WONDERS OF THE PHILIPPINES

INTRAMUROS

2009-08-02T17:21:00.001-07:00

INTRAMUROS, the old capital of Manila, was built in 1571. It remains a monumental, if ruined, relic of the Spanish period in Philippine history. It is a city within a city, separated from the rest of Manila by its crumbling walls. This ancient capital had well-planned streets, plazas, the Governor’s Palace and churches. However, many buildings were reduced to shambles in World War II.

Among the places to visit in Intramuros are the two churches – The Manila Cathedral and St. Augustine Church — and Fort Santiago.

The Manila Cathedral is the fifth stone church of Manila. It was destroyed and rebuilt several times. From the air, it appears as a giant cross.

St. Augustine Church is the oldest stone church in the Philippines. It was built in 1599; however, it was also destroyed and rebuilt many times. It is an immense structure of thick walls of Corinthian and Ionic designs.

Fort Santiago used to be the seat of the colonial powers of both Spain and the U.S. It was also a dreaded prison under the Spanish regime and the scene of countless military police atrocities during the Japanes occupation. Here, too, Dr. Jose Rizal spent his last hours before his execution on Bagumbayan. (now Rizal Park).

DAVAO CITY PARADISE

2009-08-02T17:09:00.000-07:00

Travel and airline executives met in this city over the weekend to develop and promote the sub-regional group of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines – East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) as one tourist destination.

“We have to brand it as one destination,” said Wee Hong Seng, president of the Sarawak Tourism Federation.BIMP-EAGA is a sub-regional group of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) formed in 1994 to help develop the economic well-being of the member countries through various tourism and trade exchanges and programs.

In particular, these areas include Brunei ; Central Kalimantan, Sulawesi provinces, Maluku, and Papua in Indonesia ; Sabah and Sarawak states and the Federal Territory of Labuan in Malaysia ; and Mindanao and Palawan in the Philippines.

“We should not be competing against each other. We should be complementing,” Seng said during the Davao Travel Show at the SM City in Davao attended by Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano.Ang Kian Guan, BIMP-EAGA chairman for transport, infrastructure and information technology, said airline executives were joining the meeting to discuss the possibility of adding more intra-regional flights.

At present, there are only five airlines connecting the major cities of EAGA. These are Royal Brunei Airlines, Malaysian Airlines, Asian Spirit, Batavia Air and Merpati Airlines.

In the Philippines , the only carrier flying from Davao City to other parts of EAGA is Merpati Airlines with flies to Manadao in Indonesia . Asian Spirit flies from Zamboanga to Sandakan in Malaysia.

Other major cities in the EAGA sub-region are Bandar Seri Begawan in Brunei , Kota Kinabalu and Kuching in Malaysia , Puerto Princesa ( Philippines ) and Pontianak in Indonesia.There are now plans to add new routes, including Davao-Bandar Seri Begawan by Pearl Pacific Airways, Puerto Princesa-Kota Ki-nabalu by Southeast Asian Airlines and Davao-Kota Kinabalu by Cebu Pacific Air.

Other proposed routes are Kuching-Bandar Seri Begawan-Kota Kinabalu by Air Asia and Pontianak -Kuching- Bandar Seri Begawan by Batavia Air.

Durano earlier said the Philippines expects to strengthen its relations with other countries, help establish business linkages among the private sector participants, as well as exchange information on the latest developments in tourism.The DOT promotes the pristine beaches, natural wonders and colorful culture of Mindanao and Palawan as a part of the BIMP-EAGA sub-region.

Seven-hectare resort to rise in SamalDAVAO City – The Bangayan Group of Companies is building a nine-hectare resort-residential complex on Samal Island that is expected to drive tourism activities in Davao region.

Durano earlier said the Philippines expects to strengthen its relations with other countries, help establish business linkages among the private sector participants, as well as exchange information on the latest developments in tourism.The DOT promotes the pristine beaches, natural wonders and colorful culture of Mindanao and Palawan as a part of the BIMP-EAGA sub-region.

Seven-hectare resort to rise in SamalDAVAO City – The Bangayan Group of Companies is building a nine-hectare resort-residential complex on Samal Island that is expected to drive tourism activities in Davao region.

Davao is being promoted as an achor destination of the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Growth Area.Nearly 600,000 foreign and domestic tourists went to Davao region in the first nine months of 2007. Davao region groups the provinces of Compostela Valley, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Island of Samal and Davao City.

Art Boncato Jr., director of sales and marketing of Marco Polo hotel in Davao, confirmed that both foreign and local tourists have been flocking to Mindanao in recent years.He said occupancy rate at Marco Polo reached a record high of more than 70 percent in 2007, and signs are looking better this year.

Despite the new projects rising in Davao, Boncato said Marco Polo will remain the most luxurious accommodation facilities in the city.

The growth of tourism in Davao city has also triggered investments and projects in other areas of Davao such as Tagum.

Tagum City Mayor Rey Uy said tourism has been inducing economic growth in his city. Tagum is being promoted as the festival city of Mindanao.

Eagle losses habitat to miningDAVAO City – The Philippine eagle, which serves as the symbol of conservation efforts in the country, has been losing its natural habitat to mining, which is rapidly encroaching into the forests of Mindanao.

Once described as the “world’s noblest flyer” by aviator Charles Lindbergh, the Philippine eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi) is now rarely spotted at the country’s remaining virgin forests and is mostly concentrated at the captive breeding grounds of the Philippine Eagle Center, which recently received a P5-million financing from the Department of Tourism for its new entrance lounge.

Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano visited the center over the weekend to inspect the new entance lounge in place of the old dilapidated structure. His department released the amount to improve the entrance lounge of the center, which in 2007, received more than 100,000 foreign and Filipino guests.

The eight-hectare Philippine Eagle Center, which is being run by the non-profit group Philippine Eagle Foundation in Malagos, Baguio District in this city, has emerged as one of the prime tourist destinations in Mindanao .Elsa Delima, manager of the center-based education, said that only 500 pairs of the world’s largest eagle in terms of wingspan live in the wild of Luzon, Samar and Leyte, and Mindanao . The Philippine eagle has an average wingspan of two meters, the broadest among eagles in the world.

The number of eagles in the wild, she said, was only an estimate and was based on the nesting sites found in the forests.

What is clear, she said, is that there are only 500,000 hectares of old-growth or virgin forests remaining in the country, and this area is being threatened by human activities such as mining.The Philippine eagles were mostly sighted in virgin forests of Luzon, Samar and Leyte and Mindanao . The fact that Philippine eagle is endemic to the Philippines proves that the archipelago is not connected to the islands of Indonesia and Malaysia .

However, millions of hectares of forest areas from Cordillera and Sierra Madre to Bicol to Samar and Leyte down to Caraga and Davao region are now the subject of mining exploration applications. These are the areas where Philippine eagles were spotted in the past.
About 383 mining tenements have been approved and registered, while 1,846 other mining tenements were being processed as of January 2008, according to the Mines and Geosciences Bureau.

A mining project, including exploration, normally covers an area of 1,000 hectares to as large as 100,000 hectares, mostly in forests.

Domingo Tadena, deputy director for captive-breeding in the center, said the giant raptor is endemic to the Philippines and is sensitive to its environment. The species is known to be solitary and fiercely territorial.

The eagle center currently takes care of 36 Philippine eagles. The center has bred 22 eagles since January 1992, when Pagasa was hatched in captivity.

Tadena said the center plans to release an eagle named Kagsabua (which means hope in Higaonon), in Mount Kitanglad to reintroduce it to the wild on March 6. Kagsabua was rescued from the same forest in Bukidnon with a bullet wound in September 2006, which suggests that the eagles are still being targeted by poachers despite government protection.

Durano earlier advised local government units to disallow mining activities in areas being developed for tourism. “Tourism and mining do not mix together,” he said.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), however, claimed that it has recently added four new entries to its list of protected areas.From 103 in 2006, there are now 107 proclaimed protected areas under the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS), covering a total of 3.34 million hectares.

Protected areas are identified portions of land and water set aside by reasons of their unique physical and biological significance.

These include national parks, natural parks, marine parks, marine reserves, game refuge and bird sanctuaries, wilderness areas, watershed forest reserves, mangrove swamps, protected landscapes/seascapes, natural monuments/landmarks, resource reserve, wildlife sanctuary, and natural biotic areas.

The four new protected areas cover a total of 19,829.13 hectares. These are the Mt. Balatukan Range Natural Park in Misamis Oriental, Mt. Inayawan Natural Park in Lanao del Norte, Kalbario-Patapat Natural Park in Ilocos Norte and Mt. Palay-Palay Mataas na Gulod Protected Landscape in Cavite.

Other eagles that are considered among the largest in the world are Harpy Eagle and Crested Eagles of the Americas and the New Guinea Harpy Eagle.

MANILA OCEAN PARK

2009-08-02T17:03:00.000-07:00

Manila Ocean Park, the PhPhP1-billion marine park constructed by Singaporean and Malaysian investors at the back of Quirino Grandstand at Rizal Park, opened on 29th February 2008.

“The park is set to be the city’s major tourist destination. It is expected to draw millions of visitors on its first year, offering a unique tourist experience beyond the usual shopping activities,” said park developer, China Oceanis Philippines, Inc., a joint venture between Singaporean and Malaysian investors.Tourism executives and local officials of Manila hailed the country’s newest tourist destination as something that will reinvent Rizal Park and reinvigorate tourism in the capital.

Manila Ocean Park president Lim Chee Yong said several developments are already happening around Luneta with the completion of the first phase of Manila Ocean Park .Lim said Manila Ocean Park will showcase the rich marine resources of the Philippines , which along with Malaysia , Indonesia and the Pacific Islands form the Coral Triangle, considered as the world’s center of marine biodiversity.

The Coral Triangle is home to 75 percent of all known coral species and more than 3,000 species of reef and pelagic fish.

The marine park’s oceanarium features 20,000 exotic and colorful fishes, most of which are endemic to the Philippines.The opening of the marin park has been deferred from December 2007 to February 2008, because of a minor fire last year, which caused the construction delays.

Completed was the first phase of the project, which include the main facility and oceanarium, a magnificent glass and steel structure featuring a 25-meter long, 220-degree curved acrylic walkway tunnel, where guests can view the country’s different marine species.

Set for completion later in the year are the open water marine habitats, a shopping mall, restaurant row, hotel, and multi-purpose function facilities.

When completed, the whole project will be the first of its kind in Asia Pacific, according to the marine park’s management.The management of the Manila Ocean Park has partnered with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) to spread awareness for Philippine marine environment.

WWF-Philippine vice chairman Lory Tan said the conservation group partnered with Manila Ocean Park after the company committed not to display endangered species, except for captive-bred, and to strive for best practice in collection of marine animals.

Dave Valdes, president of WWF-Philippines, said his organization will use its partnership with Manila Ocean Park to educate students and train the staff of the company in the area of conservation.

The Manila Ocean Park will help clean the water of Manila Bay , because it will draw water directly from the bay, which will undergo an advance filtration system.

Some 12,000 cubic meters of water from the Manila Bay will be pumped into the oceanarium, five other display tanks, and open water marine habitats daily.

Aside from the aquatic display, park visitors can enjoy a glass-bottomed boat ride, the 20-foot acrylic underwater tunnel, and the activity center.

BEAUTY OF BORACAY

2009-07-29T17:15:00.001-07:00

Widely known as one of the finest swimming destinations in the world, Boracay is blessed with unsullied fine talcum powder-sand beaches. Its tranquil crystal clear waters are perfect for swimming, sailing, fishing and sunbathing.

Boracay also boasts of sapphire seas and spectacular sunsets. Countless hidden coves dot the island and tall coconut trees line up along the beaches.

Boracay lies at the northwest tip of Panay, in the west Visayas region, off the Sibuyan Sea. The island is made up of little communities: Yapak in the north, Balabag in the middle, and Manocmanoc in the south.

Hilly elevations up to 100 meters above sea level characterize Yapak and Manocmanoc. Intertwining trails link the small villages together but many sometimes lead to lush tropical jungles.

To get to Boracay, one has to book a flight to Kalibo, the capital of Aklan province, or Caticlan. Air-conditioned coasters or public buses offer one-hour-and-a-half drive from Kalibo to Caticlan, where one can board a motorized banca for a 30-minute trip to Boracay.

NEW GUIMARAS

2009-07-29T17:06:00.000-07:00

Nueva Valencia, Guimaras – An Italian couple on a two-month holiday in the Philippines chose to include this paradise in their itinerary and stayed at the Raymen Beach Resort in December 2006, unperturbed by news about the oil spill that brought the island province to world attention in August of the same year.

“We are just here to see good beaches,” said the Boldo couple, who are just among the hundreds of foreign guests who kept coming to Guimaras even in the aftermath of the infamous oil spill. Guimaras has 238.3-kilometer coastline, with long stretches of white, powdery sand considered among the finest in the world.

Lucia Cachuela, managing director of the El Retiro Beach Park, noted that international visitor arrivals to Guimaras began to pick up in November.

“Tourists are coming back,” Cachuela told journalists who visited the province as a part of the Guimaras

Tourism Recovery Program spearheaded by the Department of Tourism.

Despite the accident and the negative publicity it generated for the province since August, data show that the number of foreign tourists, or those who spent at least a night in Guimaras, went up to 293 in November from 98 in October, 75 in September, and 237 in August – the month of the accident. In November 2005, there were only 143 foreign tourists in Guimaras.

Foreign excursionists, or day-in visitors, also went up to 525 in November from 453 a year ago. It was also up from 257 in October, and 297 in September. In August, the number of foreign excursionists reached 566.

Guimaras targets to attract more foreign tourists, because they spend the highest amount while in the island. The DOT Guests Assistance Centers in the port towns of Buenavista and Jordan estimated the average daily expenditure of foreign tourist at P2,000; foreign excursionist, P1,500; local tourist, P1,500; and local excursionist, P500.

“Guimaras is very alive and kicking,” said Helen Camarista, the officer-in-charge of the Department of Tourism in Western Visayas. “Business has never been stronger.”

“Out of 24 accredited resorts, only seven have been hardest hit. So 17 resorts are okay,” Camarista, herself a resident of Guimaras, said.

Nueva Valencia Vice Mayor Juan Gaitan agreed, saying many beach resorts remain unspoiled. “We are telling people that not all areas have been affected. We encourage them to come to Guimaras,” Gaitan said.

For example, Jose Garomita, president of the Guisi Community-based Heritage Tourism, said that they were able to protect the white-sand beach in Guisi, a sitio in Barangay Dolores, Nueva Valencia town from the oil slick.

Guimaras, a 60,465-hectare island the size of Singapore with five towns and 98 barangays and home to more than 140,000 residents, hogged the headlines when oil tanker MT Solar I carrying 2 million liters of bunker fuel owned by Petron Corp. sank in rough waters 10 miles off the coast of Nueva Valencia town on August 11 this year.

Scientists said about 300,000 liters of the cargo polluted 24,000 square kilometers of waters near the island paradise. The spill was later contained, and clean up operations began.

Ironically, foreign and domestic visitor arrivals to Guimaras went up by 13 percent to 13,566 in August from 11,986 a year ago. Arrivals reached 14,501 in September; 14,163 in October and 12,221 in November.

“More attention has been given to Guimaras since August. Now, there are scientists, researchers, and donors who are coming to Guimaras,” Camarista said.

Camarista noted that before the oil spill took place, there were only 4 to 5 departures of pump boats each day. Now, this has gone up to 7 to 10 departures per day, she said.

But a few resorts are still feeling the impact of the tragedy. “When news of the oil spill spread, seven resorts received booking cancellations through email,” Camarista conceded.

Peter Harper-bill, an 80-year-old British retiree who manages the Baras Resort, said bookings were less than half of what they used to be. “Normally, we were fully booked around Christmas, but now we are not,” Harper-bill said.

Tourism is a major industry in Guimaras. In 2005, tourist arrivals totaled 181,915 and injected P204.3 million into its local economy. Since 2003, tourist arrivals to the province have been rising 30 percent per annum.

Ruben Corpuz, the provincial economic officer, said much of Guimaras, including its spectacular coastline and rich marine biodiversity remain unexplored.

Its main attractions include Roca Encantadia, Guisi Lighthouse, Tiniguiban Islet, Isla Naburot, Lombija Wildlife Resort, Taklong-Tandog Island, Igang Marine Station, Toyo Reef, and La Paz and Pamankulan Fish Sanctuaries. Corpuz said the province is also fast rising as a destination for mountain bike races, kayaking and tours to mango plantations. Guimaras exports sweet mangoes to the United States.

Corpuz said he is optimistic about the tourism prospects in Guimaras for several reasons. These include the expansion of the ports in Jordan and Buenavista towns, the completion of the international airport by March 2007 in Sta. Barbara, Iloilo which is the gateway to Guimaras, and new investments in tourist facilities, such as the multi-million-peso investment in the Lombija Wildlife Resort and Hotel and a new convention center.

Julius Camacho, a cousin of businessman Henry Babiera of the Ortigas Group who develops the Lombija zoo, said that at more than 20 hectares, the zoo will be the largest in the country once it opens sometime in 2008. The zoo has been under development since 1998. Corpuz said about P300 million has already been invested for the development of the project, which is seen to add a new attraction to Guimaras.

“We also envision Guimaras to be a logistics hub. Guimaras Strait has the deepest berth for international vessels,” Corpuz said. “For Guimaras, there is no other way but up.”

Palawan beaches are best in Asia

2009-07-29T16:53:00.000-07:00

The beaches of Palawan topped the list of the best beaches of Asia identified by the prestigious international magazine Condé Nast Traveler in its October 2007 issue.The New York-based magazine, published by Condé Nast Publications, the same company that owns the New Yorker, Vogue, Glamour, and Bon Appetit, listed Palawan beaches ahead of other spectacular Asian destinations such as Beach No. 7 at Havelock Island in India; Nihiwatu Beach on Sumba Island in Indonesia; Baa on North Ari and North Malé Atolls in the Maldives; and Laem Tong Bay on Koh Phi Phi in Thailand.

According to the magazine’s Great Asian Beach Finder article, “Palawan province’s 1,200 miles of sugary beaches wrapped around 1,780 pristine islands have attracted travelers since Chinese traders crossed now-sunken land bridges from Borneo.”

It said Palawan’s rich ecosystem supports two United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s World Heritage Sites, the coral-rich Tubbataha Reef Marine Park and Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park, a limestone karst landscape with an underground tributary that emerges into the sea.

“Almost as unique is Miniloc Island Resort, where a private beach leads to crystalline waters rife with damselfish. Sister property Lagen Island Resort’s 51 newer overwater pavilions are overshadowed only by Amanpulo, Amanresorts’ 40 huts scattered along Pamalican Island ’s powdery strand,” the magazine said.The same article listed diving on Bacuit Bay in El Nido, Palawan, where Miniloc Island Resort and Lagen Island Resort are located, as among the best beach sports that Asia can offer. It cited Bacuit Bay for its prehistoric limestone rocks, gentle currents, and large concentration of fish.

On the other hand, Amanpulo was listed as the best beach hotel and most romantic Asian property, with glass walls that optimize Sulu Sea views framed by lush foliage thick with black-naped orioles and neon-blue Steere’s pittas. Twenty-nine suites encircle the private resort on the 220-acre Pamalican Island , 225 miles south of Manila .

The list was comprised of over 30 beach locations in the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, India, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, China, and JapanExcept for Palawan beaches and resorts, no other Philippine destinations made it to the list for such categories as best beaches overall, best beach spas, best beach parties, best beach scenery, best beach hotels, and beach for sports.

It was the second time this year that the New York magazine included Palawan in its top story. In its January 2007 issue, Conde Nast featured Palawan as a Great Value Vacation destination along with top tourist destinations such as Crystal Cove in California and Stewart Island in New Zealand.In that article, Palawan was cited as a “restful retreat where you can unplug from the everyday.”

PAGUDPUD BEACH

2009-07-29T16:36:00.000-07:00

If Aklan has Boracay, Ilocos has Pagudpud, its northernmost town bordering the South China Sea. The coastal town of Pagudpud is the perfect setting for panoramic movies and photoshoot for travel magazines cover.

The town’s main attractions are Saud Beach, known for its fine white sand stretching for hundreds of meters and Maira-Ira Point, which hides a secluded beach called Blue Lagoon. Other breathtaking landscapes in Pagudpud include Bantay Abot-abot, a natural sculpture carved by the wind and sea, the Mabogabog Falls and the Patapat viaduct that treats motorists to a scenic view of green lushes and blue waters of South China Sea.

Pagudpud is just an hour’s drive from Laoag City International Airport. From here, tourists can visit other popular destinations such as the Bangui Wind Farm, the Hispanic village of Vigan, and the old Paoay Church.

CEBU

2009-07-29T16:28:00.001-07:00

Cebu City drew 403,326 international visitors in 2005, making the “queen city of the south” the top provincial destination of foreign travelers. Data from the Department of Tourism (DOT) also showed that Cebu City attracted 1,813 overseas Filipinos and 712,938 domestic travelers last year.

Total number of travelers in the city went up by 10.5 percent to 1.118 million in 2005 from 1.012 million in 2004. Arrivals in Cebu are expected to peak in December 2006, when the city hosts the 12th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Leader’s Summit and the 4th ASEAN Business and Investment Summit.

Government officials and business leaders from Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam will troop to Cebu to discuss the future of ASEAN integration.

Also expected to participate are delegates from Japan, China, South Korea, India, Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and European Union. This early, the 20 hotels in Cebu have been reporting full occupancy rates, with the influx of Japanese and Korean tourists, despite the recent opening of five-star accommodation facilities like Marco Polo Hotel and Hilton.

Other large hotels in Metro Cebu include Marriot, Waterfront, Midtown, Rajah Park, Diplomat, Northwinds, Sarrosa, Parklane, Crown Regency, GV, Mango Park, Richmonde, Golden Prince, Metropak, Crowne Garden, Grand Hotel, Montebello, Century Golden Peak, Holiday Plaza and Century Plaza.

Aside from Cebu, other top destinations of international visitors outside Metro Manila in 2005 were Aklan, the province which covers the world-class resort island of Boracay, with 157,638; Laguna, home of the Pagsanjan Falls, with 149,531; Pampanga, where Clark Field is located, with 76,133; and Palawan, with 70,066.

Occupying the 11th to 20th list of favorite destinations were Ifugao, site of the Banaue Rice Terraces, Negros Occidental, Baguio City, Iloilo, Cavite, Negros Oriental, Cagayan de Oro City, Batangas, Camiguin, and Ormoc City.

Data showed that some 1.414 million international travelers, 125,476 overseas Filipinos, and 13.631 million domestic tourists for a total of 15.171 million visited the country’s tourist attractions outside Metro Manila in 2005. The figure was 15.8 percent higher than the 13.103 million local and foreign tourists who visited the provinces last year.

INTRAMUROS

2009-07-29T16:15:00.000-07:00

INTRAMUROS, the old capital of Manila, was built in 1571. It remains a monumental, if ruined, relic of the Spanish period in Philippine history.

It is a city within a city, separated from the rest of Manila by its crumbling walls.

This ancient capital had well-planned streets, plazas, the Governor’s Palace and churches. However, many buildings were reduced to shambles in World War II.

Among the places to visit in Intramuros are the two churches – The Manila Cathedral and St. Augustine Church — and Fort Santiago.

The Manila Cathedral is the fifth stone church of Manila. It was destroyed and rebuilt several times. From the air, it appears as a giant cross.

St. Augustine Church is the oldest stone church in the Philippines. It was built in 1599; however, it was also destroyed and rebuilt many times.

It is an immense structure of thick walls of Corinthian and Ionic designs.

Fort Santiago used to be the seat of the colonial powers of both Spain and the U.S. It was also a dreaded prison under the Spanish regime and the scene of countless military police atrocities during the Japanes occupation. Here, too, Dr. Jose Rizal spent his last hours before his execution on Bagumbayan. (now Rizal Park).

Baguio & Banaue

2009-07-28T17:58:00.000-07:00

Towards the turn of the 20th century, the American city planner Daniel Burnham carved on a valley in the upland Cordillera region of northern Luzon a summer recreational center, the city of Baguio.

With its nippy climate and pleasant mountain scenery, Baguio is a favored destination among artists, honeymooners and others looking for a cool retreat. It is also a faith healing haven and a university town.

Also nestled within the Central Cordillera mountain range is the postcard-pretty town of Banaue. Banaue's claim to fame are the rice terraces - part of the 20,000 hectares of engineering marvel that also span the towns of Hungduan, Mayoyao and Kiangan.

The terraces were built more than 2,000 years ago by the Ifugao tribe, using only their bare hands and crude implements.Inscribed in the World Heritage List, this "8th Wonder of the World" serves as a living testament to man's genius at turning a rugged and forbidding terrain into a continuing source of sustenance. Baguio and Banaue are anchor tourist destinations and part of the 7,000 times more islands that make up the Philippine archipelago.

Baguio of Leisurely Pursuits

One of the cleanest and greenest cities in the country, Baguio is made for sightseeing. And for strolls and boat rides and gentle trots around the park. And for golf. Kennon Road, completed in 1905, opened Baguio to tourism. The zigzagging path previews the scenic highlights of the city. Along the 32-kilometer highway are the Bridal Veil and Colorado waterfalls.

Synonymous with Baguio is Burnham Park. Located in the heart of the city, the park's features include a man-made lagoon ideal for boat rides, a skating rink, an athletic field and stadium, basketball and tennis courts, a biking zone, tree-and-flower lined promenades, and a plant market.

A popular golfing destination, the city takes pride in its Baguio Country Club and Camp John Hay. What used to be the rest-and-recreation base of American military personnel, the Camp is being transformed into a world-class resort and is also Baguio's biggest pine tree conservation area. Its newly refurbished 18-hole golf course rivals that of the Country Club which has pretty garden-patched cottages surrounding its fairways.

Ornate iron gates open to the Mansion House, the official summer residence of Philippine presidents. It offers tourists with great photo opportunities with its rectangular reflecting pool along a tree-lined walkway. It also houses a museum of presidential memorabilia.

Near the Mansion House is Wright Park where neophyte riders can trot around an oval track guided by trainers who lead horses with a hand-held leash. At the Mines View Park, tourists can have a panoramic view of the old mines of Benguet. At the park entrance is a flea market for souvenir items.Sitting on top of a hill in Upper Session Road is the twin-spire Baguio Cathedral, a city landmark.

Another pilgrimage site is the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes which sits on top of Dominican Hill. Devotees prefer to climb the 252-step ascent than drive through a winding road to reach the shrine. Bell Church holds a religious service of mixed Buddhist, Taoist, Confucian and Christian dogmas but tourists come here to have their fortunes told.Located on an elevated pine-forested ground is the Philippine Military Academy, the country's foremost military learning institution. Its Saturday morning Parade in Review by cadets in full regalia never fails to attract visitors. Also within campus is a Military Museum. A cultural haven established by noted Baguio artist BenCab, Tam-awan Village recreates a typical ethnic village in the Cordilleras with authentic tribal homes uprooted from their original locations and re-set on similar terrain. There is also an art gallery-cum-coffee shop.

Banaue of Painterly Dreams

Because of its high altitude, Banaue is often described as "where land merges with the clouds to meet the heavens" with the rice terraces as "the stairway to the sky."Banaue is a place for nature adventures and cultural immersion. Days are for indulging in such activities as strolling, biking, and trekking.

Evenings are for campfire chats at a village or warm indoor cosseting at the lodges and inns.A leading tourism destination in Asia, the Banaue rice terraces start from the base of the Cordilleras and reach up to several thousand feet high.

Its length, if stretched from end to end, could encircle half of the globe. The rice paddies are fed by mountain springs and streams that are channeled into an irrigation canal that runs downhill through the terraces. In the village of Batad, the terraces take the shape of an amphitheater and can be reached by a 12-kilometer ride from Banaue Hotel and a 2-hour hike through mountain trails. After trekking through the terraces, cool retreats indeed are the spring-fed stream of Guihob and the magnificent Tappiya Waterfalls which has an enormous basin for swimming.

Shopping takes a different twist in Banaue. While souvenir items are offered by curio stores, the more exciting way to shop, however, is to go on a village visit, watch a family demonstrate their native craft and then haggle for a better price on their product.

Island Flavors

It has been said that there is only one kind of lucrative business in Baguio, and that is dining.This, of course, is overly exaggerated but then who can question this wisdom with the proliferation of food places offering all kinds of eats in this tiny city!

Star Café along Lower Session Road is noted for its excellent breads and pies and fine Chinese cuisine while the adjoining Dainty Restaurant has the best coffee in town and good noodles, too.

For really great old-fashioned breakfasts, check out Casa Vallejo at the Upper Session Road. New Bonuan at the Happy Glen Loop, Jade Restaurant along Marcos Highway and Barrio Fiesta at the Upper Session Road are where you can partake of home-cooked native cooking.

Kalapaw Restaurant in Chuntug Street specializes in grilled squids and tuna jaws. Inn Rocio in Kisad Road dishes out Continental food, Mario's Restaurant in Upper Session Road has good steaks, great Caesar's Salad, and decadent cakes. And the artsy Café by the Ruins in Chuntug Street serves eclectic, seasonal dishes.

At the Hotel Monticello in Kennon Road, Hakuun Sanso Restaurant serves authentic Japanese cuisine while 50's Diner specializes in traditional American staples. Rose Bowl Steak House and Restaurant in Harrison Road offers an international fare of Chinese, American and Filipino dishes.

The local food chain Don Henrico's has its beginnings at the Upper Session Road and serves yummy pastas and pizzas. While Baguio bursts at the seams with restaurants, one has a limited choice in Banaue where most dining outlets are found in the mountain inns and lodges. Banaue Hotel has theme restaurants and offers catering services for picnic meals.

Souvenir Hunting

Baguio is a shopping destination for great souvenirs which can be bought at a steal.The Baguio City Market in Magsaysay Avenue is a good place to start for souvenir hunting. Its stalls are filled with all kinds of ethnic products and bottled delicacies. Adjacent to it is the Maharlika Livelihood Center where there is a good selection of dry goods and woodcarvings.

Heavenly fruit jams and cookies can be had at the Good Shepherd Convent on Gibraltar Road while exquisite silver filigree novelty items are sold at the St. Louis University's Filigree Shop along Assumption Road.Beautiful tapestries and hand-woven linens are made at the Easter Weaving Room in Guisad Road and at Narda's Handicraft in Upper Session Road. Another good place to buy hand-carved curio items is at the Ifugao Woodcarvers Village some five kilometers off the city proper.

Warm Hospitality

Filipinos do not simply provide the guest with a place to rest or park their luggage, they also share the best of what they have. This warm, effusive brand of hospitality is what distinguishes Philippine hotels from the others.

There are a choice of comfortable accommodations, a number of them charming mountain inns and lodges, both in Baguio and Banaue.

In Baguio:

BAGUIO PALACE HOTEL (Standard)
Telephone (6374) 4427734
CONCORDE HOTEL (Standard)
Telephone (6374) 4432058
FOREST INN (Standard)
Telephone (6374) 4422552
RAJAH SOLIMAN (Standard)
Telephone (6374) 4427574
SUPREME HOTEL (Standard)
Telephone (6374) 4422855
BENGUET PRIME HOTEL (Economy)
Telephone (6374) 4427066
ELEGANT HOTEL (Economy)Telephone
(6374) 442 9322
HOTEL SALOME (Economy)
Telephone (6374) 4784
VILLA ROSAL HOTEL (Economy)
Telephone (6374) 4424093
ZION HOSTEL (Economy)
Telephone (6374) 4427309
GILBERTOS HOTEL (Inn)
Telephone (6374) 4424357
PRINCESS APARTEL (Inn)
Telephone (6374) 4427261
SWAGMAN ATTIC INN (Inn)
Telephone (6374) 4425139
NORLU PENSION HOUSE (Pension)
Telephone (6374) 4424662
VISTRO PENSION (Pension)
Telephone (6374) 4422235
GREEN VALLEY HOTEL & RESORT (Resort)
Telephone (6374) 4425140

In Banaue:

BANAUE HOTEL & YOUTH HOSTEL (Standard)
Telephone (632) 8121984/8103655/8103703(6374) 3864087-88
SIMON INN (Lodge)
TRAVELLERS INN & RESTAURANT (Lodge)
WONDER LODGE (Lodge)
VILLAGE INN (Lodge)HILLSIDE INN (Lodge)
JERICHO LODGE (Lodge)
BANAUE VIEW HOTEL (Pension)
FAIRVIEW INN (Pension)
Telephone (6374) 3864002

J & L LODGE (Pension)
Telephone (6374) 3864042
PEOPLE'S LODGE & RESTAURANT (Pension)
Telephone (6374) 3864037
SANAFE LODGE (Pension)
SPRING VILLAGE INN (Pension)
Telephone (6374) 4037
TERRACEVILLE INN (Pension)
Telephone (6374) 3864094

BANGAAN FAMILY INN (Pension)
COZY NOOK INN (Pension)
Telephone (6374) 3864003
GREENVIEW LODGE (Pension)
Telephone (6374) 3864022
HALFWAY LODGE (Pension)
Telephone (6374) 3864082