FAQ – Page 6

A Beginner Traveler’s Guide: Visiting Cebu, the Queen City of the South

March 19, 2018 By FAQ Leave a Comment

Cebu City has one of the fastest emerging economies in the Philippines, but that’s not what the whole region is known for especially if you ask the millions of local and foreign tourists who frequently visit this central Visayan destination.

The Queen City of the South

Cebu City is a first class municipality located in the province bearing the same name, Cebu Island, in the Central Visayas. It is officially recognized as a high-urbanized city with a population of over 900,000, according to the 2015 data. While all these information can be easily found online, many people – even those who had the chance to visit this tropical destination often ask: why is it called the Queen City of the South?

The title is attributed to its potential as a rising economic power not only in the Visayas but in the entire Philippines. As mentioned at the beginning of this article, it has a booming economy that promises the city’s crown to the royal throne of progress.

Traveling to Cebu City for first-timers

If it’s your first time traveling to Cebu City, you may have a few questions about the basics yet important details that you should know about before booking that plane ticket. Just like any holiday trip, the first step that you should take is to do your homework.

How to get there

If you’re a Filipino or a foreigner who lives in another part of the country, you have different options to choose from if you want to get to Cebu City. Depending on where you’re coming from, the minimum traveling time can be as short as 1 hour.

Local travelers have several options: plane, ferry, or private car. For international and foreign travelers, Cebu island is the home to Mactan International Airport, catering to local and direct international flights from other major countries in Asia.

Going to and around the city

The airport is located in Lapu-Lapu City (30-60 minutes away from Cebu City). From the airport, taxi services (200-300 pesos depending on the traffic situation) are available and will take you to the city proper.

Pro Tip: Two of Philippine’s aircraft carriers offer promo flight tickets on special occasions (New Year, Christmas, National Holidays) so you should be on the lookout for these deals online or on their website.

A cheaper method prescribed by locals is the bus service, MyBus (located near the Arrival exit doors), which leaves every 20 minutes and will take you to SM City, Cebu where you can take other modes of transportation to your destination within and outside of the city.

Going around the city is as easy as ABC – no pun intended. “Jeepney” and “multicabs”(local public transport vehicle) routes are classified according to different letter-number combinations like 03A, 02B, 01C, and so on. You can find the detailed information and their updated routes on this page.

What to eat

Cebu City is a heaven for foodies and food adventurers especially those who are crazy about fresh and affordable seafood meals – and you can never find this opportunity in other major cosmopolitan Philippine cities. This is because Cebu City is a part of a bigger province that is composed of over 160 smaller islands. In fact, the region itself is known for its several fishing villages.

Aside from its local delicacies, there is a long list of restaurants serving international cuisines like Korean, Japanese, Italian, and even Middle-Eastern food places – but nothing beats the juiciest and tastiest lechon Cebu, or roasted (whole) pig.

Cebu’s lechon is not only the best roasted pig in the Philippines, but is also the best in the world, according to the internationally acclaimed chef, Anthony Bourdain.

Where to go

Did you know that Cebu City is the oldest city in the Philippines? It is also recognized as the very first island where Spaniards built a settlement before establishing a solid control over the country centuries ago. Their long and rich history makes the city interesting not only for history geeks but also for curious travelers.

There is a long list of Spanish-inspired government and religious establishments around the city, as well as residential buildings designed after Spanish architectural styles. However, what catches most of its visitors’ attention are the mighty and still standing post-war memorials located at the heart of the city.

Here are some of the most famous historical tourists’ spots in Cebu City that you should check out on your first day:

Fort San Pedro

Location: Plaza Independencia, Cebu City

Fort San Pedro is the oldest military defense structure in the Philippines built in the early 17^th century. It was under the command of the first governor of the colony, Miguel Lopez de Legazpi until its downfall when Filipino revolutionaries successfully infiltrated the structure at the end of the 19^th century. It was then used as a stronghold and now serves as one of the most precious reminders of the region’s courage and heroism.

Image Credit: Fitri Agung

Magellan’s Cross

Location: Magallanes Street, Cebu City

This famous religious site is housed in a chapel near the city center. According to historians, it’s a wooden Christian cross mounted by the Spanish and Portuguese explorers in 1521 under the command of Ferdinand Magellan. According to locals, the cross possesses miraculous healing powers.

Outside the chapel are women and children selling candles for offering, and older women singing songs of worship and good luck to those who are kind enough to offer donations in exchange for a ritualistic prayer-dancing.

Image Credit: Fitri Agung

Colon Street

If your idea of fun is interacting with the locals and enjoying the unique and genuine vibe of the city, then Colon Street should be first in your itinerary. However, for first-time travelers, it’s advisable to experience this insider culture with a local who knows their way around the place – because it could get really crowded and overwhelming.

Colon Street is a historical place in Cebu City, and is known as the oldest and shortest national road in the country. It was named after the famous explorer, Christopher Columbus. At present, it’s a home to many local fashion stores, movie houses, old local restaurants, and many smaller establishments.

Image Credit: Polky Yu

Cebu City is a buzzing metropolis that has successfully kept its historical and nostalgic charm. Traveling to this part of the Philippines can be the most exciting and unforgettable getaway that you’ll ever experience, either for a family trip or a solo adventure.

Happy travels!

10 Top Biggest Shopping Malls in the Philippines

March 13, 2018 By FAQ Leave a Comment

Speaking of shopping malls, did you know that the biggest mall in the world is China’s New South China Mall? This shopping haven in Dongguan, China has a gross floor area (GFA) of 660,000 square meters.

Spending leisure time in shopping centers, especially during weekends and public holidays, is a common phenomena in the Philippines. The locals seem to enjoy going out, hanging out, and shopping. For that reason, shopping malls can be easily spotted across the country. Amongst the long list of shopping malls, here are the top biggest ones.

1. SM North EDSA

Known to be the first mall that introduced the locals to the lifestyle, this mall has been through several transformations since its first public opening in 1985. Currently nominated to be the country’s biggest mall and the world’s third, what started in an area of 125,000 sqm has now expanded to 498,000 sqm. It also houses more than one thousand retail stores and restaurants in addition to its 5,760 rooftop solar panels. This number one shopping mall really lives up to the concept of one stop shop.

Location: Quezon City

Gross Floor Area: 498,000 m²

2. SM Megamall

Notable to the first mall to have ice skating rink in the country, this shopping mall has been through several major expansion since its opening in 1991. The initial size of 330,000 sqm has been expanded to 474,000 sqm. With larger leasable area, it now caters more than one thousand outlets, ranging from fashion to dining. The mall has a maximum capacity of 4 million people.

Location: Mandaluyong City

Gross Floor Area: 474,000 m²

3. SM Seaside City Cebu

Located in the center of SM Seaside Complex is SM Seaside City Cebu. WIth 470,000 sqm floor area, this mall is among the world’s largest. What makes this mall special is the 16 lane bowling arena, Olympic sized ice rink and large screen cinema that can accomodate 350 seats. In addition to those recreational features is the 148 meter Seaside Tower.

Location: Cebu City

Gross Floor Area: 470,490 m²

4. SM Mall of Asia

The mall was crowned as the world’s biggest when it was first introduced to public in 2006. The size of the mall floor area is the stagerring 406,962 sqm and there are four buildings comprising the mall: the main area, the entertainment section, and two car parks.

The availability of more than one thousand retail and dining outlets along with an Olympic sized ice rink and science discovery center called Exploreum has made SM Mall of Asia one unique shopping center.

Location: Bay City, Pasay

Gross Floor Area: 406,962 m²

5. SM City Cebu

Better known as SM Cebu, this is the fourth mall of SM Prime Holdings. Having been through some major development, the 162,000 sqm initial size of the floor area went up to 269,000 in 2007. With the construction of the Northwing new building, the number of shopping and dining outlets has also gone up to almost 700.

Location: Cebu City

Gross Floor Area: 273,804 m²

6. SM Aura Premier

Built as an upscale shopping mall in Metro Manila, SM Aura Premier has the size of 251,000 sqm. Consisting of some high-end stores, restaurants, and bars, the mall connected with the 29 storey SM Aura Office Tower is a convenient place to spend leisure time. Complying with global green standards in terms of efficient use of energy and sustainability, this mall does represent the definition of its name: elegance.

Location: Taguig City

Gross Floor Area: 251,094 m²

7. Glorietta

What was initially planned to be a part Makati Commercial Center has been transformed into a 250,000 sqm shopping mall. Starting its operation in 1992, the mall was then divided into three sections: Glorietta 1, 2 and 3. The mall has been through some changes since then: the addition of Glorietta 4 in 1998 and the stand-alone building of Glorietta 5 away from the other four sections.

Managed by Ayala Malls, this mall provides a complete package of leisure entertainment: cinema, theme park, entertainment hub, etc.

Location: Makati

Gross Floor Area: 250,000 m²

8. Greenbelt Mall

Consisting of five buildings, this mall began its operation in 250,000 sqm floor area in 1989. In 2002, the initial place, however, was reconstructed into the so-called Greenbelt 1, 2, and 3. In two years’ time, Greenbelt 4 was open and three years after that, Greenbelt 5 was launched. Nowadays Greenbelt Mall is dominated by prominent brands and restaurants, although fast food counters and supply stores can still be found in Greenbelt 1. Completing the shopping complex is a park in its open space area.

Location: Makati

Gross Floor Area: 250,000 m²

9. Robinsons Place Manila

Claimed to be the biggest Robinsons mall with the development of its Padre Faura and Midtown wings in years 2000 and 2008, the size of the mall has reached 240,000 sqm. Spread on its seven floors are thousands of both local and international retail stores, restaurants, and entertainment outlets, such as bowling, billiard, and cinema.

Location: Manila

Gross Floor Area: 240,000 m²

10. Robinsons Galleria

Back in the 1990, this was the first launched Robinsons mall. Now it also goes by the name Robinsons Galleria Ortigas due to its location, which is inside a mixed use complex lying on the corner of EDSA Ortigas Avenue. As the flagship of Robinsons Malls, this five storey mall is equipped with hundreds of stores, restaurants, as well as entertainment and service centers.

Location: Quezon City

Gross Floor Area: 216,000 m²

12 Popular Online Websites for Shopping in the Philippines

March 10, 2018 By FAQ 1 Comment

There is no question that for the past few years online shopping has grown more popular. The phenomenon has enabled so many new entrepreneurs to establish their businesses at lower cost — thanks to the virtual online retail stores and affordable marketing campaigns. Not only does it benefit businessmen, but it has also helped customers to shop through simple scrolling and a few clicks on their gadgets. As a matter of fact, customers’ satisfaction with the online products and services is the one thing that boosts the popularity of this new way of shopping. People in the Philippines are a part of those happy online shoppers. It is no wonder that there are at least these ten most visited e-commerce websites in the country.

1. Lazada

Serving as the one stop shopping solution in the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand, this site has been known as one of the online e-commerce giants in Southeast Asia. It offers a wide range of products, such as home appliances, gadgets and fashion. The products come from different brands and the site gives its customers several payment methods to choose from. With more than the estimated average monthly traffic of seventy million Internet users visiting the online marketplace, its dominance in the Philippines is undeniable.

Due to the popularity, this site originally founded by Rocket Internet was then acquired by Alibaba in 2016.

Monthly Traffic Estimate (January 2018): 70,600,000

2. OLX

OLX Philippines is one of the biggest buy and sell community in the country. On OLX, users can sell and buy second-hand items – from used cars to gadgets or furniture. You can also find a house or condo for rent or for sale.

Monthly Traffic Estimate (January 2018): 18,200,000

3. Shopee Philippines

With more than nine million monthly visitors, Shopee is the third most popular site in the Philippines. Providing a good marketplace for retailers to ‘meet’ buyers and help them settle the deals through its escrow system and customer reviews, purchases made on this online platform are considered trust worthy and thus, it encourages people to use its service.

Monthly Traffic Estimate (January 2018): 9,400,000

4. Cebu Pacific

Philippine airline company Cebu Pacific launched in 1996, but took off in earnest as a low-cost carrier in the mid-2000s. It has since offered customers discounted etickets they can purchase online using a credit card. It was one of the early local ecommerce options in the Philippines, and continues to be patronized by consumers for its promos.

Monthly Traffic Estimate (January 2018): 8,650,000

5. Zalora

Well known for its dominant market share in fashion retail industry, the site has been operating in various Asian countries: the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Hong Kong and Taiwan. The company’s partnership with global brands, like Mango and H&M, has made it possible to reach the fourth position of top shopping sites in the Philippines with website traffic at around three million every month.

Monthly Traffic Estimate (January 2018): 3,500,000

6. Metrodeal

Who does not like coupons, discounted items and that sort of better deals? This e-commerce site accomodates such wishes. With its specialization in offering good deals for leisure, food, and travelling, it successfully expands to Indonesia and it is now also developing its operations inThailand.

Monthly Traffic Estimate (January 2018): 3,051,944

7. Globe Online Shop

Reaching almost one million monthly traffic*, this virtual e-commerce platform specializing in electronic hardwares and gadgets is highly regarded as a part of the Globe Corporation, which is one of the prominent companies in the Philippines.

Monthly Traffic Estimate (January 2018): 2,100,000

8. eBay Philippines

Although it was originally created to be the meeting place for consumers, the site has been expanded to facilitate companies selling their products to customers in eBay stores. This creates more hectic traffic as many as 1,850,000 monthly visits.

Monthly Traffic Estimate (January 2018): 1,850,000

9. CDR King

Quite similar to Villman Computers, CDR King, which is a local retail chain company, provides an official website for its customers to shop online. Reputed for its discounted offers on electronics, computer hardware, gadgets and the accessories, this site monthly traffic is at around 580,000.

Monthly Traffic Estimate (January 2018): 580,000

10. Galleon.ph

Providing imported goods from the USA and China, that are not available in the Philippines, to the people in the country, Galleon.ph is estimated to attract around 500,000 visitors per month. The benefit of shopping via this online platform is that even if the product you are looking for(from the USA or China) is not currently available on the web, you can send an email asking for help to get that specific product. As written on its web, the company promises to get the product for you as long as it is from either one of the two foreign countries. Another plus point of this site is that it applies the all in price, which already includes taxes, customs, and delivery.

Monthly Traffic Estimate (January 2018): 510,000

11. Villman Computers

Having less visits at around 390,000 than CDR King, the online website highly focusing on gadgets, computer hardware, and mobile devices allows its customers to buy their products via the Internet in spite of the existence of its real retail shops.

Monthly Traffic Estimate (January 2018): 390,000

12. WeeMall

Just like any other online shop, WeeMall .com is a gateway for unique and branded products that goes from fashion to gadgets. It has various payment option platforms as well as same day delivery through Speed Delivery service.

Monthly Traffic Estimate (January 2018): N/A

Top 10 Amusement Park in the Philippines

February 18, 2018 By FAQ Leave a Comment

Although amusement parks are usually not the main focus of holidays in the Philippines, there are actually some which are definitely worth a visit.

1. Enchanted Kingdom

As the name suggests, this theme park enchants its visitors with opportunities to experience worlds made up of imagination and creativity, such as the world of pirates called Anchors Away and the world of outer space named as Space Shuttle. In addition, Discovery Theater and the Seventh Portal serving as the interactive education are available for people of all ages. EK also hosts song and dance performances, animal encounters, and a fireworks show.

Operating hours: Wednesday to Friday, 2:00 pm to 9:00 pm; Saturday and Sunday, 11:00 am to 9:00 pm

Entrance fee: Adults: P800 to P900; Kids: P500 to P600; free for kids below 36″

2. Manila Ocean Park

As the only ocean theme park in the country, the place offers the perfect combination of fun and learning experiences. The most notable fun, educational activity in the park is called Mermaid Swim Experience, in which the participants are dressed up like mermaids and learn how to swim inside the big tanks. Another thing that should not be missed is the Symphony Fountain Show.

Operating hours: Monday to Friday, 10:00 am to 8:00 pm; Saturday to Sunday, 9:00 am to 8:00 pm

Entrance fee: Packages range from P610 to P2,985

3. Star City (Metro Manila)

Adrenaline seekers would definitely love this amusement park because the rides are known to be quite extreme. Some of the popular adrenaline pumping rides are Star Flyer, which is the only inverted roller coaster in the Philippines; Viking, which allows its riders to experience the rocking sensation similar to the one caused by a stormy sea; and Star Frisbee, in which spinning seats are taken up to dizzying heights. Other rides to enjoy are the Snow World for those who simply want to chill out and rides for those who fancy horror called Dungeon and Gabi ng Lagim.

Operating hours: Monday to Thursday, 4:00 pm onwards; Friday to Sunday, 2:00 pm onwards

Entrance fee: P80 (Entrance only); RIDE-ALL-YOU-CAN: P490

4. Ocean Adventure in Subic Bay

Located in Subic is an amusement park that is the exact opposite of Star City. Visiting the park can bring joy without the need to experience the extreme. Giving a chance for its visitors to interact with different sea animals directly, it is definitely a must visit for those who fancy engaging with the animals. Apart from the direct interaction, there are also animal shows, in which whales, dolphins and some other sea creatures perform amusing attractions for the visitors.

Operating hours: Monday to Sunday, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm

Entrance fee: Adults: P788; Kids: P628

5. Manila Zoology and Botanical Garden

Better known as Manila Zoo, the site started its operation in 1959 and thus, it is regarded as one of the country’s oldest recreational parks. This 5,5 ha zoo is reported to have approximately 500 animals, most of which are mammal species. With its wide collections of flora and fauna endemic to the Philippines, like bearcat and macaques, some comment that the park looks more like a sanctuary. Apart from the animal display, playgrounds, boats and souvenir shops are available in the zoo.

Operating hours: Monday to Sunday, 7:00 am to 6:00 pm

Entrance fee: P10

6. Avilon Zoo

Popular to be the home to more than three thousand wildlife species, the zoo is as large as 7,5 hectares, which is the largest in the Philippines. Conducting internal conservation programs, the zoo is trying to save the lives of endangered animals. Not only that, it has been striving to bring more awareness of the country’s wildlife diversity to its visitors. In Avilon Zoo, you may feed some of the animals, and pose in front of the camera with its friendly primate, Trixie.

Operating hours: Monday to Sunday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

Entrance fee: Regular: P700; Children: P400

7. Sky Ranch Tagaytay

This is one of the rare places where one of the gigantic Ferris wheels can be found. The ride called the Sky Eye allows its visitors to experience getting on the Ferris wheel gondola, being lifted up 63 meter high in the air while enjoying the scenery of Taal Volcano and its Lake for ten minutes. Should such scenery be your thing, the ride called Sky Cruiser will allow you to further enjoy the views of the lake and volcano by getting on the pedal powered aerial vehicles. There is also Zipline, which will not only give you a different angle of the scenic views, but will also give you a thrill through its 300 meter zipline.

Operating hours: Monday to Friday, 10:00 am to 10:00 pm; Saturday to Sunday, 8:00 am to 10:00 pm

Entrance fee: P80 to P100 (Entrance only); rides range from P50 to P150

8. Sky Ranch Pampanga

Despite its recent launch, this amusement park is a strong competitor to more established ones. Quite similar to the one in Tagaytay, its popular ride is the enormous Ferris wheel called the Pampanga Eye. Other than that, there are the so-called Double Decker Carousel, Bubble O Fun, Jump Around and Wonderflight, which are aimed at entertaining little kids, as well as booths around the park, in which the players can get prizes when they win the games.

Operating hours: Monday to Thursday, 3:00 pm to 12:00 am; Friday to Sunday, 12:00 pm to 12:00 am

Entrance fee: Free Entrance; rides range from P50 to P150

9. Kidzania Manila

What makes Kidzania Manila unique to most theme parks out there is that it is specially constructed for children. Serving as the edutainment park for kids aged four to fourteen, this theme park allows children to pretend taking up adult roles, such as being a doctor, fireman, or a cook. The tools related to the occupations have been made to meet the average size of a child. Thus, it makes the experience more fun and friendly for kids.

Operating hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm; Saturday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

Entrance fee: Adults: P630 to P770; Kids: P900 to P1100

10. Zoobic Safari (Zambales)

If you want to see exotic animals up close, one of the places you can go to is Zoobic Safari. They boast of being “the only tiger safari in the Philippines” with more than 40 tigers in the park. The 25-ha. amusement park offers 11 attractions where guests can see python snakes, iguana lizards, guinea pigs, and other animals.

Operating hours: Monday to Sunday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm

Entrance fee: Adult: P695; Children: P595

6 Top Philippine World Heritage Sites

January 30, 2018 By FAQ Leave a Comment

Blessed with stunning natural views, rich culture and history, the Philippines has received worldwide recognition. According to World Heritage Convention, there are at least eight sites in the country that have made their way to the World Heritage List. The list itself is divided into three different types of universal heritage: natural, cultural, and the mixed type of both nature and culture.

1. Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park, Palawan

UNESCO put this marine park in the World Heritage List in 1993 and it is the first Philippine site to receive such recognition. The organization committee even declared the 33,200 ha traditional island region to be of irreplaceably valuable due to its coral reef beauty and diversity along with a wide range of sea species there. The place provides such wonderful marine life that even marine biologists claim to be hard to find elsewhere in the world. There are over 350 species of coral, 500 species of fish, and various kinds of whales, dolphins, sharks and turtles.

The intensely beautiful underwater park is included in the natural property category as it does not merely provide marvellous views, but it also helps keep balance of the natural environment. Aside from its biodiversity, the coral walls of Tubbataha are also wonderful diving spots for tourists (which are usually compared to the coral walls of the Great Barrier Reef).

From Manila, tourists can take regular fights to Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. At the airport, you can then take a motorcycle ride to the pier, where boats going to Tubbataha Reef are available.

The North Atoll of Tubbataha Reefs National Park

2. Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, Palawan

Both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the ‘New 7 Wonders of Nature, this national park is a combination of several astonishing natural features: river, mountain, rainforest, and plains. The river is as long as 8.2 km and it is considered one of the longest underground rivers in the world. Other than the length, the river is a rare natural wonder as the water comes from an inland source and it flows into the sea. On the other hand, the highest peak of the mountainous area is as high as 1,028 meters above sea level and it is even more unique with the addition of limestone plateaus. The rainforest itself has its own charm. It is home to a wide range of both endangered and endemic flora and fauna: calamian deer, mouse deer, Palawan bearcat, skunks, wild pigs, etc.

The national park is located 81 km away from Puerto Pricesa downtown area, in St Paul mountain range and 360 km southwest of Manila. Everyone wanting to visit the underground river must apply for a permit to do so, and because of limited capacity and high demand, it’s best to book a few days in advance.

Puerto Princesa Underground River

3. Banaue Rice Terraces in Ifugao

Despite its location in the remote Cordillera mountainous area, this is one of the places in the country that is definitely worth a visit. Getting to Banaue and Ifugao is difficult and long, but well worth the journey north. The journey from Manila to Banaue takes about 9 hours by bus (traffic can add about 2 hours). The other option is to fly to Baguio and then take a bus from there, but it doesn’t save much time. The best time to go is between February and May end, when it is least likely that the views will be obscured by low level clouds.

Not only attractive for tourists, the place has grown the curiosity of scholars, as well. In fact, they have estimated that the setting of the rice terraces dated back from 2,000 years ago. It has shown the unity of man and nature: how man forms a natural landscape to suit his needs. Completing the tranquillity of the paddy terraces is the sound of flowing water from the irrigation canals.

Apart from the popular paddy terraces in Ifugao, there are other sites, although not quite as majestic, across the country. They scatter in Kalinga-Apayao, Abra, and Benguet, areas with approximate height of 700 to 1,500 meters. In fact, all these terraces take up around 20,000 km square or 7% out of the country’s total land mass.

Banaue Rice Terraces. Image by Cabajar via Wikimedia Commons

4. Historic City of Vigan in Ilocos Sur

Back in the days when Spain colonialized the country, Vigan or what was better known as Ciudad Fernandina de Vigan was amongst the top three cities holding the most significant roles in the Philippines. The importance can be seen through the constructions around the city: religious buildings, big houses and other architectural buildings used for political activities.

With such historical backgrounds, the city is a proof of the culture combination between the foreign and local. There are several buildings representing the mixture, such as Plaza Salcedo, Saint Paul’s Cathedral and College, The Arzopispado, the Provincial Capitol Building, Simbaan a Bassit (a cemetery chapel), Calle Crisologo (a residential area with a cobbled stone street), and Burgos Museum.

From Manila, Vigan is approximately a 7 hour trip. There are buses travelling between the two cities.Besides, one can opt for a flight to the city of Laoag, which is about 80 kilometers from Vigan. From there, tourists can reach Vigan within 1 and a half hours.

The Spanish period houses in Calle Crisologo, VIgan, Ilocos Sur. Photo by Adrian Enriquez via Pixabay.

5. Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary

In the Philippines, out of the six UNESCO World Heritage Sites, only one can be found in Mindanao. That is the Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary found in Davao Oriental, the only mountain range heritage site in the country. It is home to a number of threatened flora and fauna, Philippine eagle, Philippine cockatoo, Philippine warty pig, Philippine pygmy fruit bat.

6. Beautiful churches around the country

Some of the country’s most embellished churches are Church of San Agustin, Nuestra Senora dela Asuncion, San Agustin Church in Manila, and Santo Tomas de Villanueva.

Sharing a similar name are the Church of San Agustin (known as the Paoay Church) in Illocos Norte and San Agustin Church in Manila. Although they both also share a similar concept of enduring earthquakes, the styles of the buildings are different. While the one in Illocos Norte has fourteen massive buttresses in the shape of the letter S, each of which is topped with a finial in the form of a pyramid to support its walls, the one in Manila exerts a raft type foundation allowing the construction to sway during an earthquake.

On the other hand, Nuestra Senola dela Asuncion (known as the Santa Maria Church) has Mediterranean look due to its location on the top of a hill and Santo Tomas de Villanueva (known as the Miagao Church) owns a strong fortress image because of its squat structure and its pair of massive bells.

San Agustin Church located at Intramuros Manila

Nuestra Señora dela Asunción

Top 10 Most Visited Museums in the Philippines

January 23, 2018 By FAQ Leave a Comment

The Philippines is a country with undeniable tourism magnet. Famous for its beautiful beaches, tempting food adventure and friendly locals, there is still something touristy hidden in the country: its museums.

Although not all tourists fancy museum visits, the cultural and historical items exhibited in the museums across the nation does picture the richness of the country. Should you be willing to give a go to museum visits, here is the list of the ones that should be on the top priority.

1. The National Museum

It goes by a different official name, which is the Museum of the Filipino People. Located in Rizal Park in Manila, this is a museum with easy access. Although the original building was meant for a public library, it was later renovated in 2003. It has turned into an art gallery since then.

The exhibits are practically divided into two: natural history and cultural heritage. Natural history covers the areas of botany, zoology, geology and paleontology, while cultural heritage includes anthropology, fine arts, and archaeology.

Admission: Free
Business Hours: Tuesdays to Sundays, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Web: http://www.nationalmuseum.gov.ph

2. Ayala Museum

Located in business district of Ayala in Mekati, the building has got a trendy, modern look. Different from the National Museum, which is government owned, this one is managed by private and so far, it has been the most popular private museum with the most visitors in the country.

The history of the Philippines from its prehistoric eras to the time when the country gained its independence in 1946 is potrayed through the sixty dioramas exhibited in the museum. These historical dioramas have always been the must-see attraction of Ayala museum. In addition, rare painting from the local master artists, artifacts (such as ritual objects, weapons, musical instruments) found in various regions of the country, miniature sea vessels and boats vividly picturing the sea transport evolution can be seen in the museum.

Admission: Regular: Resident – P225; Students and Senior Citizen: P125
Business Hours: Tuesdays to Sundays, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Web: http://www.ayalamuseum.org

Image Credit: Thecrazytourist

3. Mind Museum

Cooperating with ASPAC (Asia Pacific Network of Science and Technology Centres) and ASTC (Association of Science-Technology Centers), this museum tries to give its visitors educational experiences that will provide better understanding about nature. Recognized to be of world class quality, its galleries are surely worth visiting.

In fact, Trip Advisor has given this museum a certificate of excellence in 2017 due to the consistent good reviews from its visitors. Prior to that, it has received 2014 Thea Award for the sensory experiences. Even the building has been awarded LEED Gold Certification by the Green Building Council in the USA.

Admission: Adult: P600; Student: P450; Public school student and teacher: P150
Business Hours: Tuesdays to Sundays, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Web: http://www.themindmuseum.org

4. University of Santo Tomas Museum of Arts and Sciences

Positioned in the university main building, this museum is a part of Santo Tomas University, which makes it the oldest in the country. The museum was meant to be used as an observation center. The collections include botany, biology and mineral. Currently, there have been new additions to the collections: cultural objects and artifacts, such as musical instruments, metal crafts, and household tools.

Admission: Adult: P50; non-UST students: P30
Business Hours: Mondays, 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm and Tuesdays to Fridays, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Web: http://ustmuseum.ust.edu.ph

5. Rizal Shrine

As the name suggests, this Spanish-Colonial looking house is dedicated for the country’s hero, Jose Rizal. Designed and reconstructed during the era of President Quirino to take after the original house of the hero’s, which was destroyed in World War II, the museum displays things that are related to Jose Rizal, such as his photographs, books, and even his execution coat. In addition to that, the well in the house has been featured as a wishing well for its visitors.

With approximately 270,000 visitors coming per year, Rizal Shrine is a must visit in Calamba.

Admission: Adult: P75; Students and Children: P50
Business Hours: Tuesdays to Sundays, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Web:

6. Palawan Museum

The museum owns vast collections that show the rich cultural heritage of Palawan. Those who fancy finding out more about Palawan would be happy to see the exhibits: the first Philippine man’s skull and bones found in Tabon Caves along with other fossils, artifacts and relics representing Palawan historical and cultural heritage. The displayed items are divided into several sections: history, anthropology, archaeology, biology, and ethnology. Apart from that, a library can be found in the museum. It is home to various donated books, some of which are hard to find elsewhere.

Admission: Adult: P50; Student: P20
Business Hours: Mondays to Saturdays, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm
Web:

Image Credit: Survivetravel

7. Clark Museum

Mount Pinatubo eruption, the transformation of Pampanga as one of the Philippine business zones, relics of Angeles City are some of the things that are available in Clark Museum. Located in Clark Special Economic Zone, the place which was previously used as US Military Base gives off its own magnet for tourists with high regard to historical and cultural values.

But another popular showcase that Clark has to offer the world is the 4D Theater, located right beside the Clark Museum. It is a 48-seater theater with very comfortable chairs that will make you feel as if you’re sitting back, relaxing and having a massage all while you watch a movie.

Admission: Adult: P200; Student/Senior Citizen: Free
Business Hours: Tuesdays to Sundays, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Web: http://www.visitclark.com/museum4d.html

Image Credit: Wikimedia

8. Museo Pambata

The Museo Pambata is a children’s interactive museum, the first of its kind in the Philippines. It is in a sense an alternative to the formal classroom environment where learning resembles a one-way street – the teacher imparts knowledge and the students absorb it. In Museo Pambata, children can use their total senses and learn various concepts at their own pace. It excites the minds of the young, inspires them to learn more, and most importantly revitalizes what child learning should be: fun and exciting.

Admission: Kids and Adults: P250
Business Hours: Tuesdays to Saturdays, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm and Sundays, 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Web: http://www.museopambata.org

Image Credit: Positivelyfilipino

9. BenCab Museum

The BenCab Museum’s structure alone is a fine work of art. It’s a four-level museum that features modern architecture with high ceiling, glass walls, and windows that allow natural light to come in. The street level is where the entrance to the museum is. The 2nd and 3rd levels are where the galleries and other art installations can be found while the 4th level is where the cafe is located.

Admission: General: P150; Student: P120; Senior: P80
Business Hours: Tuesdays to Sundays, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm (last entry at 5:30 pm)
Web: http://www.bencabmuseum.org

Image Credit: Marla Eizzel

10. Puzzle Mansion Tagaytay

The Puzzle Mansion is a museum in Tagaytay, Cavite, Philippines which hosts a collection of jigsaw puzzle which is recognized as the biggest in the world according to Guinness.

Admission: Kids and Adults: P100
Business Hours: Monday to Friday, 7:00 am to 7:00 pm and Saturday and Sunday, 7:00 am to 8:00 pm
Web: http://thepuzzlemansion.com

10 Foods You Must Try in Philippines

November 26, 2017 By FAQ Leave a Comment

Food is a part of a culture. Tasting a country’s local food does not only make travelling experiences more fun, but it also gives better insight of the cultural diversity.

The Philippines is one of the popular tourism destinations in Asia and its local cuisines can be quite challenging for some. Well, here are its top ten local dishes that will take your travelling and culinary journals to the next level:

1. Pork sisig

This local delicacy was first introduced in Pampanga. It soon became popular throughout the country, though. As the name suggests, pork is the main ingredient for the dish. However, it is not the meat that becomes the highlight. Instead, it uses the face and ears of a pig’s, which are chopped and grilled along with chicken liver. Served in both restaurants and bars, pork sisig is one of the country’s favourite appetizers.

Pork sisig

2. Balut

This dish is unquestionably the country’s most popular dish. It is almost always exposed in every TV program covering the Philippines. Once, eating balut was even used as a challenge in an American TV show. Despite the worldwide exposure, a lot of foreign tourists visiting the country still find it nerve wrecking to get a bite. The repulsive thing about balut is the egg contains a duck embryo with its almost complete body parts, like a beak, eyes, and feathers. Not only that, the incubated duck egg is simply boiled and normally eaten right from its shell. Balut has normally had this disgusting reputation to those who have not eaten it yet. But, one has to eat it and decide what it tastes like.

3. Halo halo

When talking about the local dessert, nothing beats halo halo, especially if you are enjoying the hot sun near the beach. Not only the rich colours that make it appealing, but its ingredients are also a total delish: coconut, ice cream, kidney beans, milk and some other local sweet components. The name halo halo means mix together and that is why all the ingredients should be mixed altogether to get the best taste. Almost every restaurant has its own version, though, some throwing in sweet potato or jackfruit to up the ante.

4. Adobo

While the main ingredients for the dish may vary: chicken, pork or squid, the dish is named adobo because of the way it is processed. The Spanish originated word means marinate, and so the meat is marinated in some kind of sauce that is commonly the result of mixed vinegar, garlic and soy sauce, but for squids, there is usually an added ingredient in the sauce: squid ink.

Image Credit: Sortedfood

5. Lugaw

It is also known by other names: goto or arroz caldo. Basically, the three refer to rice porridge, but the differences lie in the dish components. While goto is enriched with beef or pork, and arroz caldo with chicken, lugaw has no additional ingredients, but the plain porridge, which is quite similar to congee, but with thicker consistency. The local tend to consume this along with shallots, chili, and soy sauce. This dish is especially popular during rainy season.

Image Credit: Pepper

6. Pork barbecue

Quite similar to the popular satay from Indonesia and Malaysia, the Philippines has its own version of grilled and bamboo skewered meat to enjoy. However, the meat used is pork instead of chicken, lamb, or beef. These are grilled until the pork is cooked and it is also being basted during the process to add flavor and keep the meat moist. The tradition in the country to celebrate a kid’s birthday by serving the dish with hot dogs and local spaghetti.

7. Silog

If you ask Filipinos what their favorite breakfast is, they will easily tell you one or more of the famous silog. It is indeed a popular breakfast menu. Silog actually refers to a combination of fried rice, egg and meat. The name silog is usually adjusted depending on the meat used. When beef is added, the name is changed into tapsilog, tosilog for pork and longsilog for the fried rice combined with local sausages, which are name longganisa.

Image Credit: Aboutfilipinofood

8. Chicken inasal

Having been popular during the past decade, the Visayas originated chicken dish is made and served with a lot of ingredients, such as lime, annato, pepper, vinegar, soy sauce, chili and dipping sauce. it is a popular specialty in the city of Bacolod, as well as in neighboring cities and towns of Negros Occidental.

Image Credit: Angsarap

9. Chicharon Bulaklak

Chicharon Bulaklak or deep-fried ruffled fat is a popular Filipino appetizer. It is another local dish that uses a pig’s body part. This time, it is the thin layer of the animal’s intestines that looks like web. The innards are deep fried and served with vinegar, onion and chili sauce. This dish is extremely easy to find on the local streets.

Image Credit: Reelandgrill

10. Sinigang

This can be said to be the most distinguished dish of the Philipines. While other popular dishes are either grilled or fried, sinigang comes in the form of soup. As it contains tamarind, the dominating taste is sour. Those who care about healthy diet may find the dish agreeable to their expectations as it has got lots of vegetables (radish, eggplant, spinach, beans) and various kinds of meat (chicken, shrimp, fish, beef, pork). Most Filipinos like to cook sinigang with green long peppers in order to enhance the taste and add a little spice to the dish.

Image Credit: Chowhound

10 Most Beautiful Beach in Philippines

November 13, 2017 By FAQ Leave a Comment

Blessed with more than seven thousand islands, the Philippines is one of the top leisure destinations in Asia. It has got quite a lot of white, sandy beaches with crystal clear water. However, to make it easier for you to choose, the top ten are already picked!

1. Boracay, Aklan

Boracay is a small island in Northern Panay island. Having been awarded and noted as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world with its one-of-a-kind 5 km white sand, this beach is a magnet for tourists. Thanks to the world wide recognition and exposure from online tourism giants like Tripadvisor and Yahoo, a lot of foreigners from the Western countries enjoy their leisure here. Equipped with diving spots and facilities, bars, clubs, spas, hotels, resorts and restaurants, this island is perfect for both romantic and adventurous getaways.

Travel + Leisure magazine ranked Boracay 3rd best island in the world for 2017 alongside Palawan (also Philippines) and other world-famous islands like Santorini in Greece, Maui (Hawaii), Bali (Indonesia) and Galapagos Islands in Ecuador.

When to Visit: The best time to visit is from November to May. The temperature during this time ranges between 25 degrees and 32 degrees Celsius.

How to Get There: The fastest (and the most expensive) way to travel is from Manila to Caticlan airport. Then, you need to take a vehicle to Caticlan Jetty port for the 10-20 minute boat ride to Boracay.

Image Credit: Elin Chow

2. Coron, Palawan

Coron is both the name of an island off the coast of Busuanga and the name of Busuanga’s largest town. It is one of the beaches that stun their visitors with its breathtaking views. Many who have visited this beach tend to find the place fiction-like. It is in the form of a lagoon with clear, blue water, rocky mountains and beautiful coral reefs. Enriched with some historical value with the Japanese shipwrecks from the World War II under its water, this beach has been nominated in The World’s Top Ten Scuba Diving Sites by Forbes Traveler Magazine.

When to Visit: The Dry Season runs from December to mid-June. Coolest months are from December to February. On average hovering in the 30 degree celsius range plus humidity.

How to Get There: Flying is the easiest and fastest way to reach Busuanga Airport from Manila then take a van to Coron town (takes about 45 minutes).

Image Credit: suptoursphilippines

3. El Nido, Palawan

Located in Palawan, just like Coron, the beach offers clear water, white sand and astonishing view. The added benefit of visiting the beach is enjoying nature and wildlife through its beautiful forests. El Nido in Palawan is ranked No. 14 among the CNN’s Top 100 Most Beautiful Beaches in the World.

When to Visit: The best time to visit is December through March because the weather is nice and dry.

How to Get There: Most tourists coming to El Nido land on Palawan island in Puerto Princesa International Airport, though a direct flight from Manila. The journey usually continues with a van direct from Puerto Princesa airport up to El Nido bus terminal.

Image Credit: Outoftownblog.com

4. Panglao Island, Bohol

The beach is on Panglao Island. Its beauty has earned the place a cute nickname the little paradise of pure hearts. The tourism spot is suitable for those who fancy relaxation and taking a stroll along the shore.

When to Visit: The dry, cool season between December and March is the perfect time to go.

How to Get There: The easiest way to reach Bohol is via Cebu, where there are ferries heading to the direction every day.

5. Siargao Island

Despite the tear like shape of the island, the place is best known for its beach and waves. In between August and November, they can reach as high as twenty feet. The blue water beautifies the surfing spot. No wonder, several prestigious surfing events, like the 2017 International Women’s Surfing Cup, Cloud 9 Surfing Cup, and Surfista Surf Camps have been conducted there. Furthermore, the island has the largest mangrove forest in Mindanao which is a source of rich marine biodiversity.

When to Visit: For those who plan to go surfing, the best months would be August to November.

How to Get There: The most convenient way to get to Siargao to take a flight from Manila or Cebu city to Sayak Airport, Siargao.

Siargao Islands

6. Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte

Although the beach has been compared to Hawaii due to its magnificent blue water and the seemingly endless white sand, it is not so crowded yet. It may be the result of its location on the northern part of the Philippines’ main island, Luzon, with not-so-accessible route. However, for that reason, the beach is perfect for intimate and relaxing getaways.

When to Visit: From December to March is the best time to go to Pagudpud to head out to the calmest waters, and bluest skies hands down.

How to Get There: You can fly from Manila into Laog City in Ilocos Norte and then hire a bus or a car from there.

Image Credit: Trekearth.com

7. Bantayan Island

The island, which is located in the northern part of Cebu, offers not only a fun and adventurous holiday, but also a theurapetic one. Those seeking fun and adrenaline rush can enjoy cool sandbars and various thrilling activities, like skydiving, while the gentle waves, warm breeze, and soft white sand create peaceful atmosphere in the area.

When to Visit: Best month to visit is from January to June.

How to Get There: Most tourists go here via Cebu City, where one can take a bus to Hagnaya Port and a ferry to Bantayan Islans.

8. Camiguin Island

Those looking for a tourism spot that has more to offer than a plain beach may find this place suitable for their taste. This island indeed has a unique topography with its pear-like shape. Camiguin has more volcanoes per square kilometre than any other island on earth. Therefore, tourists coming to the place are also spoiled with mountainous terrains other than the beach itself. Some who have been mesmerized by its beauty have even referred to the place as the Garden of Eden. In addition, there is the Cross at the Sunken Cemetary that many have found intriguing.

When to Visit: If you get the chance, visit Camiguin during the Lanzones Festival, which is celebrated on the third week of October.

How to Get There: The most convenient way to Camiguin is obviously a plane trip from Cebu to to Camiguin Airport (Mambajao, Camiguin).

Camiguin Island in the Philippines. Photo by Bro. Jeffrey Pioquinto, SJ via Flickr.

9. Dakak Park Beach Resort

Tourism business seems to have grown in this place. Here, there are a lot of resorts and hotels to choose. Those who enjoy the combination of luxury and beauty of the nature are likely to have a great time in this tourism destination.

How to Get There: Dakak Beach Resort is a 30-minute drive from Dipolog City and Dipolog Airport.

Image Credit: Bernardo Agulo

10. Mactan Island

Mactan Island which is located in Cebu is home to 430,000 people. It is the most densely populated island in the Philippines and has many tourists spots and attractions. There are also numerous water sports activities, like jet skiing, sailing, para-sailing.

When to Visit: From January to May are the driest months, and you should expect rain the rest of the year.

How to Get There: You can fly or take a boat to Mactan. Mactan Island is also connected by two bridges to Cebu city.

For additional information, while it may be easy to reach some of the top ten beaches (like Dakak Park, Boracay, El Nido, Siargao in Surigao, and Puerto Princesa) by air via direct flights, the other places are likely to require you to combine a flight and land or sea transportations (the popular ones are ferries). Nonetheless, most tourists find the tiring journeys worthwhile.

7 Reasons Why You Should Travel To The Philippines

November 1, 2017 By FAQ Leave a Comment

Asian countries have always been popular tourism destinations. Not only do they offer a wide range of different experiences and adventures, but many also find that the budget is not burdening.
The Philippines is one of the countries worth visiting. Why? Because it has got a lot of things to offer. Below are the top seven reasons why:

1. Beaches

The country has got thousands of islands, which means a vast collection of pretty beaches. Sometimes people have their own ideas of a perfect beach. Some may look forward to romantic sunsets, others a chance to snorkel and enjoy underwater beauty and the others an experience to swim with the giant whale sharks. With thousands of choices, it will not be impossible to find one that matches your personal criteria. As long as you do not mind browsing a bit, it will be easy to find out that the best sunset can be found in Boracay, the beautiful reefs in Palawan, and the whale sharks in Cebu.

Image Credit: Elin Chow

2. One-stop holiday destination

If beaches are not for you, there are still other natural wonders awaiting to be explored: volcanoes and rice terraces.
UNESCO has, in fact, listed the rice terraces in the northern Luzon to be one of the world’s heritage sites. Beyond the beauty that the paddy fields offer, the geographical conditions in the area, like the cliffs and waterfall, also allow an exciting trekking adventure for its visitors.
As for the volcanoes, there are two well-known sites: Camiguin in Mindanao and Mount Mayon in Bicol. When visiting the inactive volcanoes, tourists can try climbing the volcanoes, yet be aware of mini eruptions that may happen. To be on the safe side, it is better to hire a guide who knows the areas well. After all, climbing the volcano(es) can be rewarding and soothing, what with the agenda of bathing in natural hot tubs or springs nearby afterwards.

Banaue Rice Terraces. Image by Cabajar via Wikimedia Commons

However, if you are not into nature, big shopping malls and street foods can be a different kind of adventure in the country. For great shopping experiences, you can go to Manila or to Quezon where the South East Asia’s biggest shopping mall is located. Alternatively, you can also try visiting the world’s fourth biggest shopping mall in Pasay.

3. Local people

Many who have visited the country seem to find that the locals are nice, friendly people with a good sense of humour. Even the traditional people who still live in tribes welcome wefie invitations. Some others have reported polite treatment from the locals as they constantly address tourists with miss, ma’am, sir, etc. Additionally, over 90% of the Filipinos speak English. With less language barrier, blending in appears to be easier to do.

Kaplag festival of Mahaplag

4. Affordability

This is especially true for tourists coming from the United States and European countries. With the different currencies, everything in the Philippines may seem affordable. The rent for some great bungalows right on the beach is around $35. Even the price for alcoholic drinks is reasonable. Some 0,5l drinks is for sale at $0.5 while the 0,7l bottle costs $2. Practically, it is fun to have a holiday in the country as there is nothing to hold back, including your spree for good drinks.

5. Local taste

Not only are they cheap, but they can also take your culinary experiences to the next level. Mostly dominated by pork, some of which is either grilled or fried, the country’s most popular dishes come with healthier options, like sinigang, which refers to tamarind based soup garnished with a lot of kinds of meat and vegetables and balut, which is a boiled duck egg. While foreigners may find the first dish agreeable to their taste once they get used to the sourness, many find the second one repulsive or at least challenging to eat. Balut has indeed gained its notorious reputation for a long time as it is not common for people outside the Philippines to dig in an already anatomically complete duck embryo from its egg shell.

Sinigang

Not keen on trying the dishes? Not to worry, the country also has halo-halo as its most favourite dessert. The reason for the love of this dessert is obvious: it is colourful, healthy with kidney beans, coconuts and some other local ingredients and refreshing with the ice cream on top.
If you do not fancy the combination, eating just the local fruits can be appealing for your taste buds. The pineapples. mangoes, papayas, durians, and coconuts are simply fresh and tasty.

6. Non-extreme weather

The Philippines is a tropical country with around 26.6° C yearly temperature on average. With such friendly temperature, tourists can easily adapt to the country’s weather although rainy season is to be expected from June to October. The best time to go is between November and May.

7. It has one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature

The Underground River is a 8km navigable river in the island of Palawan, in western Philippines. It’s the longest river underground and boasts incredible geological formations, lagoons and caves.

Image Credit: ppur

Perfect beaches. Friendly locals. Beautiful nature. Non-Extreme Weather. Plus, it’s a cheap country to travel, you’ll get a great value for your money. So, there you go, the seven main reasons why the Philippines is a must-visit country.

The Anatomy of a Filipino Employee: What Makes Them Worth Investing In

October 26, 2017 By FAQ Leave a Comment

The Philippines that was once a Commonwealth under the United States has risen as one of the top outsourcing destination in the world. All thanks to Filipinos who are known for their skills, talents, and work ethic as well.

Here’s an interesting fact: Filipinos is 3rd in Asia when it comes to english proficiency. No wonder why foreign investors are establishing a business in the Philippines.

In this infographic, we’re going to go over various qualities and facts what makes Filipinos one of the most preferred employees in the world. Here’s what you need to know about Filipinos.