean floor to see the damage done to the ships by the 96 American planes, preserved by their home at the bottom of the sea and only available to SCUBA divers.

Hole in the Wall at Puerto Galera

At slack tide, this is a a perfect diving spot for inexperienced divers. Sitting at a depth of only 40 feet, thousands of divers have visited this big rock with a hole only large enough for one person to fit through. You’ll have a good chance of seeing snappers, scorpion fish, and turtles. Also, you’ll be hypnotized by the different soft corals, gorgonian fans, and sponges.

Apo Island Diving

There are dives sites circling Apo Island which offer beautiful seascapes and tons of marine life. The Apo Island Marine Sanctuary and Protected Seascape has been under rehabilitation and is currently prohibited from diving, however, you’ll still be blown away by diving at Coconut Point, Chapel’s Point, Rock Point, and Mamsa Point. Reef sharks, jacks, barracudas, Vlaming Unicornfish, tuna, snappers, eels and many more types of fish can be seen.

Sweet Surfing Spots

Peak surfing season happens in the Philippines September through March. However, in some areas, it is said to be possible to surf all year long.

Cloud 9 on Siargao Island
Often the first place Filipinos mention when asked where to go surfing, Cloud 9 landed in the No. 9 spot on the CNN Travel blog, “World’s 50 Best Surf Spots.” This is one spot surfers can catch a great wave all year long and is dubbed the “Surfing Capital of the Philippines”. Each year, surfers from around the globe meet in Siargao for the annual Siargao Cup, a surfing competition sponsored by the Surigao del Norte provincial government.

Charlie’s Point near Baler, Aurora

The movie Apocalypse Now changed life forever for the once-small fishing village of Baler. During filming in 1979, local Filipinos watched as the beach became scenes from the Vietnam war. They also watched the actors surfing, and when the actors left their boards, the locals taught themselves to surf. Each year, tourism grows at Charlie’s Point and the locals will gladly show you where the movie was filmed, teach you to surf, or join you in the waves.

Bagasbas Beach in Daet, Camarines Norte

Bagasbas Beach is known for being both long and wide with fine sand. The Pacific Ocean provides big waves that are known to become barrel waves between July and November. Waves break both to the right and left, providing a good learning spot for inexperienced surfers. The sandy bottom below the waves also helps beginners keep from scraping themselves up as they learn to surf.

Wildlife Swimming Companions

Have you ever wanted to swim with dolphins? Have you dreamed about a dive with sea lions and sea turtles? You can do it all in the Philippines!

Swim with the Sharks in Oslob

The largest fish in the world, the whale shark, can be seen in the water at Oslob, Cebu. Tourists gather along the beach and catch boats out into the water to get a closer view. Those who have paid to swim with the sharks must remove all sunscreen and agree to stay at least four feet from the sharks. There are fines for anyone who touches the beautifully-massive creatures. From 6 a.m. until noon, groups of people called “feeders” drop krill, small fish, and sea plants to keep the whale sharks in the area. You can set up tours and even combine the experience with a trip to the turquoise pools at Tumalog Falls.

Experience an Animal Encounter at Ocean Adventure
In just one place, you can swim with sea lions and dolphins or dive with sea turtles, blacktip reef sharks, and giant jackfish. At Ocean Adventure, you can even get a fish spa pedicure where live fish tickle your feet as they nibble away all the dead skin. You can tailor each part of your day to fulfill your every expectation. Spend the day as an animal trainer, see the shows, and even dine by the bay.

Unique Catches for Fisherman

With more than 2,000 species of fish living in or around the islands of the Philippines, there is no shortage of places to fish. You can hire guided tours and boats, which also have rental fishing equipment. Take your chance at fishing for a record in the Philippines.

Go sport fishing in Cagayan

Fishing is one of the most popular pastimes in Cagayan. While you can productive fishing all year, the best times to catch fish are from March to June. During that time you can find fishing tournaments, or arrange for your trip to avoid the tournaments if you don’t want to fish with a crowd.

Fish for Largemouth Bass

Both Lake Lumot and Caliraya Lake on the island of Luzon are known for their bass fishing. Even though the American Largemouth Bass is not native to these waters, they thrive there. You might even be able to find bass larger than 10 pounds!

See How It’s Made

Spend more time getting to know the people of the Philippines and how they live through tours of local farms. Experience a day in the life on a Filipino farm and you’ll find something delicious to take home with you.

La Huerta de Rosario – Baao, Camarines Sur

La Huerta de Rosario is a privately-owned farm and tourist stop where visitors can experience harvesting fresh, local produce. In addition, guests are then served food–freshly harvested and cooked in the local style. La Huerta de Rosario is also a haven for local artists and their work is displayed throughout the buildings on the farm.

The Coffee Farmhouse, Cavite

From coffee to bean, serious coffee connoisseurs can enjoy a stay at the Coffee Farmhouse. About two hours away from Manila on the outskirts of Tagatay, you can escape the bustle of the city and learn about how coffee is raised, processed, and served on a family farm in the Philippines. In addition to the tour, you can play games, enjoy a bonfire, or schedule a relaxing massage.

Malagos Chocolate Cacao Farm, Davao City
Known for their excellent quality, the Malagos Farms’ chocolate bars start from cacao beans grown, harvested, and processed on their farm in Davao City. Chocolate lovers can take a half-day tour of the farm to get an idea of how the chocolates are made. For serious chocoholics, a three-day cacao farming seminar is also an option.

Sneak a Peek at Nature

The list of flora and fauna you can only see in the Philippines is extensive, both on land and underwater. Even if you aren’t a hiker or a diver, the people of the Philippines have found ways to share their unique landscape with you.

Bird Watching at Olango Wildlife Sanctuary

The first preserved wetland of international importance for waterfowl, the Olango Wildlife Sanctuary offers trekking tours with knowledgeable guides. Vulnerable and threatened species like the Chinese Egret and the Asian Dowitcher are protected here and can be seen while taking the tour. The amenities of the sanctuary are minimal, but guides will help you see the natural aviary on this important migratory route as well as arrange for your group to have fresh coconut juice.

Watch Whales and Dolphins at Pamilacan Island

The Pamilacan Island Dolphin and Whale Watching Tours began with one man’s dream to provide an eco-tourism adventure for the people living on Pamilacan Island, as an alternative to hunting whales and dolphins. Now, you can create a tour to satisfy your need for adventure, see dolphins and whales at play, swim and snorkel on white sandy beaches, tour the Bohol countryside, or visit the village on Pamilacan Island.

Create the Vacation of Your Dreams in the Philippines

When you come to the Philippines, people will make you feel at home. You can enjoy adventures of all sorts, lay on white sand beaches, or get treated like royalty at the spas and resorts. Don’t let mother nature steal your vacation plans, let us help you craft the most memorable vacation of your life today.

Take a Jeepney to a Pineapple Farm: A Bucket List for Traveling the Philippines

Have you been saving and searching for a dream vacation? Well, stop searching, because we’ve got a bucket list full of the best things to do in the Philippines that’ll have you booking your flight in no time. For the Avid Hiker The Philippines consists of 7,641 islands with a tropical maritime climate–which means it’s … Continue reading “Take a Jeepney to a Pineapple Farm: A Bucket List for Traveling the Philippines”

For the Avid Hiker

The Philippines consists of 7,641 islands with a tropical maritime climate–which means it’s warm and humid the majority of the year. The extensive coastlines and rainforests on the islands provide a perfect habitat for plant and animal life to flourish. Hiking expeditions through this exotic wildlife offer unique experiences at sites that are inaccessible by car.

Explore the Banaue and Batad Rice Terraces

Carved into the mountainside more than 2,000 years ago, the rice terraces created–by the ancestors of indigenous Filipinos–are a sight to behold. The rainforests above the terraces provide water to the ancient irrigation system, which is still used today.

Catching a ride in a Jeepney–which provides local transportation across the Philippines–is the suggested way to start your hike. Guided hikes can be negotiated and purchased when you arrive in Banaue or before leaving for the Philippines.

Learn more about Lotte, a travel blogger from the Netherlands, and her hike through the rice terraces on her blog, Phenomenal Globe.

Backpack Mount Apo

Backpack to the top of Mount Apo, the tallest peak in the Philippines archipelago. The best known starting point originates in the national park located in Kidapawan City, the capital of Cotabato Province. The hike is expected to take three to four days and is considered a seven out of nine-difficulty rating, according to the local mountaineering guide.

Go Spelunking in Cantabon Cave

Described by some as an experience much like an obstacle course, you can try spelunking into one of the least corrupted caves in the Philippines when you visit Siquijor. The professionally guided caving experience at Cantabon Cave may leave you wet, dirty, and tired–but it’s unlike anything else you will see while visiting the islands.

The 800-meter hike into the cave is expected to take around two hours to complete. Watch this video of one group’s experience in the cave.

For the Divers and Swimmers

Under the clear blue water, the flora and fauna of the Philippines provide a spectacle any diver would enjoy. In fact, you can find more than 500 types of coral and 2,400 species of fish. Beyond the natural wonders of the area, you’ll find sunken ships to discover, special swimming classes, and friendly boat captains.

Attend the Philippine Mermaid Swimming Academy

Photo used courtesy of the Philippine Mermaid Swimming Academy[/caption]

Have you dreamed of swimming through the seas with one fin like a mermaid? The Philippine Mermaid Swimming Academy will teach you how! Start your introduction to a mermaid’s life in Boracay, Cebu, or Manila. For more in-depth courses, you’ll have to visit Boracay.

Initial intro classes include tail measurements and fittings, safety and photo training, and free swim time in shallow water. Advanced classes further teach safety, methods for swimming in deeper water, and lessons on how to act more like a mermaid by doing handstands and blowing mermaid bubbles.

Discover the Coron Bay Reefs and Wrecks

With more than 1,000 types of marine life to discover among the reefs and a dozen wrecked World War II ships, the area around Coron Bay is a diver’s paradise. It has been named among Forbes Traveler Magazine’s Top 10 Dive sites. Rock formations in the area also provide a lively snorkeling experience for those who like to stay near the top of the water.
One famous dive site is known as Gunter’s Cave, where you can visit a naturally lit, underwater cave. At certain times of the day a beam of light shines through the opening in the cave and illuminates the entire space.

Scuba at Tubbataha Natural Park

While visiting the sites at Tubbataha Natural Park, you must schedule a boat and stay on board during your trip. Its location in the middle of the Sulu Sea, with no human-inhabited land, makes visiting without a boat impossible.

Experienced divers, as well as newcomers to the hobby, will be impressed with no less than 360 coral species, 600 types of fish, 11 different shark species, and 13 whale and dolphin species that call the area home. Since December of 1993, the area has been considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is protected and loved by those who Scuba dive there.

For the Natural Wonder Enthusiasts

The climate and location of the Philippines creates natural wonders you won’t find anywhere else. Some of the natural wonders require boat rentals and some you might want a guided tour to enjoy. Either way, these are experiences you don’t want to miss.

Tour the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River and National Park

Under the island of Palawan, you’ll find an exciting experience. The Puerto Princesa subterranean river flows directly beneath the St. Paul Mountain Range, weaving through cave-like structures beneath the mountains for 8.2 km. Getting to the starting point of the underground trip at Sabang is only about a 40km trip from Puerto Princesa. Once you’re there, this “New 7 Wonders of Nature” site will amaze you with waterfalls flowing from cave walls, ancient fossils, and creatures that live nowhere else in the world.

Don’t forget to get a permit to travel there, or else you won’t be allowed in. If you book a guided tour, your permit, boat, guide, lunch, and transport are usually all included. If you are staying in Sabang, you can opt to buy everything separately and use your negotiation skills to save some pesos.

Soak in the Hinatuan Enchanted River

The Hinatuan River is a deep spring, saltwater river on the island of Mindanao, which flows directly into the Philippine Sea and onto the Pacific Ocean. Catching a ride on a habal-habal motorcycle is the preferred way to get to the river once you arrive in Hinatuan.

The enchanting color of the water has long left local people to believe the water holds secrets. Whether the water itself has healing powers or if spirits keep the place safe, no one knows for sure. However, novice adventurers or advanced swimmers alike can find an area of the river they enjoy.

For the History Buffs

The history of the Philippine Islands is diverse. Different regions have unique stories and not all the islands have the same background. Travel the islands and sample cultures from around the world without having to get additional stamps in your passport.

Step Back in Time on Corregidor Island

Corregidor is an island found at the mouth of Manila Bay, in the southwestern part of Luzon Island. It has long been fortified by the reigning military forces to protect the most important seaport located in Manila. During World War II, the area was of great importance to both the Japanese military and the Allied Forces.

Today, the ruins of the fortifications from that time serve as a memorial and reminder to visitors about the cost of war. Families from around the world visit the site to remember loved ones and learn more about the history of the Philippines during WWII.

Hanging Coffins of Sagada

The practice of burying the dead in hanging coffins predates the Spanish colonization of the Philippines. Hoping to get the dead closer to the spirits of their ancestors, Filipinos hung or nailed the coffins to the sides of cliffs. However, the tradition is practiced today on a much smaller scale than in the past.

Today, the burial ceremonies are only held by the elders of Sagada, as the younger generation have adopted more modern burial traditions and enjoy being able to visit their ancestors on All Saints Day.

Walk the Cobblestone Streets of Vigan

Vigan is one of the oldest cities in the Philippines, but its structures have mostly been preserved and restored. The cobblestone streets and unique architecture–which marry the Philippines’ traditional Filipino structures with those of the Spanish-colonial era–make it a popular vacation destination.

One can visit preserved houses near the central park, known as Plaza Salcedo, which surrounds Plaza Burgos. You’ll also find a museum along Crisologo Street with unique antique collections of memorabilia and vehicles. When your feet tire of walking along the cobblestones, snag a ride in a kalesa and complete your journey back in time.

For the Nature Lovers

The unique land, as well as the special plants and animals that call the Philippines home, often require protection. Unfortunately, it would be easy for these unique plant and animal species to be endangered without formal conservation efforts. While you’re there, visit a few of the reservations dedicated to protecting the Philippines’ natural wonders.

Experience Everything El Nido Marine Reserve Park Has to Offer

Located on the northernmost tip of the Palawan mainland, El Nido Marine Reserve Park is a perfect example of the diversity you’ll see when traveling through the Philippines. You can fly into the airport at Puerto Princesa or travel by boat. When you arrive, you’ll see white sand beaches and limestone cliffs, high-end resorts, endemic and endangered species of birds, and lush forests.

With more than 30 dive sites, there’s more to see while diving than you’ll be able to fit in during most trips. The resorts on nearby islands offer snorkeling, kayaking, hiking, and spa treatments in addition to the diving expeditions. You can even find a secret beach hidden among rocks if you’re brave enough to swim through a hole in the limestone.

Visit the Tarsier Sanctuary

The Tarsier, one of the world’s smallest primates, is indigenous to the Philippines. You can visit the Tarsier Sanctuary while you are in Bohol and, for a small price, you can pay for a guide to help you trek through the sanctuary and spot the Tarsiers in their natural habitat. Your guide will be glad to help with taking videos and photos along the way. The tour lasts about 30 minutes and culminates on a viewing deck over the sanctuary.

See the Ruins at Mount Mayon Active Volcano Natural Park

Mount Mayon is the most active volcano in the Philippines and is located on the island of Luzon. The most destructive eruption happened in 1814. Five towns were destroyed in that eruption, but each one was rebuilt, demonstrating the resilience of the locals.

The Cagsawa Ruins are the remnants of a Franciscan church destroyed in the 1814 eruption and are one of the most visited areas of the Natural Park. Near the ruins, you will find the Cagsawa National Museum, which helps the local government care for the park and ruins.

Live Like a Local

One of the greatest treasures you will find while traveling the Philippines are the people who live there. Learn about how they live while doing things the Filipino way. Get to know them, make friends, and let them show you the best ways to enjoy your time in the Philippines.

For more information on how to eat like a local or see what the locals see, check out our blog. Don’t hesitate to send us your questions. We can’t wait to help you visit the Philippines!

Top 3 Honeymoon Destinations in the Philippines

Preparing for a wedding can be too arduous and time-consuming which makes newlyweds crave for the events to follow the wedding itself. Still overwhelmed with so many options? Listed below are three destinations you can spend that sweet honeymoon like no other. Cebu Cebu, the Queen City of the South is one of the most … Continue reading “Top 3 Honeymoon Destinations in the Philippines”

Cebu

Cebu, the Queen City of the South is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Philippines. In fact, back in 2010, Cebu was chosen as the best honeymoon destination at the World Travel Fair Awards which makes Cebu’s strong foundation as a honeymoon destination recognized worldwide.

Taking a boat tour around dusk would give couples that unparalleled moment of watching the sun fall while holding hands. The night breeze and atmosphere might even join in the fun which would create nothing but memories for the two of you.

If you and your partner are inclined more towards attaining adrenaline, then fret not as Cebu is also known for water activities. You can either visit Moalboal to get a glimpse of the rich marine life underwater which cannot be seen in other places besides Cebu or Kawasan Falls, listed in Travel + Leisure’s beautiful waterfalls around the world where you can raft through the three levels for a cascading massage. You can certainly never run out of things to do together in Cebu.

Bohol

Not too far from Cebu, another famed tourist spot known as Bohol sits by. Newlyweds can witness majestic landscapes such as the awe-inspiring Chocolate hills or drop by the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary, home to one of the smallest known primates, where a couple of Tarsiers are carefully taken care of without destroying their niche. At the sanctuary, the lovely wide-eyed tarsiers are trained to roost in during the day but are active and hunting at night which makes them free to roam around the area which is several hectares large.

One cannot leave Bohol without the fireflies encounter experience. Fireflies can be found in Loboc River in which you would have to rent a boat to visit. Five minutes in and you’ll be guaranteed with small blinking lights swarming in and around the mangroves. The surreal atmosphere and gentle breeze while traveling along Loboc River will leave you and your partner reminiscing the day you met.

Palawan

Certainly not what you have expected, Palawan makes its mark as the last one on our list. Sometimes referred to as Asia’s Garden of Eden, Palawan will be able to give you and your spouse-to-be the once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon both of you have always been dreaming of. Unlike the crowd favorite that is Boracay, Palawan provides the much-needed privacy to create lasting moments with only the two of you.

Known as the Philippines’ last frontier, the well- preserved Palawan offers so many couple activities you are encouraged to do. Kayaking your way to the amazing turquoise-green Big and Small Lagoons of Palawan where you could seclude yourselves and be astonished by the beauty of untouched nature. Explore the overwhelming Honda Bay and tunnel through the ravishing underground river of Palawan and leave nothing but priceless moments that you’ll cherish for your life as one.

Want to make your honeymoon struggle-free? Leave it to our travel experts and they’ll make your dreamy honeymoon come true.

Four Travel Moments You Need to Know to Reach your Market

Just like any other business, targeting your market is all about knowing exactly how to communicate with them. What do they find interesting? What is important to them? If you have the answers to these questions, then you’re a step closer to reaching your market. Now most of those in the travel and tours industry believe … Continue reading “Four Travel Moments You Need to Know to Reach your Market”

Now most of those in the travel and tours industry believe that effectively marketing their audience only revolves in offering airfare sales. To some extent, yes, that is definitely one way to entice your market to travel with you but you can’t always hold promos, right? If you want to learn how to attract clients to make their dream vacations a reality with your agency besides just lowering price, then read on.

You see, there are four important traveler’s moments you need to be a part of. Once you know what these are, you can finally come up with content that will perfectly send your message across that you are the travel partner they should trust.

Here are those travel moments:

Dreaming Moments

Your market’s desire to get away. If there is one thing you can be sure of, it’s that these people travel to get away, whether it’s from the daily hustle and bustle of the metropolis or the demands of a difficult job, your market finds travelling a sort of sweet escape. For this particular moment, you can make an impact by providing them content designed to help them decide on where to go next. Going for articles and newsletters focused on dream vacations and best holiday travel destinations will definitely get you on their radar.

Planning Moments

Your market’s preparation for the trip. Once they finally have a destination in mind, your market will surely start researching all they can about that particular place. From tourist spots and local cuisine to climate and available accommodation, rest assured that a traveler will do some studying to prepare themselves for the trip. If you are offering an allinclusive tour in a particular destination, then it’s best to provide your market everything they need to know to plan the perfect trip there.

Booking Moments

Your market’s ready to book. So your market is done picking a destination and researching about it, this is right about the time they start looking for the most convenient way to book. If you have an online booking system, best to do a user test to make sure every process in the system works smoothly because if your client encounters even just one hindrance, your chance of being their preferred travel and tours agency drops immediately. On the other hand, always keep your contact details readily available for no matter how convenient booking is online, there’s still a portion of the market who prefers to talk to a travel agent.

Experiencing Moments

Your market’s looking to maximize their stay Vacations are called as such because they are short and sweet so take our word when we say that your market wants to do the best they can to maximize the little they have on their dream vacation destination. Help them achieve this goal by proposing set itineraries and giving them advice on what to see, where to go, what to eat, where to stay, what to do, and how to get around their preferred destination. Remember, you want to build a relationship with your client and helping them in their travels is the best way to turn them from a new customer to a loyal one.

13 Filipino Street Food Worth Drooling Over

Admit it, you love trying new food. Everyone from Food Network to Bloomberg claims 2017 is the year Filipino flavors will explode onto the food scene. Bon Appétit named the D.C.-based Filipino restaurant “Bad Saint” the second-best new restaurant of 2016, providing evidence for the claims that Filipino flavor is about to find fame. And now, Netflix’s Street Food featured Tuslob Buwa to the world!
While eating his way through food-friendly cities around the world for television audiences (since 2002), Anthony Bourdain has shown some serious love for Filipino street food. He claims his favorite street food in the Philippines, sisig, is “possibly the best thing you could ever eat with a cold beer.”

It’s time for you to let your taste buds join the adventure and get to munching as you travel through the streets of the Philippines. The endless choices from street vendors will get your stomach rumbling. Some of the foods you’ll find may test the limits of your palate, but if you’re craving adventure, you can find it among the stalls of Filipino food markets.

However, if eating from a stall in the street seems too extreme, choose these items from a menu in a bar or restaurant. Many places offer wine or local craft beer pairings with these traditional street foods.

Savory Snack Foods in the Philippines

You can find a variety of grilled, barbecued, and roasted savory dishes on Filipino streets. Don’t forget, as you snag your street food, it is proper to stop at the sauce station and add salt, vinegar, onions, chilies, and various sauces as the Filipinos do.

Lechón

You won’t want to miss trying the national dish of the Philippines, roasted suckling pig known as Lechón. It is prepared throughout the year for special occasions, celebrations, and holidays. After removing the insides of the pig, it is seasoned and skewered by a large stick. The skewer is then placed in a large rotisserie and the entire pig is cooked over a charcoal pit for several hours.

The Lechón is usually crispy on the outside due to the method of basting and the hours on top of the coals. During his visit, chef Anthony Bourdain claimed Cebu had the most delicious version of the dish, but Skyscanner claims they know the nine best places to grub down on some Lechón.

Tuslob Buwa

If you’ve seen Street Food’s Cebu episode, then you’ll be familiar with the first exotic street food straight from Cebu. Tuslob Buwa consists of a pig’s brain, liver, and spices mixed and cooked in one pan. Usually, this is eaten by hand with puso or hanging rice wrapped in woven coconut leaves.

The Cebuano delicacy is known for its aromatic flavors and smell to which tourists enjoy.

Fish Ball

Next on the list is one Asian delicacy found in Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, and other parts of Southeast Asia. But here in the Philippines, the most common type of fish balls is usually made from cuttlefish or pollock served with a sweet and spicy sauce. Another alternative for sauces may include a spicy and tangy white sauce that contains vinegar, diced onions, and garlic. And you can actually find them in pushing wooden deep-frying carts sold by vendors everywhere.

Balut

Walking around a local market is one of the best ways to try the adventurous and famous street food snack, Balut. The partially developed duck egg embryo is often referred to as the king of Filipino street foods.

You eat it by first cracking open the top of the boiled egg and drinking out the broth or the soup. Then you peel the rest of the egg and season it with vinegar and salt before finish eating the snack. See how Americans react to the dish in this Buzzfeed video.

Isaw

A famous Filipino street food, isaw is the barbecued intestines of a pig or a chicken coiled on a skewer and grilled until smoky and crispy. Of course, the intestines are cleaned, then turned inside-out and cleaned again, with this process occurring multiple times before cooking.

During the afternoons, you can find vendors selling isaw on street corners across the islands. While visiting an isaw vendor, pork barbecue, atay (liver), and adidas (grilled or barbecued chicken feet) are usually available for your culinary pleasure.

Isaw is popular across the country, but comic book artist Maniz Abrera’s “KikoMachine” comic strip made the food a staple at the University of the Philippines Diliman. The comic strip featured in the Philippine Daily Inquirer began with many scenes featured on the campus around the isaw vendor’s stall. Abrera’s comic is now a daily find in the newspaper and even though it deals with weightier topics most days, people still visit the university as homage to the origins of the comic strip.

Kwek Kwek

Kwek Kwek is a tempura-like battered and deep fried street food. The batter is dyed orange and when you bite through the batter you find a soft-boiled quail’s egg. It’s much like a corn dog, only with egg inside instead of a hot dog. Sounds like a perfect street snack, doesn’t it?

Get psyched for your Filipino food tour with a virtual tour alongside Mark Wiens of Migrationologythrough the Quaipo Market in Manila.

Sweet Treats You Need

Savory isn’t the only flavor you’ll find when trekking through the streets in the Philippines. Sweets are often flavored with the abundant fruits of the islands including ube (also known as purple yam), coconuts, and mango.

Taho

In a typical Filipino morning, many people wake up when a see hawker yells “taho.” Then everybody rushes to get a taste of this sweet pudding-like dessert. Taho is made with tofu called soft silken tofu topped with brown syrup called arnibal and sago pearls. Most people eat it during breakfast or eat it in the late afternoon after work and school.

Sorbetes

Also known as “dirty ice cream,” sorbets is another traditional dessert sold by street vendors everywhere. The milk used in coconut milk mixed with cassava flour stands out from other ice creams for this version. Flavors vary a lot, but it usually natural fruits and plants like mango, ube, jackfruit, and melon. Different popular flavors include chocolate, cheese and cookies, and cream.

Banana Cue

Considered a portion of all-time best-selling street food, the banana cue is every Filipino’s favorite sweet treat. These deep-fried saba bananas are coated with caramelized sugar then skewered on sticks. Plus, Cooking it in margarine – or oil – resulted in a nice texture that anyone would love to eat. Usually, it can be consumed either after work or in a mid-afternoon Filipino food snack.

And, of course, you can easily spot a vendor selling this sweet treat on every street corner in the country.

Turon

Suppose the banana cue is saba directly deep-fried in oil. In that case, turon is another sweet banana dessert with jackfruit strips wrapped with spring roll wrappers. The most impressive thing about this dessert is that everybody’s go-to merienda and after-school or work snack. Pair it with a cold soda then you are good to go!

Halo–Halo

Halo-Halo is one of the most popular and inexpensive summertime sweets you’ll find when visiting the Philippines. Halo-Halo is made from shaved ice and evaporated milk. Vendors mix in sweet fruits or other sweet ingredients like corn, coconut, or sweet beans.

The dessert is served in a tall glass or bowl and has been featured in multiple travel and food television shows, including Bizarre Foods and Top Chef.

Ube Halaya

While there are lots of different desserts which feature ube, from ice cream to cakes, ube halaya is most common on the street. Ube halaya is ube boiled, grated, and combined with other ingredients like sugar or milk until it thickens. You can then add it to halo-halo or ice cream, or you can eat it like pudding.

This recipe from the blog 196 flavors will awaken your sweet tooth in no time. “Ube halaya was a blissful and unexpected discovery for me, as we featured Filipino last June,” said Mike Benayoun of 196 flavors. “I especially loved making latik, this crunchy residual of coconut milk that adds a beautiful sweet and crunchy note to this dessert.”

Buko Juice

The Philippines is made up of more than 7,000 islands, which means that coconuts, also known as buko, are never far away. In the street markets, you can find buko juice, or coconut water, almost everywhere you go.

Buko juice not only tastes good and helps with hydration, but it is often heralded for its health benefits. The juice has been known to help prevent kidney stones, reduce sugar levels, regulate blood pressure, and improve digestion.

Plan Your Culinary Adventure in the Philippines

Explosive flavors and generous portions await your arrival in the Philippines. Whether these flavors seem exciting or extreme, you are bound to find something in the Filipino culinary world which will light your flame.

Let us help plan your next trip! We have great ideas and can help you find experts so you’re never overwhelmed with options. We can’t wait to shout magandang araw–or beautiful day –to you across a market full of Filipino street food.

Why an out-of-country trip is the best gift for Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is the perfect opportunity to spoil your mom and give her something extraordinary. While sales and discounts on high-end bags and luxury perfumes can be enticing, ditch the material things and look for something irreplaceable. Here are five reasons why you should consider traveling with your mom on her special day. Spending quality … Continue reading “Why an out-of-country trip is the best gift for Mother’s Day”

Spending quality time with your mom can be redundant if you go to the same places. Try looking for new destinations outside the state where you can get lost and score an unforgettable experience that only you and your mother can share. This could also be the perfect story you can share on your next family reunion!
Sometimes moms just want to flaunt on social media after days of constant struggle and stress. Help her unwind by adding more selfies and photos on her profile from visits to iconic tourist spots and must-try restaurants.
If you haven’t traveled overseas with your mother before, this could be the start of a new tradition! Help her tick off bullets on her bucket list as she finds home at a different country, or better yet different continent. It can be one of the best gifts you could offer as she may need to leave a piece of her heart there just like how she left a big chunk for you.
It may be cliché but not all superheroes wear capes, moms are known to be the epitome of all superheroes. Wonder woman needs a break from time to time and this is the perfect chance to it. Sometimes all she needs is an adventurous vacation to remind herself of the beautiful life she is living. Give your all in creating a fun but relaxing itinerary for your mom as she de-stresses from all realities of her work life and even family life itself.
Material things can be tempting to buy at first but these could also mean you barely have the time to think your gift through. Planning the best tropical vacation with all the activities your mom could possibly enjoy is intangible and would make her feel even more special than what you intend to. Travelling is known to bring out the genuine personality of a person. This trip may also be an eye-opener on how much you really know about your mom.

You can arrange it for just the two of you, or even for the entire family. What’s important is to spend the meaningful holiday doing something she’ll enjoy immensely. Create an unforgettable bonding experience with your Mother and immerse yourselves on the beauty of the Philippines. Book through our travel partners for an affordable vacation and score an invaluable experience for you and your mom!

Learn more about the different destinations in the Philippines and see some of the latest ongoing travel promos and tour packages here.