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Boracay Island: Philippine’s Tropical Island Paradise

Boracay is Philippine’s tropical island paradise and a perfect island getaway. It is world famous because of its warm blue waters, powder-fine white sand and a palm fringed 4-kilometer beach and home of world-class dive sites. Boracay is an enchantingly beautiful island in Panay provinceThe world-famous White Beach has been rated as one of the finest tropical beaches in the world and is amongst the most popular tourist destinations in the Philippines.

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The Picturesque Banaue Rice Terraces

The Banaue Rice Terraces or the Hagdan-Hangdang Palayan ng Banaue, located at Ifugao Province, Cordillera Region, Philippines, are 2000-year old terraces that were carved into the mountainside by the ancestors of the Batad indigenous people. It is commonly referred as the “Eighth Wonder of the World”. The terraces were built largely by hand. The rice terraces are located approximately 1500 meters above sea level and cover a total of 10,360 square kilometers of mountainside.

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Historic Town of Vigan

The town of Vigan, Ilocos Sur, Philippines is the best preserved example of a planned colonial town in Asia. Inscribed on December 2, 1999, the historic town of Vigan represents a unique fusion of Asian building design and construction with European colonial architecture and planning.

Vigan is a unique monument for having retained its ancient urban plan. In the Philippines, our town has the most extensive number of surviving religious, civic and traditional buildings that date back to the 18th century. Today, 187 historic structures have survived and most of them continue to be inhabited by descendants of the original builders or used for the original purposes for which they were built such as religious and administrative buildings. Vigan is a ‘living heritage site’ where local inhabitants continue to be the custodians of their patrimony, where traditional industries continue to fuel local economy and where local traditions continue to be practiced.

The lay out and partitioning of the Vigan houses were designed for specific purposes. One enters the purta or the main door which is wide enough to accommodate the width of the caruaje (horse-drawn carriage) and high enough for the carroza( (shoulder-borne and later on, carriage-mounted religious images), into a zaguan or hall on the ground floor. The inhabitants of the house can let visitors in by pulling a string from the second floor to open a puertita (smaller door) hinged to the main door. Horses for carriages were tethered in the caballoreza (horse stable) at the rear of the ground floor. Shops and bodegas (storage rooms) take up the rest of the space on the ground floor.

The grand staircase has two sections: a few steps to a landing where ordinary visitors were received; then a long flight of staircase to the second floor. More important visitors were received in the caida or antesala where informal entertaining was held. The sala, the biggest and most important part of the house was used for family gatherings and for important occasions. As in the pre-colonial bahay kubo, families slept together in two to three large cuartos (bedrooms). Either located at the end of the sala or separated by partition is the comedor (dining room) which leads to the cocina (kitchen). Adjacent to the cocina is the cobeta (toilet) which is a separate structure that was built at a later stage when sanitary toilets were introduced in the late 1800s. The azotea (open terrace) is an extension at the back of the second floor where residents and guests gathered to cool off and enjoy the stars after dinner.

The large ventanas (windows) which provide a maximum of ventilation are of two layers of sliding panes: an inner pair of sliding windows made of translucent capiz shells (of Chinese/Japanese origin) that permit natural sunlight to enter into the house; and an outside pair of sliding wooden storm shutters. Below the ventanas are smaller windows of sliding wooden panels called ventanillas that are protected by wooden balusters. Children can safely watch the street scene below through the balustered ventanillas. Tiled roofs and eaves extend well into the street to prevent rain from entering the inside of the house. Calados (cutwork friezes) decorating the top portion of the internal wooden partitions permit breeze to waft through. Some houses have window eaves made of tin and decorated with decorative cutouts on the fringes.

The Vigan houses evolved from the precolonial bahay kubo which is made of wood, bamboo and nipa palm or cogon grass as roofs. These houses are easily destroyed by fire and typhoons. In the 17th century, the Spaniards and Mexicans statrted teaching the local artisans how to quarry and dress stone, mold bricks and prepare lime mortar to construct fire resistant brick and stone structures. these stone and brick structures although fire resistant does not do well with earthquakes which are frequent in the area.

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Best Family Resorts Part 2

The Phillippines is a traveler’s paradise because of its numerous and enchanting places to visit and explore. These resorts are carefully selected specially for family vacations. These resorts are very kid-friendly and so families will surely have a great and memorable vacation.

Island Cove
Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite
It’s near; just go down the coastal road and you’re almost there. Designed like a theme park of sorts, Island Cove has something to offer  to everybody. They have a big swimming pool where ‘tweens and teens will love and a kiddie pool that toddlers will enjoy. Mom and Dad can play tennis or play giant chess in the lawn with the kids. Go fishing while having a Pinoy lunch at the Fishing Village. In the afternoon, visit the mini zoo with a tiger, a few ostriches and a crocodile farm.

After the zoo, the whole family can go horseback riding. In the evening, dine at Xiang Li, their Chinese Restaurant. After a drink at the Fisherman’s Deck or sing to your heart’s content at Island Songs that has 32 KTV rooms.

Kabayan Beach Resort
Barangay Laiya, Aplaya, San Juan, Batangas
The area around San Juan is fast becoming a tourist spot because nearby is a big, wide beach cove with white sand and pristine waters. The place has become a sanctuary of some sort because it is the feeding and nesting grounds for the endangered sea turtle. The beach at Kabayan is great for kids because it is not too pebbly. Of all the resorts in the area, the only one that has a restaurant is kabayan Beach Resort. The restaurant offers delicious Filipino foods and native kakanin. They have cottages that come with kitchenettes so that guests can bring their own food, cook and have a picnic at the beach after. For dessert, must taste at the resort are the maja blanca, ube that mimics pastillas in taste and champorado with sago and salted
fish on the side. If you didn’t bring food, must orders are crispy pata, bulalo and sinaing na tulingan.

Lago de Oro
Balibago, Calatagan, Batangas
Fancy a water skiing or wakeboarding escapade without going far from home? Head on to Lago de Oro and enjoy these water sports or learn how to do them in the resort’s man-made lagoon. This spacious and secluded resort is ideal for a weekend getaway. Have a hearty lunch of Italian and Filipino dishes at their in-house restaurant. In the afternoon, enjoy a dip in the pool or walk along the South China Sea coastline if it’s low tide. Take stress away with a massage or bond with the whole family with a volleyball game. Toddlers and young kids can also enjoy the playground area overlooking the ocean. In the evening, try out indoor sports and games like table tennis, billiards and darts.

Lagos del Sol Resort
Lake Caliraya, cavinti, Laguna
The Lagos del Sol Resort provides a fresh take o where family and friends can enjoy various aquatic activities minus the salt-induced sting in the eyes. The whole family will enjoy kayaking or jet skiing. Dads can go bass fishing or wind sailing. Boat rides around the lake are available as well. Guests can also go on hiking trips in the surrounding forest or play indoor games like darts, table tennis and billiards. For a more relaxed approach, guests can laze around or take a dip in the pool and Jacuzzi, if not enjoy the sauna. For dining, guests are served with handpicked delights from the resort’s organic garden and fresh seafood from the lake.

Lawiswis Kawayan Garden Resort
402 Buguion, Calumpit, Bulacan
Lawiswis Kawayan Garden Resort has all the ingredients for a relaxing vacation; no suffocating crowds, no loud noises, just serenity and privacy. The resort is perfect for private parties. With a minimum number of guests, you may have the entire property for yourselves. Have a swim in the pool, take a siesta in the cabanas, fish for red tilapias, sip freshly brewed coffee i the garden and let the children have a day of liberty.

Maribago Bluewater Beach Resort
Mactan Island, Cebu
The most logical thing to do, of course, is to lie down on one of the beachfront lounging chairs, get a tan, order some drinks, swim a bit, build a sand castle, read a book and generally, just laze the day away. That is what beach bums would do but the more go-getters need not worry of running out of things to do at Maribago. Maribago offers all sorts of water contraptions that would get guests speeding and skimming over the sea from wave runners and jet skis to aqua bikes and banana boats. For the more adventurous, the resort also offers snorkeling and scuba diving excursions. Tours around the outlaying islands and a picnic at an isolated cove can be arranged. For a destresser, check in at the Amuma Spa and experience the
relaxing and healing powers of hilot. Babysitting services are available so moms can also take a time out from the kids. Apart from the beach, the rsort also as two lagoon-shaped swimming pools and the Marine Wildlife Lagoon where guests can feed back tip reef sharks every 4 in the afternoon. At night, take the whole family to the Sunset Cove live Seafood restaurant and dine on the freshest catch and reminisce about the day’s adventure.

Mergrande Ocean Resort
Bago, Aplaya, Talomo District, Davao
Explore the 8.8 hectares beachfront property starting with an early morning swim in the warm ocean waters or making sand castles with the kids using the fine black volcanic sand on the shore. The whole family will surely enjoy the pool with its four big slides, the fairy tale-themed playground and the basketball and tennis courts. Mom and Dad can bond while teeing off at the 18-hole mini golf course or go fishing at the “Catch me if you can” fishing village. For lunch, head on to the resort’s restaurant by the sea and enjoy some home-cooked Filipino dishes.

Paras Beach Resort
Rocky Village, Barangay Yumbing, Mambajao, Camiguin
About half an hour away from Camiguin’s waterfalls, hot springs and the famous White Island is Paras Beach Resort with its enticing swimming pool and sea views. Guests can try out various aqua sports like parasailing, snorkeling and diving. Just beyond the rooms, with a fantastic view of White Island, is the resort’s swimming pool. The resort also arranges day trips to see the 60 meter drop of the Katibawasan Falls, the many pools of various temperatures of Ardent hot springs and the giant cross of the Sunken Cemetery. Take the resort’s many bancas to an uninhabited beach just minutes away and watch as the sand turns from volcanic black to pristine white. A meal of the day’s fresh catch can be grilled right in front of the guests. The boat ride back to the resort allows for a panoramic view of a spectacular sunset.

Patrick’s On The Beach
Siargao Island, Gen. Luna, Surigao del Norte
If you want to try out surfing, then Surigao is the place to be. And when in Siargao, the best place to check in is Patrick’s On The Beach. Welcome drinks of home made mango rum will set the tone of the guest’s stay which is “No worries”. The accommodations are comfortable and their kitchen serves American, Filipino and Continental dishes in generous proportions. Dine outdoors to catch the cool and refreshing sea breeze. Want to go surfing or island hopping? The resort can arrange them for the guests.

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Best Family Resorts Part 1

These fabulous resorts were chosen for their kid-friendly amenities and the fun-filled time to be had by each member of the family. These resorts are guaranteed to make every family’s vacation worth remembering.

Badian Island Resort and Spa
Badian Island, Cebu
Lying 97.6 kilometers southwest of Cebu City, on an eponymous island fifteen minutes away by boat, is the magical Badian Island Resort and Spa with its auburn shore, staff in colorful uniforms singing their welcome, bars and stores connected by foot bridges and clusters of suites scattered over a lovely eight-hectare landscape. With babysitting services at the guest’s disposal, moms can indulge in health and beauty treatments at the Badian natural Spa while dads can go on diving excursions. The whole family can then gather together for a glass-bottom boat tour, a picnic by the Kawasan Falls and a visit to nearby towns and villages. Cap the whole thing off with a magnificent sunset cruise.

Batanes Resort
Kaychanarianan, Basco, Batanes
Batanes is the perfect vacation place where the whole family can enjoy peace and quiet, panoramic views of the hills and mountains and isolated pristine beaches. Batanes resort is nestled along a hillside is composed of small houses a few meters away from the beach. The resort has a friendly staff and comfortable accommodations. The resort also knows the best island and can arrange guided tours. The tours usually starts at Batan island, exploring the Valugan Rock Bay where the rumblings of the boulders as they are tugged by the waves can be heard. A walk along Ivatan stone houses (made of stones and cogon grass) will take visitors to meet up with old women wearing Vacul which is a headdress made of cogon grass to protect against harsh weather. The so-called Marlboro Country is the next stop which is a picturesque hills and grasslands, Mahato Fishing Village and Patricia Abad’s house-cum-museum. A boat ride will take guests to Sabtang Island where centuries-old houses made of cobblestones still stands where guests can stay overnight. The excursion can be capped off with a picnic at Cavanaran Beach which is a secluded beach that is perfect for picture taking and sun bathing.

Bohol Beach Club
Barrio Bolod, Panglao Island, Bohol
Its stretch of 1.4 kilometers of powdery white sand beach is already a sight to see, but beyond the shores where the Bohol Beach Club is located, there is an underwater world waiting to be explored. Aboard the resort’s glass-bottom boat, not very far from the shoreline, guests can see corals and fishes. Needless to say, there’s lots of snorkeling and diving to be had for the more adventurous. Shallow waters front the resort’s different accommodations that range from standard rooms to family suites which are perfect for children just getting their first taste of the beach. There are also numerous pools all over the resort so that each room has easy access to at least one. When guests are already tired of lounging in the sun, they can lie in one of the many hammocks that hang under the coconut trees that line the length of the beach. The resort can also arrange for tours to interesting places of Bohol like old churches, Loboc River, the tarsier sanctuary and the Chocolate Hills.

Boracay Regency Beach Resort
Station 2, Balabag, Boracay, Aklan
The resort is located at Station 2, right in the middle of the action, but guests won’t have to worry about not getting a good night’s rest because the resort offers a lovely cocoon of security and comfort. The resort is the first to receive a triple A rating along the White Beach area. The beach is where the action is and because the property stands right at the beachfront, they will bring guests their margaritas and cocktails while you relax under the shade of the coconut trees or working your tan under the tropical sun. Guests can also enjoy swimming in one of the resort’s two fresh water swimming pools. The food at the resort is always a heaping affair at Cafe Christina or guests can order from room service.

Camp John Hay Manor
Loakan Road, Baguio City
If you want cool and breezy, bundle up the whole family for freezing weather and drive up to Camp John Hay Manor where you can warm your hands in front of a bright, resplendent fire. The road trip will be worth it as visitors can smell the pine trees and strawberries and the fresh mountain air. There are a lot of things to do around the Camp, the most pleasant of which is to just go on a slow hike with the kids for some quality and bonding time. Afterwards, dad can do a few rounds of golf, mom can have a massage while the kids can run around the property chasing butterflies. The food is always delicious with the fruits and vegetables at their freshest. A couple of drinks can be had at the Piano Bar.

Club Manila East
Km 24 Manila East Road, Taytay, Rizal
Club manila East Taytay’s proximity to Metro manila makes it an ideal place to go to when you suddenly feel the need to swim and enjoy the sun. Guests can have a swim at the mega pool which is a 9,100 square meter replica of Laguna de Bay and the kids will enjoy the giant pool slide. Kayaking can also be done in the water activity pool and play golf at the 9-hole putting range. The whole family can enjoy lunch with friends or tackle some reading at one of the resort’s cabanas. Filipino dishes can be enjoyed at the resort’s canteen.

Club Paradise Resort
Dimakya Island, Coron, Northern Palawan
Animals always delight children and there’s no better place in the country to do that than in Club Paradise Resort. The exotic fauna of the ecologically-rich northern part of Palawan is one of the resort’s top draws. Emerald doves or pink-necked green pigeons occasionally dart around the cottages. At night, guests can catch a sight of a pied fantail or an Asian glossy starling from their windows. A trail along the hill that forms the backbone of the island is perfect for a short hike to its highest point that affords a panoramic view of the 19-hectare Dimakya, the sea and the outlying islets.

The resort staff collects the eggs of the rare Hawksbill turtle and guests are welcome to watch hatchling send-offs at sunrise or sunset. When snorkeling around Dimakya, guests can chance upon fully-grown turtles as well as other reef creatures. For more exotic animals, Calauit is just a boat ride away. the resort routinely arranges excursions to the wildlife reserve where guests can see African animals like zebras and giraffes.

At Club Paradise, there ar no televisions to distract. Instead, there are indoor games and a library of books. Occasionally, the resort sets up a big screen on the beach for a makeshift family movie theater amidst the swaying coconuts and the cool sea breeze.

Escondido
Station 1, Barangay Balabag, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan
Finding a cozy and homey resort like Escondido renews ones hope that there are more things in the island that are yet to be discovered. Tucked away near the Boracay hillside, the resort offers quiet and private surroundings rarely found on beachfront properties. The resort is only a short two minutes walk to the beach, so the whole family can still enjoy the powdery white sand and the crystal clear waters that made the island famous. Enjoy some of the most delicious crab on the island at the resort’s in-house restaurant, the Boracay Crab House. In the afternoon, guests can play games or have a relaxing massage in one of the resort’s three hillside nipa huts.

Fort Ilocandia Resort Hotel
Barangay 37, Calayab, Laoag City, Ilocos Norte
At the resort hotel, everything is big; the rooms are huge, the meal servings can feed a whole family and the swimming pool is Olympic-sized. The beach sand dunes stretch endlessly and make for the perfect family playground. the only thing small here is their mini zoo, and that still has an extensive bird collection. Fort Ilocandia is the kind of family vacation spot because there is plenty of room for everyone.

Isis Bungalows
Alona Beach, Panglao, Bohol
Isis Bubgalows is a blessing to budget-conscious travelers. located in the middle of Alona Beach, it features clean architecture, reasonable rates and spacious rooms.

The resort offers tours for island hopping and sightseeing. The tours includes dolphin watching, visits to the famous Chocolate Hills and the tarsier sanctuary and of course, cruising along Loboc River. After all the fun activities, there is nothing better to do than to go back to the clean rooms of Isis.

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