Category: Blog

Underrated cities you should visit in Metro Manila

It has always been a common misconception wherein Manila (or sometimes Makati, for business purposes) is the only place you can visit while in Metro Manila. The National Capital Region is actually comprised of 16 cities namely Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, Valenzuela, Quezon City, Marikina, Pasig, Taguig, Makati, Manila, Mandaluyong, San Juan, Pasay, Parañaque, Las Piñas … Continue reading “Underrated cities you should visit in Metro Manila”

It has always been a common misconception wherein Manila (or sometimes Makati, for business purposes) is the only place you can visit while in Metro Manila. The National Capital Region is actually comprised of 16 cities namely Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, Valenzuela, Quezon City, Marikina, Pasig, Taguig, Makati, Manila, Mandaluyong, San Juan, Pasay, Parañaque, Las Piñas and Muntinlupa.

Continue reading “Underrated cities you should visit in Metro Manila”

5 Must-try Delicacies in Vigan

One of UNESCO’s World Heritage Cities, Vigan is acclaimed for being an intact example of a planned Spanish colonial town in Asia that features 233 historical structures built during the mid 18th to the late 19th century lined up in a grid of 25 streets.   The famous cobble-stoned Calle Crisologo is definitely one of the highlights but roaming around the rustic but elegant streets of Vigan would definitely tire you out. Worry not, here are 5 of the most sumptuous foods from the city of Vigan that will boost your energy fuel.

Pakbet

Pakbet or more known as Pinakbet for people in the South, is also one of Ilocos’s preserved dishes. Vigan’s style of pakbet sets its difference from the Southern’s through adding bitter gourd and excluding squash which is a key ingredient of Southerns. Ilocanos customarily uses vegetables which can be grown from their backyards such as eggplants, okra, string beans, chili peppers, and bitter gourd. If you’re feeling a bit conscious about your health, this is the perfect meal to try out in Vigan.

Royal Bibingka

A sweet tooth must-try, the royal bibingka also made its mark as one of Vigan’s specialties. If compared with the ordinary “Christmas bibingka”, Vigan’s royal bibingka falls short if size were the basis. But, what they say is true, small is terrible. In this case, terribly delicious! The crusty top and the sticky but soft cupcaked-sized body makes up the crowd favorite bibingka. Topped with cheese and butter, you can never go wrong with a Royal Bibingka.

Longganisang Iloko

If you’re a breakfast geek, Longganisang Iloko which is also branded as Vigan Longganisa among locals is the town’s own traditional version of a sausage. A bit plump, full of garlic, and seen as a bit yellowish compared to usual sausages but one small bite can change your life. Filipinos cook them in a pan with a bit of water. After the water evaporates, the longganisa is fried using its own fat and is further fried until it turns slightly brown. It brings out its best flavor when dipped in vinegar.

Empanada

Of course, if you’re in town, you shouldn’t miss out on this one. Found almost anywhere within the crowded plazas of Vigan, Empanada is something Vigan takes pride in. Combining the aforementioned Longganisang Iloko, beans, shredded cabbages, grated unripe papayas, onion, garlic and egg makes up the core of orange-colored Empanada. Sellers make it right before your very eyes which is also another interesting sight.

Bagnet

Traditionally dried under the sun, marinated then deep-fried to make it crisp and tender, Bagnet is recognized as the region’s delicacy symbol. This huge chunk of meat with crunchy golden skin that was fried to perfection can be eaten at any time of the day which is convenient for travelers as it is available basically everywhere. One bite and you’ll get hooked so be wary of this cholesterol-rich slice of heaven.

So, if you’re going to give in on the Filipino-Spanish nostalgia that comes with visiting beautiful Vigan, then we suggest you try these delicacies before packing up your bags to go back home! To learn more about Vigan, just click here!

If you want to try out some Filipino street foods, click here for a gastronomical experience!

Cebu’s Hidden Gems

Cebu, Queen City of the South, is consistently becoming one of Philippines’ most visited destinations. The place may not be the first name that comes to mind when you think about dream vacations and tropical holidays but if you just, for a moment, try to stop yourself from going through inviting photos of the more … Continue reading “Cebu’s Hidden Gems”

Cebu, Queen City of the South, is consistently becoming one of Philippines’ most visited destinations. The place may not be the first name that comes to mind when you think about dream vacations and tropical holidays but if you just, for a moment, try to stop yourself from going through inviting photos of the more popular beach destinations like Boracay or Palawan, you will see that this city is where the buzzing electric of the metropolis meets the quaint charm of a tropical island.

The city is known for being home to some of the country’s most historical places. From Magellan’s Cross to the Minor Basilica of the Holy Child (the oldest Roman Catholic church in the Philippines), there is more to Cebu than just history (which we still suggest you see, of course).

Cebu, being one of the most developed provinces in the Philippines, has the second busiest airport in the country so you can be sure that booking a holiday travel here will be breeze. To guide you on the not-so-obvious, hidden secrets that Cebu holds, read on:

1. Ka-Tinggo Falls

Ka-Tinggo Falls may not be that dramatic in terms of height but this 100-meter waterfall is a sight to behold and a journey to experience. It’s a great place to explore for adventurers looking for an adrenaline-pumping ride because to get to Ka-Tinggo Falls, you have to trek, crawl, climb, and swim. Because of its friendly height, it is a perfect destination for jumps and dives. Besides the actual falls, you could also enjoy another attraction leading to it- a hanging bridge built over clear waters.

2. Binaliw Spring

Located in the north-eastern part of Cebu, the shallow spring locally known as Binaliw is rumored to have extraordinary healing powers. Near the source of the spring, a grotto with a statue of the Our Lady of Lourdes is erected. Tourists and visitors are more than welcome to take a dip in the spring while basking in the magnificent flora that surrounds it.

3. Virgin Beach

Now we get to the part we know you’ve been waiting for- the beach. Who says Boracay and Palawan are the only tropical destinations that offer sun-kissed white sand beaches? Another of Cebu’s well-kept secrets is Virgin Beach, a quiet, secluded, idyllic beach resort located in Daanbantayan Northern Cebu. The resort has everything you need for a peaceful tropical vacation away from the city chaos- the beach, the pool, the cottages.

No more waiting around! Book a flight now and get roundtrip fares starting $608! Plan your trip here.

Palawan’s Underground River: What you need to know

With the Philippines made up of about 7,641 islands, tourists from all over the globe come trotting to this archipelago looking for a tropical vacation to remember. Out of those great number of islands, 1,769 belong to the globally-recognized, award-winning island of Palawan. In fact, the beauty of this paradise has earned it, for the second consecutive year, the title of being the “Best Island in the World” by Travel + Leisure.

Continue reading “Palawan’s Underground River: What you need to know”

Unique ways to celebrate the traditional Thanksgiving Holiday

Thanksgiving is less than 5 days away so we’re going to take a break from travel-related articles and instead focus on this long-standing tradition. As you probably already know, this holiday is one with a name that says it all- it is a day that’s all about giving thanks and celebrating all the things, tangible … Continue reading “Unique ways to celebrate the traditional Thanksgiving Holiday”

Thanksgiving is less than 5 days away so we’re going to take a break from travel-related articles and instead focus on this long-standing tradition.

As you probably already know, this holiday is one with a name that says it all- it is a day that’s all about giving thanks and celebrating all the things, tangible or abstract, we should be grateful for. Traditionally speaking, most of us take this opportunity to step away from our own personal spaces and find it in our hearts to spend time with the people we love and care about.

We’ve said it a few words ago- Thanksgiving is not just a day of celebration, it’s a tradition we are all too familiar with- plates with generous helpings of roast turkey, family and friends sitting together in the living room to watch the parade, or maybe even going out to witness a football game. But if you’re looking to put a little twist to the tradition, here are some ways you can make this holiday unique to your family:

  1. Have everybody cook
    Don’t just leave the responsibility of cooking to Mom. Get the whole family involved in planning what food to place on the table. You could have mom take care of the main dishes but have the children help prepare the dessert. It might seem like a lot of work at first but believe us, you’ll feel not just full but also fulfilled after eating.
  2. Write the top 5 things you are thankful for. More often than not, people take this holiday for granted. They just go about Thanksgiving mindlessly through traditions but how about actually getting into the spirit of it? After you’ve all had your delicious Thanksgiving dinner, take the time to write what you’re thankful for then share it with everybody. This may look boring for some but we can assure you that everyone will feel appreciated afterwards.
  3. Pay it forward.
    Not everybody has someone to celebrate with on Thanksgiving so why not extend a hand by inviting a friend you know is alone? There’s no better way to spend Thanksgiving than actually having someone tell you how grateful and delightfully surprised they are that they don’t have to celebrate it in solo mode.
  4. Plan out exciting games.
    Instead of just lounging about in the dining or living room with your stomachs full of turkey, have a series of fun games for everybody. Assign a game master for each set and let every friendly battle mentally and physically challenge you and your loved ones. Whether it’s a traditional game of football at the park or a mystery run to search for clues, you’re definitely going to remember this year’s Thanksgiving- hey, you might even make this a part of your tradition!
  5. Spend it someplace else. 
    If you’re up for a 360-change in Thanksgiving celebration, then we suggest you do it far from home. An out-of-town trip is something you could do alone or with your loves ones or if you really want an adventure, go for a tropical holiday in the beautiful islands of the Philippines if not now then for the next year.  Once you see this paradise, then there’s definitely something you should be thankful for.

Be cool at Bicol’s Caramoan Island

Caramoan Island Philippines
Caramoan Island Philippines

The 7,641 islands that make up Philippines is a constellation of luscious greens and blues. This country does not fall short when it comes to land and seascapes that would make you love our planet all over again. This is exactly why this archipelago is always winning awards and getting recognition for being one of the top tropical vacation and spring break destinations in the world.

Besides the obvious choices of Boracay and Palawan, there is another island worthy of appreciation. Perfectly hidden in the lower eastern part of Bicol Region’s Camarines Sur lies Caramoan Peninsula. This island is a tropical dream destination with its lush green hills and mountains, picture-perfect limestone formations, and white sand beaches. It’s not just that- Caramoan Peninsula is also home to an islet lake and a subterranean river so if a nature trip is what you are going for on your vacation, then this is the place to be.

The quaint charm of this island gained an even wider global recognition after the Survivor show from various countries, namely- United States, France, Israel, Belgium, Sweden, Norway, Bulgarian, Serbia, and India- held parts of their television program here. The media exposure it attained attracted foreign tourists and increased its popularity as a top tropical vacation destination for beach lovers and watersports enthusiasts. In fact, the island was recently chosen by CNN Go (a television and online travel magazine of the world’s largest international cable news network CNN) as one of the top 10 best islands and beaches in the country of the Philippines.

If it’s your first time going to this magnificent island, there are many things you could do to make it a memorable trip. Experience amazing water adventures such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and kayaking or if you consider yourself a bit of a daredevil, then go on and try limestone cliff and/or rock climbing or caving. Of course, you could just bask in the beauty of Caramoan Peninsula and frolic under the sun with the crashing of the waves lulling you into mindless, happy oblivion.

The island’s main attraction is the Gota beach, located about 5 kilometers from the Caramoan town’s proper. It’s not difficult to find this place especially with its famous landmark, the Explorer’s Rock. Once you’ve found this large rock, then you’ll know you have reached Gota Beach. No worries, the rock is not just what makes Gota beach unforgettable- get ready to enjoy its powdery white sand that could give Boracay a run for their money.

Oh, and since you’re already in Bicol, why not take the time to feast your eyes on its world-renowned perfectly cone-shaped Mayon volcano.

What are you waiting for? Book a flight now and have the holiday travel of your lifetime in one of the best tropical destinations in the world.

The benefits of going for an all-inclusive vacation package in the Philippines

Planning a holiday travel, especially if you consider yourself a serious traveler, is not something to be taken lightly. We all know that it takes a lot of time, energy, effort, and money to come up with a vacation you can truly enjoy without regret. Add that to the fact that the countless options ever … Continue reading “The benefits of going for an all-inclusive vacation package in the Philippines”

Planning a holiday travel, especially if you consider yourself a serious traveler, is not something to be taken lightly. We all know that it takes a lot of time, energy, effort, and money to come up with a vacation you can truly enjoy without regret. Add that to the fact that the countless options ever present now makes it difficult to organize a getaway that perfectly tickles your travel fancy.

This is where all-inclusive beach vacation package comes in.

Continue reading “The benefits of going for an all-inclusive vacation package in the Philippines”

The best time to visit Banaue

Besides the white-sand beaches of the islands of Boracay and Palawan, another picture and postcard-perfect holiday destination that Philippines is known for is Banaue Rice Terraces. Carved by the indigenous people of Ifugao, the Banaue Rice Terraces is a man-made miracle designed with sustainable agriculture in mind. For over 2 millennia, this natural wonder and … Continue reading “The best time to visit Banaue”

Besides the white-sand beaches of the islands of Boracay and Palawan, another picture and postcard-perfect holiday destination that Philippines is known for is Banaue Rice Terraces.

Carved by the indigenous people of Ifugao, the Banaue Rice Terraces is a man-made miracle designed with sustainable agriculture in mind. For over 2 millennia, this natural wonder and its creatively-crafted contours have been a testament to the architectural and agricultural genius of the Filipino people. Now, more than serving its original purpose of being the answer to farmers’ requirement for effective water irrigation and terrace maintenance, the rice terraces of Banaue has continuously drawn the attention of both tourists and local city-dwellers, making it one of the most recognized places in the country.

Banaue Rice Terraces meets the sky at 1500 meters above sea level and despite being a well-known a national treasure, it is located in a remote area of Luzon. This means that if what you are looking for is some peace and quiet far from the manic metropolis, then a trip to Banaue Rice Terraces is exactly what you need.

There are many spots from where you can truly appreciate the picturesque beauty of Banaue; locally known as “viewpoints”. From here, you can take photos with the local tribes and purchase souvenirs like wood carvings. The terraces is also home to a world-famous national icon specifically associated to the tribes of Igorot- the bulul. Bululs are carved wooden figures believed by the locals as rice guardians; these are used in various Igorot ceremonies related to the production of rice.

You can visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site any time but the best time to do so depends on what kind of Banaue Rice Terraces sight you wish to see. The rice plants are only planted once a year and harvesting happens in August, this means that to see the terraces on its greenest, you should schedule a visit between April to July. However, if you are more interested in experiencing the terraces in their shade of gold, we suggest booking a visit in June. Lastly, if you also want to see this man-made miracle at its greenest while experiencing the cool chill and the month long preparation for Yuletide celebration Filipinos are known for, then a November to December visit would be great.

Just check out our Banaue travel deals here: https://philippinetourismusa.com/promos/.

La Boracay: From Paradise Island to Party Island

No one can argue that Boracay remains to be the most visited tropical vacation destination in the Philippines. With pristine blue waters and powder white-sand shorelines stretching miles, it’s no surprise that this place has recently been crowned by Trip Advisor’s Traveler’s Choice Awards as one of the Top 10 Best Islands in Asia for … Continue reading “La Boracay: From Paradise Island to Party Island”

No one can argue that Boracay remains to be the most visited tropical vacation destination in the Philippines. With pristine blue waters and powder white-sand shorelines stretching miles, it’s no surprise that this place has recently been crowned by Trip Advisor’s Traveler’s Choice Awards as one of the Top 10 Best Islands in Asia for 2016.

The world-famous beauty of Boracay has continued to amaze both locals and tourists looking in for a well-deserved time off from the unforgiving city heat and traffic, not to mention the undeniable banality of the daily work grind. In fact, people from all over the globe flock to this island in search for the best Asia getaway that features a tropical vacation like no other. This has led to Boracay consistently being the number one island that promotes Philippine tourism.

Now, everyone is familiar with the island’s sand and sea but if there is one other thing you need to know about Boracay, it’s LABORACAY.

Laboracay is not a place in the island, it’s a happening that has taken the worlds of both locals and tourists by storm. The term is a combination of the words “Labor” and “Boracay” since this scene happens on the weekend of Labor Day in the Philippines.

The celebration leaves Boracay brimming with throngs of locals and tourists ready to enjoy and witness as the paradise island turns into a party island. During this time, Boracay visitors can indulge on a weekend of revelry filled with endless parties and overflowing drinks- all right by the beautiful shores of the island. Don’t even think about sleeping in early because Laboracay’s night life pulsates ’til the wee hours of the morning so our advice is to just embrace the thumping bassline of either live or recorded music, perk up with beer or cocktail, and eat charred seafood, chicken, and pork grilled to perfection. Believe us, there is a reason this phenomenon is dubbed as the Spring Break of the Philippines- it’s not something you’d do every year (especially if you like going to tropical vacations for some peace and quiet) but it’s definitely one of those things you won’t regret experiencing at least once. Laboracay is the perfect method of escape so you can free yourself from overthinking about all the responsibilities you have back home as you try to survive adulthood.

It’s still a few months away but you can book yourself a flight to experience the Philippine Labor Day in a Boracay vacation unlike no other! Just check out our Laboracay travel deals here: https://philippinetourismusa.com/promos/.

The Terrific Tubbataha Reef

In addition to making your dream vacations come true, Philippines is also home to one of the world’s best dive sites – Tubbataha Reef. This gem is located in the island municipality of Cagayancillo, Palawan, and is part of the Coral Triangle, a center of marine biodiversity which encompasses 75% of the coral species and 40% of the reef fish in the world.

With Philippines being an amazing archipelago made up of 7,107 islands, a lot of tourists come to this country in search for their perfect tropical vacations. Here you can find some of the world’s most jaw-dropping beaches with the islands of Boracay and Palawan globally-known to offer a relaxing respite through its panoramic views.

If you are a harried city-dweller, a sun-splashed holiday on the sandy beaches of Palawan is the perfect getaway for you. But if you are an adventurer by heart, braving the deep blue of the Tubbataha Reef will be an exploration of a lifetime. The dive spot has an amazing coral reef with a perpendicular wall stretching over for a hundred meters with lagoons and two coral islands.

A research done by scientists who have been exploring the reefs since 1980s revealed that in this reef, you can find no less than 360 coral species, 600 fish species, 13 dolphin and whale species, and 11 shark species; not to mention that it’s also home to hawksbill, green sea turtles, and over a 100 bird species. You know what that means right? It means that going for a dive in this tropical haven you can expect nothing short but a rainbow of marine life, definitely a diving spot too beautiful to pass up.

If you want to know more about Tubbataha Reefs, no words can describe it better than actually experiencing it! Book your holiday travel to the Philippines now and indulge yourself in a tropical vacation like no other! Check out our travel deals here: https://philippinetourismusa.com/plan-your-trip/.

image credits to http://www.wallconvert.com/

The best hotel accommodations in the Philippines’ best beach destinations

When it comes to best beach destinations in the country, no three places come to mind other than the blissful beauty of Boracay, Palawan, and Cebu. Considered to be the country’s top three main tourists spots, this trio is still continuously serving as homes to travellers and adventurers looking to discover the magnificent archipelago that is … Continue reading “The best hotel accommodations in the Philippines’ best beach destinations”

When it comes to best beach destinations in the country, no three places come to mind other than the blissful beauty of Boracay, Palawan, and Cebu. Considered to be the country’s top three main tourists spots, this trio is still continuously serving as homes to travellers and adventurers looking to discover the magnificent archipelago that is the Philippines. From places rich in history to islands that resemble paradise, the islands of Boracay, Palawan, and Cebu are surely enough for anyone to fall in love with the country.

But coming from America, there is a lot to know about these three to make your stay your most memorable experience just yet- memorable in a good day. We understand that you are going away to escape the hustle and bustle of the metropolis and treat yourself to a few days off of work or school and every stress that comes with it. But besides the actual best beach destinations like the white-sand beaches, mountain peaks, and underground rivers, we know that you also want to spend your night in place that could make you feel like you are at a home away from home. Yes, we are talking about hotel accommodations in the Philippines. It is only natural that you want to make your vacation come full-circle with a comfortable place to sleep in after a day of frolicking in the beach, trying out heart-pumping activities, and conquering mountain tops.

To give you a headstart, here are the best hotel accommodations in the crowd-favorite islands of Boracay, Palawan, and Cebu:

1. Discovery Shores Boracay

In Boracay’s Station 1 is the 5-star, 87-room hotel of Discovery Shores. This hotel accommodation is nothing short of breath-taking to the point that it has been named one of the best hotels in the world for years. The hotel lives in a philosophy of “Service that’s all heart” and we can tell you, they surely do. It offers 87 luxurious rooms with beachfront views, amazing amenities, and a globally-renowned spa. If you want total relaxation and Instagram-worthy photos, you are guaranteed with Discovery Shores living up to their promise of an award-winning, iconic, and unfrogettable experience- this is your home in Boracay.

2. Aman Hotel Resort Amanpulo Palawan

If Boracay is known for its powder white sand beaches and pulsating night life, Palawan is home to the quiet quaint charm of a barely-touched island. With Aman Hotel’s world-class villas and 42-beach front, treetop and hillside Casidas, you’d gladly call this place your home. The hotel accommodation is located in the northeast of Palawan Island, a part of the Cuyo archipelago. Rooms offer picturesque views of the beach and the hillsides so you can have your patch of blues and greens, a step away from the greys and glasses of the city.

3. Abaca Boutique Resort, Cebu

Abaca Boutique Resort is a the perfect private space for travellers looking to surround themselves with the whimsical wonders of nature. Located in Mactan Island, This hotel accommodation boasts of six deluxe suites and three villas designed to make Philippines feel like home. The tropical foliage and panoramic ocean view make of the rooms make for the picture-perfect dream holiday we know you deserve. Yes, there may be other 5-star hotels in this beautiful island but there is something cozy in the way this place promises peace and tranquility.

Now we know how difficult it is to talk from agents to agents looking to book a flight, a resort, a hotel so to help you plan your next dream vacation in the Philippines’ best beach destinations and book you in some of the best Philippine hotels in the amazing destinations of Boracay, Cebu, and Palawan, you can contact our booking partners here.

Let us take you to Asia’s 24/7 Island, Boracay!

Let us take you to Asia’s 24/7 Island, Boracay! For this month, Viki.com is featuring this world-class island.​ ​​​With i​t​s splendid beaches and nightlife, it is surely a place to come and visit.​ ​Boracay is paradise for certified sun-worshippers all over the world. In fact, local and foreign tourists have made Boracay their yearly destination.The … Continue reading “Let us take you to Asia’s 24/7 Island, Boracay!”

Let us take you to Asia’s 24/7 Island, Boracay!

For this month, Viki.com is featuring this world-class island.​ ​​​With i​t​s splendid beaches and nightlife, it is surely a place to come and visit.​ ​
Boracay is paradise for certified sun-worshippers all over the world. In fact, local and foreign tourists have made Boracay their yearly destination.
The palm-studded island of Boracay – with its white, talcum-fine beach, balmy weather, and warm, crystalline waters – is like a hypnotic magnet. In this tiny, butterfly-shaped island at the northwestern tip of Panay in Western Visayas, days can be spent simply lazing on the beach while nights are for indulging in the tropical party lifestyle.
​
C​heck out HanaTours USA, as they partner with the Philippine Department of Tourism Los Angeles in offering you exciting packages to the Philippines. ​
Viki.com is one of the largest asian video websites, watch and subtitle global primetime shows and movies in more than 200 languages.