Category: Blog

Philippines is popular for three main things- the beaches, the people, and the food. This archipelago continues to be one of the top holiday travel destinations if a tropical vacation is what you are looking for to escape the chilly weather back home. However, there is also a spot in this country that locals and tourists go to if they prefer the sweater weather, and that is Baguio.

The city of Baguio is also known as the Summer Capital of the Philippines because this highly urbanized area in Northern Luzon gets flocked with people when the summer heat gets a little too much. It’s also famous for being right next to the province of Ifugao which is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site- the Banaue Rice Terraces.

The magnificent mountain ranges coupled with the low temperature makes Baguio the perfect place to enjoy a hot cup of your favorite coffee. So wear your bonnets and hats, sport your trusty hoodies and sweaters, put on your boots, and visit these three quirky cafes in Baguio:

1. Cafe by the Ruins

This cafe is probably as famous as the city itself. It was originally supposed to call it quits years ago but when they announced it, a lot of city-dwellers came to the shop to commemmorate its last day. This touched the hearts of the owners and they decided to continue serving carefully-concocted caffeinated drinks much to everyone’s jolly! Their menu is inspired by the region’s natural and local ingredients while interiors are designed to celebrate local art. Their bestseller java is called Ruins, an Arabica coffee steeped with cardamom with whipped cream and cinnamon on top. If you like your joe strong, you will definitely enjoy this. You can mix in the spun sugar it comes with which is locally called Balikutsa.

Cafe by the Ruins is located at Upper Session Road and is open daily from 7 AM to 9 PM.

2. Arca’s Yard

Did you know that Baguio is also a top holiday destination for the broken-hearted? After all, what better way to forget the troubles of your heart than appreciating and soaking in the beauty of nature, right? However, the city of Baguio is urbanized so if you want a spot away from the metropolis, then Arca’s Yard is the place to be. Located on a quiet, peaceful corner of Ambuklao Road (about 15 minutes away from the city proper by car), Arca’s Yard is a cozy home-turned-cafe where you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the place at their terrace with a cup of black Benguet Coffee or Arca’s Cloud tea with Cream and Wild Honey. They also have a secluded mini library upstairs where book and coffee lovers can enjoy the best of both worlds. Bonus, too, since Arca’s Yard Cafe also features artefacts that showcase the Igorot culture.

Arca’s Yard is located at 777 Tiptop, Ambuklao Road and is open daily from 9 AM to 8PM.

3. Cafe Yagam

Since Philippines is a tropical country, drinking coffee by the fireplace is something the locals could only see in the movies. But not at Cafe Yagam. This rustic and homey cafe is where you want to be if Baguio’s cold weather starts to seep through your skin and bones. You can enjoy local Cordillera coffee that’s freshly grounded while having the option of it being roasted light, medium, or dark, and being brewed paper drip or French-pressed. And of course, the highlight- the fireplace. The interiors of Cafe Yagam feature wood furniture- low tables and chairs but you also have the liberty to sit on the floor by the fireplace.

Cafe Yagam is located at 25 J. Felipe St., Gibraltar Rd. and is open daily from 11 AM to 11 PM.

See? Who says Philippines only has tropical holiday destinations to boast about? Book your travel now and if you have time, we hihgly suggest you witness the awe-inspiring view that Banaue Rice Terraces has to offer! Plan your trip now through our travel partners

One of the Philippines’ popular destinations, Baguio holds the title of being the “Summer Capital of the Philippines” and enjoys a cool weather year-round due to high-level elevation of 5,050 ft above sea level. The city of pines is highly dependent on tourism, therefore, attractions are always full. To cater to everyone, a variety of delicacies are sold along the streets of every famous tourist spot. For a first-time traveler, it can be a bit overwhelming. Don’t waste your time and your taste buds as listed below are 5 Baguio delicacies you should not miss!

1. Strawberry Wine

Filipinos are known heavy drinkers. In every celebration, anywhere in the Philippines, they never miss a chance in bringing out their treasured alcohol for everyone to share. Clearly, Baguio is no exception. As Baguio is known for strawberries, of course they would have an alcohol that has their pride embossed on it. While it has a slightly lower alcohol content than most wines, don’t underestimate its abilities.

2. Peanut brittle and Choco Flakes

Typical souvenirs travelers buy in bundles are Peanut brittles and Choco flakes which are easily found everywhere. It is packaged into a plastic jar, mostly with yellow lids. Peanut Brittle which is comprised of peanut chunks in caramelized sugar is hard and brittle; hence the name. Meanwhile, Choco flakes are cornflakes covered in chocolate is another crowd favorite. These two delicacies go hand in hand in keeping you from leaving the city of pines.

3. Sundo’t Kulangot

4. Ube Jam

Deserving of being mentioned on its own, purple yam or also known as “Ube” will blow your minds. The creamy taste of Ube can either be used as a spread or enjoyed alone like a dessert. The Good Shepherd Sisters – Mountain Maid Training Center sells one of the best Ube Jam in the city; its taste is superior among its rivals. The best part is not only you get to enjoy the perfection that is Ube but   when buying at Good Shepherd- Mountain Maid Training Center, proceeds of their sales support the education of 370 college working students, hire mothers whose husbands have no permanent employment and provide jobs to out of school youth who save up for their education.  How cool is that?

5. Strawberry Taho

As Baguio makes the most out of their most popular produce, Strawberry Taho is simply to die for. Among other delicacies, it is one of the most, if not the most, sought-after delicacy in the city. A hot Strawberry Taho is widely available along the streets of the city of pines. Its hot soft tofu mixed together with miniscule tapioca pearls, sweet caramelized brown sugar, and of course, chopped strawberries will keep you coming back for more. A trip to Baguio would be incomplete without indulging in this heaven-sent delicacy.

While these are the most commonly liked snacks in Baguio, there are a lot more to try once you’ve stepped foot on the renowned city. Contact our travel partners and we’ll make sure you get to try every mouth-watering food!

The Philippines, being consistently one of the fastest growing economies in Asia achieved a 6.7% growth in 2017, following China at 6.9% and Vietnam at 6.8%.  The emerging country focuses on tourism, making it one of the Philippines’ most important economic sector. The 7,641-island archipelago has its growing number of visitors due to its pristine waters and fine white sand and eventually garnering the country’s one of the most unspoiled islands globally. Despite the recognition, the Philippines still has its fair share of misconceptions that leave travelers contemplating about traveling to the Philippines. Listed are some of the common misconceptions that will make any Filipino laugh in disbelief. Continue reading “Four Misconceptions About the Philippines”

Referred to many nicknames such as “Crown Jewel of Mindanao” and “Durian Capital of the Philippines”, Davao never falls short of tourists’ expectations. As one of the largest and multicultural cities in the Philippines, the vibrant city offers so much more than just aesthetic landscapes and mouth-watering food. If you’re still a bit skeptic, check out these five reasons why you must go to Davao.

1. Out of this world escapades

Davao takes pride in preserving its majestic natural wonders. You could go as high as the highest mountain in the Philippines, Mount Apo or as the deep as the most profound waters of Samal Island. If you’re feeling like knowing more about wildlife preservation, it gladly offers their Philippine Eagle Center which holds the rare but endangered species of the Philippines like the monkey-eating eagle. Davao offers different kinds of attractions that would cater to everyone’s taste.

2. Rich Culture

To personally feel the true spirit of Dabawenyos, a tourist should experience Kadayawan sa Dabaw, a festival which displays the citizens colorful and dynamic thanksgiving celebration of life and nature’s blessings. There are also a number of museums and craft centers in the area where you could experience and relive history first-hand. Drop by at the T’boli Weaving Center. The T’boli is one of the Philippines’ surviving ethnic tribes who are famous for their skills in brass casting and traditional weaving of the T’nalak cloth using fibers from abaca plant.  The center was built to promote the tribe’s culture and to preserve their art.

3. Sumptuous food

As traveling is most likely all about food, Davao will please your taste buds with delicacies not available elsewhere. Since it is mostly surrounded by waters makes fresh and raw seafood available everywhere inexpensively. If an authentic local dining experience is what you’re after, at Roxas Night Market, vendors sell everything from finger food to complete meals freshly prepared before your eyes at a very low cost. Visit the Philippines’ first Chocolate museum in Malagos Garden Resort and try Davao’s award-winning bean-to-bar cacao treats. Lastly, one cannot leave Davao without tasting its number one delicacy, the widely-debated Durian. Do not be discouraged by its strong pungent odor as Durian has a truly unique taste that might or might not satisfy your taste buds. Try it for yourself and check the “eat a peculiar fruit” off your bucket list.

4. The People of Davao

Dabawenyos, as Filipinos, are certainly hospitable. Complementing the warm and nice climate, its people are so friendly that most, if not all, will greet you with a smile. Strike a conversation or two with some of the locals and delight yourself as you create memories why Davao is the one of the best places you’ll never forget.

Excited to visit Davao? Let us help you plan your next best vacation! Click here to see more about Davao.

As the famous slogan says, “It’s more fun in the Philippines” but what is travelling without getting the firsthand experience of Filipino streets? For one to have a successful immersion of another’s culture, one must walk the streets for it shows the true color and character of a nation. No pretensions, just the authenticity of the modern culture. These 5 must-try Filipino street food would be a good start for your unforgettable time in the Philippines.

1. Banana Cue, Kamote Cue and Turon
If you’re a bit health conscious but willing to go an extra mile, then these delicacies are a must try! Banana cue, Kamote cue and Turon, fried with faultlessness, was made to satisfy the hidden sweet-tooth in you. Commonly sold together sometime in the afternoon by a mobile vendor or sometimes along the streets, they are very cheap. Banana cue is deep-fried until it turns into a caramelized brown sugar coating and then skewered into a stick. The same process goes for Kamote Cue except that it uses kamote. While for Turon, it is a banana covered with a sugar coated lumpia wrapper and then, again, fried to perfection.

2. Isaw
One of the crowd favorites that can be found in almost any corner of the street is Isaw. Isaw, can either be chicken or pork intestines. Don’t be discouraged by the name as this is undeniably addictive. There are various available sauces which serve as a dip. Try it out for yourself and see which matches your preference.

3. Fishball, etc.
Another food on a stick you need not miss is fishball and its family of fried balls. Usually sold by a mobile vendor pushing a cart of portable gas and diverse choices of dips (Yes, Filipinos like their sauces as many choices as they can). Fishball is made of pulverized cuttlefish meat which is fried by the vendor then customers are welcome to poke it on their sticks once cooked. If you’re not keen on fish, then you could try out squidball or even kikiam. After checking fishball off of your list, you can now proudly say “I made tusok tusok on the fishball!”

4. Taho
Most street foods are sold during the afternoon for merienda, a typical Filipino snack to be eaten in sometime after lunch or before dinner. Don’t be fooled, as taho does not belong in that group. Taho, the gift from the Gods, is something to consumed over breakfast. Fresh soya milk combined with caramelized sugar and tapioca pearls is another Filipino favorite especially among children. While still in bed, the next time you hear someone shouting “Taho~”, run for your life and follow the voice with a big mug in hand.

5. Balut
Alas, you cannot leave the Philippines without experiencing the King of all street foods, Balut. Balut is usually found too exotic for a foreigner’s taste, but the key to eating this holy grail of street foods is to not overthink how to eat it. Commonly sold at dusk, the unborn duck embryo with a pinch of salt is one of the most popular “weird” foods of the world. Even some locals find it too exotic for their tastes but try it for yourself, who knows, you might like it more than you actually expected.

Excited to see these Filipino Street Food in flesh? Book your flight now through our partners. Just click here and let them take care of your next adventure!

The Southeast Asian country that is Philippines has continuously generated its well-deserved buzz in the travelers’ circuit. With over 7,000 islands and islets, it’s no surprise that more and more tourists are coming here for coastal pleasures. The beaches in this amazing archipelago are equivalent to the beauty of other world-renowned tropical destinations like Bali and Maldives but minus the terrifying cost.

Now, if you are planning to book a trip to this tropical destination for a dream holiday and you’re a first-timer in the Philippines, here are top 5 places you should see that are guaranteed to make you fall in love with the country:

1. Palawan

Pristine waters, white sand, gorgeous limestone formations, if a quiet quaint charm of a tropical island is your definition of a perfect holiday destination, Palawan is the place to go.

The beauty of this place is not a secret anymore, in fact, Palawan has been recognized by international travel magazines and awarding bodies for being one of the top 5 beach destinations in the whole world. Fun activities do not come short in here as well- you can always go island hopping by jumping from Puerto Princesa to El Nido to Coron, or explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site Underground River. Of course, you can always just bask under the sun on a hammock by the shore.

2. Banaue

Philippines is not just a country of spectacular seascapes. Being a tropical destination, you could also find yourself conquering mountain peaks and exploring luscious jungles like the ones you’ll see in Banaue. Home to the world-famous Ifugao Rice Terraces, expect to be amazed by the breathtaking view of a natural wonder you won’t see anywhere else. The terraces is a testament to the ingenious ways of the locals in terms of architectural farming. Banaue is located in the Philippines’ summer capital Baguio so if you want to enjoy a delicious cup of cocoa in the kind of cold without the hassle of the snow, Banaue is the place to be.

3. Ilocos

We’ve told you about the beaches and the landscapes in the Philippines so to make your stay come full circle, let us tell you about its history; the place for that- Ilocos. The region is home to Vigan, one of the oldest towns in the country with streets of cobblestone and darkwood which you can explore by riding horse-drawn carriages locally called kalesa. Vigan is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site where Hispanic-inspired structures can’t just tell you tales of the past but lets you experience the scene as well. If you’re not too shy, you could always approach a friendly local and have them tell stories from the Spanish-colonial era.

Did we get you interested? Check other amazing vacation spots in the Philippines by going here: https://philippinetourismusa.com/destinations/vigan/#