Monday, May 25, 2015

Fort Santiago ( Intramuros Manila )




Fort Santiago, a 16th century military defense structure, stands witness to the valor and heroism of the Filipino through the centuries. Adaptive use of this historical landmark makes certain areas ideal for open air theater, picnics, and promenades. The Intramuros Visitors Center gives an overview of various attractions in the Walled City.

Entrance fee- P 75

Baluarte De San Diego ( Intramuros Manila )



Designed and built by Jesuit priest Antonio Sedeno from 1586 to 1587. It is one of the oldest stone fortifications in Intramuros. Began as a circular fort called Nuestra Senora de Guia, renovated in 1593 to join the walls of the city. Fort fell in disrepair and in 1644 construction began for a new baluarte which was completed between 1653 and 1663. Resembling an ace of spades, it housed a foundry during the 18th century.

The Baluarte was breached by British force with cannon fire in 1762. Restored and strengthened after the British occupation but was damaged during the earthquake of 1863. It was then condemned by the Spaniards. It was totally destroyed during the Battle of Manila in 1945. Restoration began in 1979 and completed in 1992. 

Entrance fee: P 50.00-students/senior citizen  P 75.00-adults

Saturday, May 23, 2015

Budget Accomodations in Cotabato City


Azaleas Pension House
Sinsuat Avenue, Cotabato City
(064) 421- 8122

Citi Plaza

Makakua Street, Cotabato City 
(064) 421-9148

Diamond Hotel 

Makakua cor. Jose Lim Sr. St., Cotabato City 
(064) 421 – 5118

El Manuel Hotel 

Quezon Avenue, Cotabato City 
(064) 421 – 9883

Estosan Garden Hotel 

Gov. Gutierrez Avenue, Cotabato City 
(064) 421 - 6777 to 81, (064) 421-5488 

Fiesta Cotabato 

Dr. Rabago Street, Cotabato City 
(064) 421-5491

Grand Rio Hotel 

Don Rufino Alonzo Avenue, Cotabato City 
(064) 421-8770

Hotel Castro 

Sinsuat Avenue, Cotabato City 
(064) 421 - 7523

Hotel Cirilo 

Sultan Makakua Street, Cotabato City 
(064) 421-3583

Hotel Filipino & Restaurant 

Sinsuat Avenue, Cotabato City 
(064) 421- 2307 | 421-3232

Pacific Heights Pension House 

San Vicente Street, Cotabato City 
(064) 421- 5832

Pension Rafael 

San Isidro Street, Cotabato City 
(064) 421-2941

Sardonyx Pension House 

Gov. Gutierrez Street, Cotabato City 
(064) 421 - 1364

Vision Inn 

Bonifacio Street, Cotabato City 
(064) 421 - 7289 | 421 - 1364

Source: http://www.southcotabato.org/


Budget Accomodations & Where To Eat in Quirino





DISADECO LODGE 
Andres Bonifacio,Diffun 
Alejandro Langfisan Jr. 0917-891-7804

PUSUAC MPCI HOMESTAY 

P2, Andres Bonifacio,Diffun 
Ms. Melita V. Velasco 0935- 216- 8146 
pusuaccoop@yahoo.com

CHEZIAH’S HOMESTAY 

#31, Bliss, Balagbag,Diffun 
Ms. Naranja Ordonio 0905- 3300-599 
cheziah_homestay@yahoo.com

CORAZON AERTZEN HOMESTAY

Aurora East, Diffun
Corazon Aertzen 0915-610-4675

CAPITOL PLAZA HOTEL AND RESTAURANT

Capitol Hills, Cabarroguis 
Ms. Daisy V. Garcia 0917-955-6277

COMMUNITY FORESTRY FOUNDATION OF QUIRINO, INC. (CFFQI)

Capitol Hills, Cabarroguis 
Mr. Bernardo Faraon 0916- 913- 6488

ABRASA MPC HOTEL

Gundaway, Cabarroguis 
Samuel Tacadena 0936-361-9368

CADIENTE HOMESTAY 

Capitol Crest, Cabarroguis
Ms.Emelie C. Cadiente 0905- 555- 1045 
cadientehomestay@yahoo.com

GERMINAL HOMESTAY 

Capitol Crest, Cabarroguis 
Ms. Dorothy Grace Germinal 0916- 435- 7106 
marinagerminalhomestay@yahoo.com

JANN’S HOMESTAY 

Capitol Crest, Cabarroguis 
Ms.Aurea V. Martinez 0917- 500-0162 
jannshomestay@yahoo.com

BACLIG HOMESTAY 

Mangandingay, Cabarroguis 
Mr. Ernesto Baclig 0915- 987- 8722 
baclighomestay@yahoo.com

BREN’S BREAD AND BREAKFAST 

Gundaway, Cabarroguis 
Ms. Brenda Patlingrao 0916-477-5108 
brenbfasthomestay@yahoo.com

JC HOMESTAY  

Capitol Crest, Cabarroguis 
Joyce Soriano 0916-340-1111
 jcsuiteshomestay@yahoo.com

AGLIPAY CAVES AND CAMPSITE 

Villa Ventura, Aglipay 
Ms.Violeta IÑego 0915- 236- 9424

DA-QUIRINO Experiment Station 

Dungo, Aglipay 
Loida Basug/Maritess Bristol 
0917-362-7400/0905-330—2855

CSABER’S LODGE 

San Leonardo, Aglipay 
Mary Ann Pascua 0916-544-4140

VILLA CARIDAD HOTEL & RESTAURANT 

Villa Sur, Maddela 
Ms. Caridad Barrientos/Ms. Colen Barrientos 
0917-574-3322/0905-791-6636     

DIPANTAN NATURE’S PARK & CAMPSITE 

Dipantan, Nagtipunan 
Mildred Abellera 0905-368-7150

D’ FIELDS HOMESTAY 

Dipantan, Nagtipunan 
Beltran Almendral 0935-851-5068 


WHERE TO EAT:


PANYONG’S 

National Hi-way, Andres Bonifacio, Diffun 
Ms. Kristine Bayaua 0916-679-6245

MYRNA DY’S RESTAURANT 

Public Market, Andres Bonifacio, Diffun 
Ms. Myrna Dy 0927-847-2080

FAITH AND GRACE RESTAURANT 

Public Market, Andres Bonifacio, Diffun 
Ms. Marilyn M. San Gil 0917-564-4003

MRS. GADDI’S RESTAURANT  

Gundaway, Cabarroguis 
Mr. Jerry Mendoza 0905- 406- 7535

CAPITOL PLAZA HOTEL AND RESTAURANT 

Capitol Hills, Cabarroguis, Quirino 
Ms. Daisy V. Garcia 0917-955-6277

PALM RESTAURANT 

Cabarroguis 
Ms. Rosemarie V. Bannoya 0927-403-3931

DEL ROSARIO’S RESTAUTRANT 

Maddela 
Dra. Jane L. Garcia

CATRAL EATERY 

Maddela 
0936-463-9661/0921-237-4353



source: http://discoverquirinoprovince.ph/

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Laguna | A Glimpse Of Old Biñan


 Biñan is historically known as the place where José Rizal received his first formal education. He was about eight years old when he and his brother, Paciano left Calamba and settled in Biñan. There, he used to reside in his mother's ancestral home, owned by the family of Jose Alberto Alonzo, the father of Rizal’s mother, Teodora Alonzo. 

The Alberto Mansion
The Alberto Mansion, built in the early 19th century, is a two-storey house with a floor area of about 600 square meters and is currently located at the Poblacion across from the city government building.
 José Rizal Monument Plaza
José Rizal Monument Plaza, in downtown Biñan, is the major landmark of the city, which is beside the San Isidro Labrador Parish Church which is also beside the old municipal hall, and the public market.
San Isidro Labrador Parish Church


I only can imagine how beautiful the town was during its hey days. So close to us here in the south metro yet unknown to many. In almost all areas of the town I found reminders of its inspiring past. Such lovely old houses, I don’t mind spending the whole afternoon feasting my eyes on these gems.

Monday, May 18, 2015

Gumasa Beach ( Glan Saranggani )




Locals have aptly nicknamed this crescent-shaped stretch the "Small Boracay of the South". This is what Boracay might have looked like before all the commercial development: slow paced, quiet except for the sound of the waves and small cottages and thatched nipa huts make do for shelter. I'll take it!

How to get there:


From Manila- Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific Air flies daily to General Santos City. From there ride a van bound to Glan Saranggani. From the town hire a tricycle to Gumasa beach. 



Where to Stay:


Coco Beach Resort - Open-air cottages (Php600, overnight) to airconditioned rooms (starts from Php2000, 2 single beds to Php4500, 6 single beds and one cottage)


Rosal Beach Resort - Open-air cottages (Php500-1100, daytime/ overnight); Aircon rooms start at Php2300 (2 beds) to an elevated cottage (Php7000, 7 beds); Open day cots, beach volleyball, children's play ground, skim board rental



·Brod Louie Resort - Open family cottages (Php500/800,day/ overnight); Resthouses (Php2600/3000, fan/ aircon); Airconditioned Rooms/Dormitory (Php2000/4600) They have a kiddie pool, kayaking and videoke.

Wednesday, May 13, 2015

Asik-Asik Falls ( Alamada North Cotabato )


Asik-asik Falls is located at Sitio Dulao, Upper Dado, Alamada, North Cotabato. The name comes from a Hiligaynon term, which means to sprinkle.  The waterfalls resemble a curtain of spring waters flowing down from a jade wall covered in lush foliage. It’s the kind of sight that should be experienced on its own, as pictures don’t do justice to the fantastic scenery. 

How to get there:


Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific Air flies daily to Cotabato City. From Cotabato City ride a van/bus bound to Midsayap. At Midsayap market there's is doable tire jeep (10am) to Bgry Dado in Alamada. From the brgy hire a habal habal to Asik-Asik falls.


Saturday, May 9, 2015

Budget Accomodations in Guimaras



Eco Pen Hauz
San Miguel Jordan Guimaras 
(033)237 1332 / 09173009942



Guisi Lighthouse and Heritage Cottage
Dolores Nueva Valencia Guimaras 5046
0928 961 1031 / 0920 547 0288 / 0999 383 6595

JM Backpackers Hometel
New Site, San Miguel Jordan Guimaras
(033) 581 2164


Jovita's Secret Convention Center
San Miguel Jordan Guimaras 

Miewa Pension House
New Poblacion Buenavista Guimaras
(033) 580 5693 /  0926 902 8578

NMRDC Dormitory

San Miguel Jordan Guimaras
(033) 237 1391

OLP-Trappist Monastery Guest House
San Miguel Jordan Guimara
(033) 581 3393 / (033) 581 3385 / 0918 427 8252

Pine Haven Hotel
San Miguel Jordan Guimaras
(033) 237 1069 /  0915 221 5763



Shirven Hotel
San Miguel Jordan Guimaras 5046
033-237-1608 /  0921-720-5242

rates:
Garden (2) Php 800.00
Deluxe (2-4) Php 1,600.00
Superior (2) Php 1,700.00

Side Walkers
San Miguel Jordan Guimaras

Small Wings Pension Inn
San Miguel Jordan Guimaras 
0910 537 1594



Twin Feathers Pension Inn
San Miguel Jordan
(033) 237 1728 / 0927 857 5233



Zemkamps Chalet
New Site, San Miguel Jordan Guimaras
(033) 237 1388 /  0920 2630466

Monday, May 4, 2015

Situbo Falls ( Tampilisan Zamboanga del Norte )


The towering Situbo Falls is one of the many still unspoiled waterfalls in the Philippines, resplendent, mighty, and powerful as it thunders down to a refreshing cool pool, waiting for you to be discovered.

How to get there:

1. Budget airlines have daily flights from Manila to Dipolog. From Dipolog City hop a bus bound to Ipil in Zambonga Sibugay (4 hours). Alight at the town of Tampilisan then charter a habal-habal to Situbo Falls(P200 roundtrip). 

2. Fly from Manila to Zamboanga City. From Zamboanga City hop a bus bound to Pagadian City. Alight at Ipil in Zamboanga Sibugay then take a jeepney ride to Tampilsan then charter a habal-habal to Situbo Falls.

Saturday, May 2, 2015

Mt. Batulao ( Nasugbu Batangas )



Jump-off point: Evercrest Golf Course, Nasugbu
LLA: 14.0408 N 120.8011 E 811 MASL
Days required / Hours to summit: 1 day / 2-4 hours
Specs: Minor climb, Difficulty 4/9, Trail class 3 with 60-70 degrees assault
Features: Open trails, rolling slopes, scenic views of Batangas

How to get there:


Take a bus that is bound for Nasugbu – Lemery. Inform the conductor that you’ll be going to Mt. Batulao. Exit the bus when you get to Evercrest Golf Course in Lemery, Batangas. Travel time is roughly 2 to 3 hours depending on the traffic.

Budget Accomodations in Kidapawan City


AJ HI‐Time Hotel 
JP Laurel St., Corner Plaridel St. Kidapawan City
(064)288-1811 / (064)288-1475

AJD Garden Pads & Pension  
Quimco St., Kidapawan City
(064)278-4781

Apo Summit Hostel
Brgy. Kalasuyan, Kidapawan City
(064)278-3400

Boylyn Lodge 
Brgy. M,. Kidagsaysay, Kidapawan City
(064)278-1215 

Budget Inn 
Quirino Drive,. Kidapawan City
(064) 288‐1514 

Fajz Cafe & Lodging House 
Jose Abad Santos St., Kidapawan City
(064)2881609

Grand Ficus Plaza Hotel and Restaurant 
N. Aquino Ave. Bgry. Lanao,. Kidapawan City
(064)2783192 

Jayag Pension House 
Quirino Drive,. Kidapawan City
(064) 288‐1514 

JBL Lodge 
Quezon Blvd., Kidapawan City
(064)288-1614 

Mang Oming Lodge  
National Highway, Kidapawan City

Mt. Apo Inn 
Bautista St., Kidapawan City
(064) 288‐5720

Old Barracks Suites 
Bgry. Sudapin, Kidapawan City
(064) 288-1299

RBM Summit Motor Bay Inn 
Daang Maharlika, Kidapawan City
(064) 2884560

SAM's Guesthouse & Apartelles 
Villamarzo St., Kidapawan City
(064) 288-1281

Super Cool Drive Inn & Restaurant 
Roxas St., Kidapawan City
(064) 288‐5349

Silver Spoon Lodge 
Old PC Barracks, Kidapawan City
(064) 288‐1299

Survive Travelers Inn 
Villamarzo St., Kidapawan City
(064) 288‐5053