Olongapo City

Olongapo City is a highly urbanized city located in the province of Zambales, Philippines. According to the latest census, it has a population of 227,270 people in 43,107 households. It was originally governed as a part of the United States naval reservation. It was relinquished to the Philippine government and converted into a municipality on December 7, 1959. Six years later Olongapo was reconverted to a chartered city on June 1, 1966 and administers itself autonomously from Zambales province. Adjacent to the city is the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Zambales, which until 1992 was a United States naval base. 

If your vacation plans take you to the Philippines stop by Olongapo City . It is a mixture of the old world and vibrant new world as much of Asia has been and will continue to be. Olongapo City has a special distinction that occurred during WWII. Unlike other Philippine cities that gained independence in 1946 Olongapo City did not gain independence until December 7 th 1959. It was a naval base that was held under American control. There is still a maritime feel to the city but one could spend hours or even days wandering the city and not fully capture the essence of Olongapo City. While in the city here are the top things to do. From the seasoned backpacker to the person here on the business or the family on vacation, there is something for everyone. 

Cagayan de Oro City

 KNOWN AS THE CITY OF GOLDEN FRIENDSHIP, Cagayan de Oro has been cited by two Philippine leading think tanks for the vast potentials it holds for investors and businessmen who manage to see beyond the fabled warmth and hospitality of its residents.

Cagayan de Oro City is located at the northern coast of Mindanao, Philippines. It is the capital of Misamis Oriental province and the regional center for Northern Mindanao (Region 10). The city is popularly known for its initials CDO or CDOC. 

Cebuano or Bisaya is the city's main dialect. English on the other hand is widely used in schools, media, government and commercial transactions. People from Cagayan de Oro are called Kagayanons.

Most are brown-skinned of Malay descent and some with mixed ancestry popularly known to locals as mestizo.

The city is home to several universities and colleges. Xavier University, Liceo de Cagayan University and Capitol University are known in the fields of nursing, medicine, agriculture, engineering and commerce.

Cagayan de Oro is known as "The Gateway to Northern Mindanao" because of its location and good transportation facilities. However, it is through her warm and hospitable people that the city became more known as "The City of Golden Friendship".

Leyte Province

Leyte is an island province in the eastern section of the Visayas region. It is rich in history, culture, natural resources, and scenic spots. Leyte is among the feature-rich provinces in the country with diverse traits and attractions to stir the interest of any traveler—like a cut diamond of countless sparkling facets.

Sitting amidst neighboring Visayan provinces Leyte is steeped in qualities derived from their strong influences. In fact, its constituents are of two types classified by two influential dialects: Cebuanos and Warays. Cebuano speakers of Leyte are mostly found in the southwest and Waray speakers in the northeast. Leyte people are tugged sideways by a range of influences, but mainly from Cebu and Samar.

Leyte’s other neighboring provinces are Masbate on the north side, Bacolod on the far west, Bohol on the southwest, and Surigao directly to its south. Bodies of water surrounding the province lend accessibility to it, like the Bohol Sea, Pacific Ocean, and the Visayan Sea. These features contribute to Leyte’s being a jewel in the Visayan region and a strategic location this side of the country.

                                                          Sanjuanico bridge

International explorer Ruy Lopez de Villalobos, being so mesmerized at the first sight of the island, called it “Las Islas Felipinas” in 1543. In another circumstance, American forces in 1945 deemed Leyte as a crucial position in the region and in the entire archipelago to launch a major offense against the Japanese forces. The 1944 Battle of Leyte Gulf is a memorable event in the history of Leyte, as well as the world famous landing of General Douglas MacArthur at Palo, Leyte. 

Today, Leyte residents are preoccupied with rice farming on the plain, particularly in its capital city, Tacloban, and coconut farming on its more hilly and mountainous regions. People on the coasts of Leyte still enjoy fishing, and perfect dive sites are also available in 5 places: two in Padre Burgos, Donsol, Macrohon, and Hilongos. Leyte has 3 main cities (Tacloban, Ormoc, and Baybay) and 40 municipalities. Ormoc is an independent city.

For a quick look at Leyte’s picturesque and memorable tourist attractions we have Buga-Buga Hills in Villaba, Leyte, and Hill 120 or “Catmon Hill” in Dulag, Leyte. Both are war memorials. There’s the famous Santo Nino Shrine and its Heritage Museum in Tacloban, and, of course, Southeast Asia’s longest bridge, San Juanico, connecting Leyte and Samar.

Leyte conjures many images of the past as well as potential in the future. It also brings together people of various origins and cultural backgrounds for a rich adventure any traveler will enjoy experiencing.

Tagaytay in Cavite

The City of Tagaytay  is a third class city in the province of Cavite, Philippines. Only 55 kilometers (34.18 miles) away from Manila via Emilio Aguinaldo Highway, it is one of the country's most popular tourist destinations. Tagaytay City provides a good view of the Taal Volcano. The city is a popular summer tourist destination because of its cool climate due to its high altitude.

 

Tagaytay City lies on top of the Tagaytay Ridge, which, at 640 meters above sea level, is the highest point in Cavite. The ridge provides a spectacular view of Taal Lake and Taal Volcano in Batangas. This view supports Tagaytay's main industry, which is tourism. is located in the Province of Cavite, on the island of Luzon, approximately 56 kilometer south of Manila. It lies within 120° 56' latitude and 14° 16' latitude and overlooks Manila Bay on the North, Taal volcano and Taal lake on the south and Laguna Bay on the east.

 
The City is linked by the national highway to the Metropolitan Manila Area and to the Province of Batangas. It is also connected by the roads to the adjoining municipalities of Amadeo, Mendez, Indang, Silang and Alfonso in Cavite towards the northwest, to the municipalities of Calamba and Sta. Rosa in Laguna in the northeast and to the town of Talisay in Batangas in the south.

 

Mainit Kasili Lakeside Resort and Hotel in Mainit, Surigao Del Norte

  

Located at the southwestern part of the Province of Surigao del Norte is Picturesque Mainit endowed with pristine astounding, idyllic panorama, blessed with the bounties of expansive fertile lands, gifted with breathing jewel – like Lake Mainit and bestowed with lovable, peace loving and beautiful people.

A modern structure in a rural setting where one cored enjoy peace and tranquility while at the same time they enjoy the luxury of modern life.
Located by the lakeside is haven the legacy resort for both young and old. 

Lake Mainit – The fourth largest lake in the country and the most popular tourist potential of the municipality.

A scenic form in every angle, its water is very clear and a habitat of many rare life systems. Beautiful lotus flowers and water hyacinths decorate the lake and coastal areas.

 

Bacolod City

Bacolod City is the capital and largest city of the province of Negros Occidental. Having a total of 499,497 inhabitants as of August 1, 2007, it is the most populous city in the Western Visayas Region. It is notable for its MassKara Festival held during October. Known for being a relatively friendly city, it bears the nickname "City of Smiles" and the "Football City of the Philippines". Bacolod City recently ranked no. 1 in a survey by MoneySense Magazine as the "Best Place to Live in the Philippines.

The Cleanest and Greenest and the Most Livable City in the Philippines. The capital of the Province of Negros Occidental which is the Sugarbowl of the Philippines. Bacolod City serves as the entrance of the sugar-rich cities and towns of the Province. Visitor’s facilities abound, modern means of in-land transport can take guests for business or leisure to any point in the island of Negros.

Bacolod will charm you with the genuine warmth and hospitality of her people in harmony with their lilting melodious accent. The Bacoleños will delight you with food and cuisine that is as vigorous yet as subtle as the legendary Ilonggo gentility and taste for the good life.

How to get there: 

Negros Occidental & Bacolod is accessible by plane from Manila and Cebu daily & by boat from Iloilo, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro & Manila.

Naga City

The City of Naga is a first class city of the Philippines. Located in the Bicol Region, a peninsula on the south easternmost tip of the island of Luzon, it is 377 kilometers southeast of Manila, the nation's capital, and about 380 kilometers northeast of Cebu City.

With a relatively small land area compared to all cities in Bicol which accounts for it being the most densely-populated city in the region, it is undoubtedly the region's most progressive city, Naga City is locally known as the "Heart of Bicol". It is the commercial, financial, educational, religious and cultural center of the Bicol region. Residents of the City are called Nagueños.

Naga City is known as the Heart Of Bicol because of its centralized location in the Bicol Region of the Philippines. Naga City residents are known as Naguenos and speak the Native dialect of Bicolano. Naga City is located about 380 kilometers southeast of Manila on the Southern Part of Luzon. It is located in the middle of the Camarines Sur Province.

Penafrancia Festival is the biggest and most popular religious event in the Philippines, the Penafrancia fiesta is a week affair that starts on the 2nd Friday of September when the miraculous patroness of the Bicol Region "Mahal Na Ina" or Virgin of Penafrancia is transferred from her shrine to the centuries-old Naga Metropolitan Cathedral where 9 days of prayer are held in her honor is called the "Traslacion" and on the last day, the image is returned to her shrine following the Naga River route and it is called the "Fluvial Procession". The colorful evening procession is lit by thousands of candles from followers in boats escorting the image. When the flatboat reaches its destination, the devotees shout "Viva la Virgen" (Long live the Virgin!) and the image is carried back in a procession to the Basilica.

General Santos City

The City of General Santos  is a city in the Philippines. Situated in the southern part of the country, in the province of South Cotabato. The city has a population of 535,747 as of 2007, making it as one of the populous cities in the Philippines. General Santos City is bounded by three municipalities of Sarangani Province and two municipalities of South Cotabato, namely Alabel, Malungon, Maasim, Polomolok and T'boli. The city's economy is primarily agro-industrial. As a component of the SOCCSKSARGENcorn, coconuts, copra, pineapples, asparagusrice. The area also produces other high value crops such as exotic fruits, potatoes, vegetables, cut flowers and okra. It accounts for the largest daily total of fish landings in the country and is the leading producer of sashimi grade tuna. Residents boast that fish and seafood do not come fresher than in their city. growth area, it has contributed much to the area's emergence as the country's leading producer of major commodities. Due to its rich soil, good rainfall and typhoon-free climate, the area is the largest producer of and the city is a three time awardee for the "Most Competitive City" in the Philippines for the years 1999-2000 (all cities category) 2000-2001 (mid-sized category) and 2007 (mid-sized category).

On February 27, 1939, General Paulino Santos led the first and largest batch of settlers organized under the National Land Settlement Administration to the shores of Sarangani Bay. The 62 pioneers, who mostly came from Luzon, industriously tilled Cotabato's fertile expanse of land. After this first influx of pioneers, thousands more from Luzon and Visayas migrated into the area. This started the displacement of some of the native B'laan to the mountains and lost their livelihood. The B'laan people are the original settlers of the area once called Dadiangas for thousands of years. They live in a nomadic system in the area, where the names of the places are still recalled. One name is Dadiangas, the native word name of the tree specifically grown in the area. Under Indigenous Peoples Right Act IPRA law RA 8371, now they were protected and it is proven under the Philippine jurisprudence of the Supreme Court. Now the B'laan people live side by side and with harmony to the settlers and other immigrants from small islands in Visayas and Luzon.

In January 1948, by virtue of Republic Act No. 82, Buayan District became a full-fledged municipality whose territorial boundaries included the present municipalities of Sarangani and South Cotabato Provinces, namely Alabel, Glan, Malapatan, Malungon and Polomolok. NLSA Hospital Administrator Irineo I. Santiago became its first mayor.

Six years later, in June 1954, the Municipality of Buayan was renamed General Santos as a tribute to its great pioneer. This was made possible by Republic Act No. 1107 authored by Congressman Luminog Mangelen of Cotabato Province.

From 1963 to 1967, during the incumbency of Mayor Lucio A. Velayo, an upsurge in the municipality's economy was experienced as several large agri-based corporations such as Dole Philippines, General Milling Corporation and UDAGRI expanded into the area. Although it was then qualified to become a fourth class city, the residents rejected a move by Congressman Salipada Pendatun to convert General Santos into a city and to rename it Rajah Buayan.

Finally, on July 8, 1968, upon approval of Republic Act No. 5412, which was authored by then late Congressman James L. Chiongbian, the Municipality of General Santos was converted into a city while keeping its name. It was inaugurated on September 5 of that year. Antonio C. Acharon became its first city mayor. In 1988, two decades after its inauguration, it was declared as a highly urbanized city.

Palawan Province

Palawan is an island province of the Philippines located in the MIMAROPA region. Its capital is Puerto Princesa City, and it is the largest province in the country in terms of total area of jurisdiction. The islands of Palawan stretch from Mindoro in the northeast to Borneo in the southwest. It lies between the South China Sea and the Sulu Sea. The province is named after its largest island, Palawan Island, measuring 450 kilometers (280 mi) long, and 50 kilometers (31 mi) wide.

Palawan is composed of the long and narrow Palawan Island, plus a number of other smaller islands surrounding the main island. The Calamianes Group of Islands, to the northwest consists of Busuanga Island, Culion Island, and Coron Island. Durangan Island almost touches the westernmost part of Palawan Island, while Balabac Island is located off the southern tip, separated from Borneo by the Balabac Strait. In addition, Palawan covers the Cuyo Islands in the Sulu Sea. The disputed Spratly Islands, located a few hundred kilometers to the west is considered part of Palawan by the Philippines, and is locally called the Kalayaan Group of Islands.

Palawan's almost 2,000 kilometers (1,200 mi) of irregular coastline are dotted with roughly 1,780 islands and islets, rocky coves, and sugar-white sandy beaches. It also harbors a vast stretch of virgin forests that carpet its chain of mountain ranges. The mountain heights average 3,500 feet (1,100 m) in altitude, with the highest peak rising to 6,843 feet (2,086 m) at Mount Mantalingahan. The vast mountain areas are the source of valuable timber. The terrain is a mix of coastal plain, craggy foothills, valley deltas, and heavy forest interspersed with riverine arteries that serve as irrigation.

Manila City

Manila is the capital city of the Philippines. But we Filipinos call Manila "The City of Our Affections." This phrase is taken from an old Spanish writing; but it also expresses a modern sentiment.

Manila is all things for all Filipinos. It is the seat government administration, the fashion center, the intellectual pacesetter, the fountainhead of all religious and educational movements; and of course, enormous shopping arcades. It is politics and art; markets and churches; banks and universities - the whole life. 

 

In the days of the Spanish Empire, Manila was Spain's seat of power in Asia and the Pacific. Today, the city and its people are a mish-mash of the East and West. A string of harsh invasions (Spain, USA, Japan) and a history of hardships moulded Filipinos into resilient, good-humoured and resourceful people, traits that can be seen in their everyday life.

The friendliness of Filipinos translates to good customer service in hotels, businesses and malls. Most residents speak English, so navigating the city is not a big problem. These, plus the added purchasing value of the foreign exchange rate, make Manila a great place for guests looking for luxury, pampering and bargains.

For most Filipinos - especially those who have yet to visit Manila - it is a political and economic summit, the city of dreams. For the millions eking out a living in its slums and its westernized middle classes; it is an asphalt jungle - gaudy and ruthless but irresistible. 

Visitors to the Philippines cannot avoid using Manila as a starting point for their exploration of the other provinces and islands, because most charter flights to the outlying islands leave from the city's airport. The city is also within reach of day and weekend getaways on the island of Luzon; this makes it a good base for travellers intent on touring. One thing no visitor should miss is a famous Manila Bay sunset: a light show created out of the high humidity conditions coupled with the effects of cloud over the city's harbour. This remarkable sight allows a short respite from the more unpleasant aspects of the sprawling city. View the sunset from Rizal Park, Roxas Boulevard or from a cruise boat that plies around Manila Bay.

 

Bohol City

The island province of Bohol, or “Bo-ol”, its original name, lies in the heart of the Visayas. It is an island province of the Philippines located in the Central Visayas region, consisting of Bohol Island and 75 minor surrounding islands. Its capital is Tagbilaran City. With a land area of 4,117.3 square kilometers (1,589.7 sq mi) and a coastline 261 kilometers (162 mi) long, Bohol is the tenth largest island of the Philippines. To the west of Bohol is Cebu, to the northeast is the island of Leyte and to the south, across the Bohol Sea is Mindanao.

The province is a popular tourist destination with its beaches and resorts. The Chocolate Hills, numerous mounds of limestone formation, is the most popular attraction. The island of Panglao, located just southwest of Tagbilaran City, is famous for its diving locations and routinely listed as one of the top ten diving locations in the world. Numerous tourist resorts dot the southern beaches and cater to divers from around the world. The Philippine Tarsier, considered the second-smallest primate in the world, is indigenous to the island.

Boholanos refer to their island homeland as the "Republic of Bohol" with both conviction and pride.A narrow strait separates the island of Cebu and Bohol and both share a common language, but the Boholanos retain a conscious distinction from the Cebuanos. Bohol's climate is generally dry, with maximum rainfall between the months of June and October. The interior is cooler than the coast.

It is the home province of Carlos P. Garcia, the fourth president of the Republic of the Philippines (1957-1961) who was born in Talibon, Bohol.

Cebu City

Cebu City is the capital city of Cebu and the second city in the Philippines, the second most significant metropolitan centre in the Philippines and known as the oldest city in the country.

 

The city is located on the eastern shore of Cebu and was the first Spanish settlement in the Philippines. Cebu is the Philippines' main domestic shipping port and is home to about 80% of the country's domestic shipping companies. Cebu also holds the second largest international flights in the Philippines and is a significant centre of commerce, trade and industry in the Visayas and Mindanao region. According to the 2007 Philippine census, the city has a population of about 798,809 people.

 Cebu City considered as one of the most progressive cities in the Philippines. About 80 percent of the island vessels operating in the country are also based there. Recently, the entry of business process outsourcing (BPO) firms such as call centres have contributed much to the growth of the local economy.

Davao City

City of Davao is the largest city located on the island of Mindanao in the Philippines. It maintains the reputation of being largest city in the world by land area. It is also one of the Philippines' most progressive cities. Its international airport and seaports are among the busiest cargo hubs in the southern part of the Philippines.

 

Davao City is also one of several cities in the Philippines that are independent of any province. The city serves as the regional center for Davao Region (Region XI). It has a population of 1,363,330 and is named by the Foreign Direct Investment Magazine as the 10th "Asian City of the Future". In recent years, Davao City has emerged as the business, investment and tourism hub for the entire southern Philippines. The city boasts of some of the finest beaches and mountain resorts in the country and its proximity to the Philippines’ most captivating diving spots as well as its highest peak, Mount Apo.

Tagaytay

With an altitude of 2,250 feet above sea level, Tagaytay City enjoys a cool climate all year round.

This city perched on a ridge is located in the province of Cavite, some 56 kilometers south of Manila. It overlooks Manila Bay on the north, Taal Lake and Taal Volcano on the south, Laguna Bay on the east and the China Sea on the west. The city is linked to the Metropolitan Manila and the province of Batangas by the Aguinaldo Highway.

Among its attractions is the Tagaytay Picnic Grove where one can get an unobstructed view of Taal Volcano, which lies within a lake. Taal Volcano, which rises 406 meters from the lake, is reputedly the world's smallest volcano. 

 
Taal Lake itself is an immense body of water formed when the old crater collapsed and the walls of the larger volcano caved in and sank.

A visit to the Volcano Island can be arranged through the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology in Quezon City which maintains a monitoring station on the island.

For visiting tourists, support facilities are readily available in this idyllic city. Tagaytay is the "sister" city of Las Vegas and Nevada, U.S.A; Tainan City, Taiwan; and Bankstown City, New South Wales, Australia.