Discover Philippines.pdf

7/27/2019 Discover Philippines.pdf

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Discover

Philippines


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Imagine a place where everything you want or a brie escape rom your daily

routine is available in one place! Welcome to the land where possibilities areendless and ullment in every way required or an awesome retreat is yours to

take advantage o! Oh yes, dont orget to take snapshots o gorgeous views,

cosmopolitan sights, traditional anare, delicious cuisine and colourul people with

your memory.

Money Matter Philippine Peso (PHP).

English, Tagalog and other local dialects.

A hot and humid tropical climate with an averagetemperature o 2634 degrees Celsius.

Everything rom planes to trishaws is available or you

to travel between locations within the archipelago.

This is available at any telecommunications outlet in

Philippines with very cheap start-up packs. Popular

telco providers are Globe and Smart.

Language

Weather

Pre-paid SIM card

Getting around

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Did you know? Its made up of 7,100 islands, the largest being Luzon where its capital

city, Manila is located.

The Philippines is the second largest archipelago in the world.

Its the largest Catholic nation in Asia.

There are a few gorgeous UNESCO World Heritage Site locations of

nature and heritage value.

One of the worlds top island destinations is Boracay in the

Philippines.

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Rich Culture and

Stunning ArchitectureYoull be rendered speechless while marvellingat the sheer sight o imposing cathedrals, usions

o architectural designs and quaint remnants o the

good old colonial era! This unique mix o inuences

stems rom centuries o being occupied by the

Spanish, Americans, Japanese and other ethnic races

who came to call this splendid land home. Be part of its

amazing cultural heritage and youll feel richer than King

Midas.

Local Filipino

You know whats interesting? The pre-war, pre-colonisation

traditional Filipino house or bahay kubo and its architecture.

Its all made rom natural local resources! For example, the roo is

made from Nipa leaves; and the structure and ooring from

bamboo and wood. These evolved to sturdier homes made

o stone or bahay na bato with certain interior arrangementspreserved such as elevated apartments and open ventilation.

The newer homes also come with tiled roos, wide windows and

arcades with a mix o Spanish, Filipino and Chinese architectural

designs. Great examples o these structures can still be ound in

abundance at Vigan, Ilocos Sur and Taal.Remember to bring your camera and an empty memory card!

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SCENIC NATURE AND

THRILLING ADVENTURE

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Challenging mountains with

spectacular lakes

You may have heard o Mount Pinatubo inPampanga, where calderas are lled with

the bluest colour o water orming one

o the most astonishing volcanic lakes

in the Philippines. Or maybe its thegeological wonder o the volcano-

within-a-lake-within-a-volcano o

Taal in Batangas that sets yourheart racing whenever the name

is mentioned.

These occasionally antsy

giants (active volcanos) are

both popular with those who

desire reuge with nature

and with the adrenaline-seekers as youll be

completely bewildered

when youre surrounded

by clusters o emerald and

pools o sapphire. Add

the extinct Mount Arayat

volcano in Pampanga to

this equation and youre

all set!

Sea Havens

Be it under water or on its surface, shimmering cerulean seas

o the Philippines bring about spectacular islands and an

endless oray o splashing good times. The most phenomenal

o them all is the Tubbataha Rees National Park in the CentralSulu Sea. Atolls, magnicent rees, lagoons, marine and animal-

related ocean lie are at their prime here, as evident in its

listing as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

For a taste o everything island, Boracay (o the coast oKalibo), IGaCos (The Island Garden City o Samal, o thecoast o Davao), Bacuit Bay (o El Nido) and Apo ReeNational Park in the Occidental Mindoro waters have it indroves! Its time or that long-overdue parasailing, getting

that perfectly bronzed body, absorbing in that Ive-

always-wanted-to-read-it book or exploring Neptunes

vast marine kingdom.

Bring out your inner daredevil and skim the waters

surace in Aurora. Its surs up as this surersparadise becomes home to literally a sea o six-

pack torsos, colourul sur boards, dude in every

sentence and hip-hanging board shorts during

October to February.

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GloriousFood

Indigenous Food

Travellers have claimed that you can never say youve

been to a country until youve tried the traditional,

local fare. How true this is! Some may seem bizarre,

even to the point o churning your stomach but

generally nothing is how it seems. But once

the emulsion o avours hits your palate,

mmmmmis the only thing you can say.

Sample the yummy Halo-Halo (a

dessert made o shaved ice and sweet

condiments), Sinigang (tamarind-

based meat stew), Chicken Tinola

(chicken stew), Kare-Kare (stewed

oxtail in thick peanut sauce)

and of course, Balut

(ertilised duck

embryo). Go on,

try them all!

Spanish Cuisine and Inuences

What the Spanish conquistadors let behind ater

more than 300 years of rule is their aromatic, rich and

intensely avourul cuisine. Its cuisine that has been

notably acknowledged to be the best in Asia and youd

be remiss in your tummy-indulging duties i you didnt

at least dig into a Paella (saron rice with seaood and

chicken), Chicken Relleno (stued chicken) or those

delicious sugared Ensaymadas (brioches). Not to

be let out are Spanish-inuenced dishes which are

household staples such as Adobo (vinegar-inused

stew) that will make your day complete.

Halal Food

Looking or a halal (kosher) meal or

restaurant can sometimes be dauntingbut worry not, there are some o these

eateries scattered in and around Metro

Manila. Most Muslim-dominated

areas like Mindanao will have

loads o restaurants with

halal are, although its

recommended or you to

ask around just to be

sure.

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Well, that says a lot about

the mouth watering, deeply-

avoured cuisine o multi-cultural

Philippines. The heavenly scents

that wat rom restaurants and

street vendors will sure to entice

your taste buds till you drool.

There are also exotic orms o

ood types that will take you on a

wondrous gastronomic adventure,

so hop on!

AmericanFast-ood, steaks and

every hearty American

dish imaginable can be ound

everywhere even when youre not

looking. Juicy burgers, hot dogs,crunchy salads and how-my-mama-used-to-make pies are ood legacies

which some locals just cant do without!

This shows how much impact ood can

have in a society.

Chinese

Kick-start your Filipino morning with something hot

and soul assuaging like Dim Sum (bite-sized Chineseood served in small steamer baskets) or Siopao

(steamed bun with meat lling). Thanks to Chinese

traders and settlers (mainly o Fukien descent) who

introduced their huge array o delectable cuisine,

you can easily nd Lumpia (egg roll with meat and

vegetable lling), Dumplingsand plenty more. Fusiondishes are expected in cross-cultural Philippines like

Pancit (noodles with meat, seaood and vegetable),Arroz Caldo (scrumptious rice porridge) and Silog

(garlic ried rice with egg and other variations). Your

tummy must be rumbling right now.

Filipino ood was prepared byMalay settlers, spiced by Chinesetraders, stewed in 300 years ofSpanish rule and hamburgered by

American inuence.

~ Monina A. Mercado

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Haduan Falls

Want to know why locals love it here? Well,

or the cool mountain stream, shallow banks,

scenic views along the hike up and thrilling

dives rom rock ledges o course. Just slip on

your thick-soled shoes, pack your gear and go!

Bicentennial Park

Sounds like a sci- movie title but its

ar rom it. Instead o articial intelligent

lie orms, youll nd a luscious greenrecreational park with modern amenities,

playground, a pavilion, picnic tables and

dedicated tracks or jogging. Also perect or

those cosy moments with your loved one.

Apu Flea Market

Lively, bustling with scents and sounds

you may or may not like - its an

experience youll nd hard to orget.

Make it a point on Friday evening to testyour bargaining skills or that piece o

handicrat, clothes, ootwear, home decor

and plenty more!

Angeles City

Ah, the City o Angels that Clark

calls home and where your decadent

entertainment awaits. Venture the

rambunctious Fields Avenue, try your luck

at glitzy casinos, exciting theme parks

with the amily, and colourul estivals like

Tigtigan Terakan Keng Dalan (music and

dance street estival).

Mount Pinatubo

Immerse in the hot springs, breathe in the

reshness, traverse this active volcanos

terrains and take home remarkable

memories. Its panoramic views with shadeso vibrant emeralds everywhere you look,

so enjoy it to the ullest.

Salakot Arch

Youve never seen a more interesting

landmark which represents its sovereignty

than a very large replica o the Philippines

traditional armers hat! So when youre

taking a stroll or picnicking at Bayanihan

Park, be sure to check it out.

MUST-VISIT

PLACES

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You may know it as the once-upon-a-time U.S.

Military Air Base. But now it has evolved into a

myriad o wonders, injecting doses o unexpected

pleasures as you roam the vast landscapes.

Sizzling Sisig

Its boiled, broiled and chopped

up, bringing explosive avours

to your taste buds! I youre not

a an o pork, there are equally

delicious variations like tou,

chicken and squid.

Halo-Halo

A colourul and sweetconcoction o shaven ice with

sweet beans, creamy coconut

milk and other sweet-tooth

delights! Remember, theres

always room or dessert.

Bee Morcon

Although normally served

during the yuletide season,

many restaurants have this

juicy, succulent, veggie-and-egg

stued bee roll on the menu.

Other must-eats: Chicharon

Bulaklak, Pako Salad, Puto Pao

*Fares shown are subject to availability and

correct at press time.

MUST-EAT

HOW TO

THEREGET

73Clark

(2xDaily)Flyfrom

KualaLump

ur/KotaKi

nabalu

USD

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PHP 450

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FREE!SHUTTLE

SERVICESFOR AIRASIAGUESTS

To/From Clark AirportFlying to your next awesome AirAsia destination just got easier with our new shuttlebus lines to/from Marquee Mall, Pasay Terminal, Megamall and Dau Bus Station!

*Inormation provided subject to changes without prior notice.

ROUTE FARES

Route

Departs Arrives Arrives ArrivesDeparts Departs

Destination

Marquee Mall > Clark Airport Clark Airport > Marquee Mall Clark Airport > Dau Bus Station

Fare

Departs

Pasay Terminal to Clark Airport

Megamall to Clark Airport

Clark Airport to Megamall

Clark Airport to Pasay Terminal

Pasay Terminal

Megamall

Clark Airport

BUS SERVICE FROM CLARK TO MANILA - PHILTRANCO

FREE SHUTTLE BUS SCHEDULE - VICTORY LINER


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Cosmopolitan with a dash o old-world and sprinkles o charm, this is

the capital city which has brought many locals to seek their ortuneand travellers like yoursel or the experience.

MUST-VISITPLACES

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O-----------------------------

Basilica o San Sebastian

A cathedral made of pure steel? Believe it!

Its as real as the balmy weather and has the

wow actor to boot. The brainchild o alocal architect, the structure is meant to be

re and earthquake proo.

St. Augustines Church

Youll be completely awed by the sheer

magnitude o the structure and intricate

Baroque architecture. One of the many

reasons its a UNESCO World Heritage Site

and a reason or you to visit.

Manila BaywalkTwo kilometres o entertainment, a

slew o eateries, recreational un and

million-dollar sunset views are or you to

experience along Roxas Boulevard.

Greenhills Shopping CenterAhh! The mere thought o bargains.

Find it along an endless parade o

paraphernalia-selling shops within the

connes o air-conditioning comort.

Museo PambataLet the kids roam ree as everything

here spells un-learning while they

weave through interactive theme rooms.Grown-ups will love it too!

Rizal Park (Luneta)

Languid is the word o the day within

Manilas oasis. Youll be happily

overwhelmed with so many things to check

out like museums, ree concerts, landscaped

gardens and impressive monuments.

TaguigPulsating, thriving, sleek and decadent -

your Pinoy escapade will not be complete i

you didnt at least venture along the streets

and alleyways o this commercial hub.

Ayala Center

This interlink o a mall, hotels and

buildings is quite the shopping sensation

as it carries reputed international brands

spread out in a massive modern complex.

SilogA scrumptious synergy o heavenly

Sinangang (Garlic Fried Rice) andcomorting Itlog (Fried Egg), served with

sweet or salty meats. Try it!

BalutYup, its exotic are o boiled duck embryo.

Tastes just like sweet chicken.

Banana CueAter a hearty Filipino meal, a ew bites

o deep-ried banana ritters coated with

brown sugar on a stick set a new level o

your dining experience.

Other must-eats: Chicharon, Tokneneng

MUST-EAT

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Its unbelievable how a quaint port-side town is stued to the brim with

pleasures known only to a few travellers. Be one of those special few to

lavish in the heart o Aklan province with indescribable vistas, age-old

history and blissul me time.

Boracay IslandI the name rings a bell, its because you

probably know it as one o the best island

getaways in the world! Bake in the sun for

your desired bronzed look, dabble in diving,

snorkel over cobalt waters, show o your

tan at bustling watering holes and youll be

sure to have one heck o a vacation.

Read more on page 18.

Museo It Akean

What can be more stimulating than the

colourul history o Aklan, set against an

enclosure o breathtaking pre-colonial

architecture? Adding to the already vivid

palette are art galleries, book launches,

cultural activities and loads more!

Pina WeavingYup, its cloth made rom pineapple

bre using an age-old traditional crat

o weaving. The end product, known as

Barong, is proudly displayed at weddings

ater being tailored with detail. You must

bring home at least a metre or two.

19 Martyrs ShrinePatriots of Katipunan are remembered

within this magnicent monument,complete with 19 steps for the 19 martyrs

remains buried in each step to the top.

Morbid yet ascinating at the same time.

Tigayon Hill

Climb up and re-create the way to Aklans

once-upon-a-time reedom ghters

sanctuary. The panoramic birds eye view o

the province, rich ora and cool limestone

ormations make up or that challenging

terrain by leaps and bounds!

Bakhawan Eco-ParkTo spend a day with nature, all you have

to do is hike the trails here, cruise leisurely

down the river, admire mangroves and hear

nothing but its denizens calling out to you.

Beats the concrete jungle any day!

Kalibo CathedralAter more than ve centuries, this

captivating place o worship still stands

strong with its awe-inspiring Baroque

designs. Youll never nd a better spot to

unwind ater an exciting day o sightseeing.

Sampaguita Gardens

Kitschy and unexpectedly cute, Sampaguita

Gardens has a ne gallery or Precious

Moments ornaments and gurines. Whats

more, the extended Christmas season in the

Philippines gets even longer at the resortsChristmas Cottage that is open all year

round!

MUST-VISITPLACES

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LongganisaSpicy sausages made rom

chicken, bee or other meatsDelish!

Chicken InuburanIts banana pith cooked until it inuses avour

into the chicken or other meats. Together with

lemongrass and coconut, it is divine!

TinuomChow on chunky native chicken meat, tomatoes,

lemongrassand chopped onions which are wrapped inbanana leaves and heated in a clay pot. Youll never taste

anything like it!

(2xDaily)

ClarkKalib

o

HOW TO

THEREGET

*Fares shown are subject to availability and correct at press time.

MUST-EAT

USD22 17


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Theworld amousisland is constantlyon the lists o WorldsBest Beaches, and or a goodreason! From relaxing spas tohappening nightlie and splashingwater activities, the ultimate island livingis here in Boracay!

Most o the action is on the main strip calledWhite Beach, divided into the relaxed upscaleresorts o Station 1, the busy party central oStation 2, and quiet Station 3, known or its value-or-money accommodations.

Grilled Seaood &

Barbecued Meats

You cant say youve been to

Boracay without having tried

their grilled seaood. Choose

your sauce or marinade and

enjoy the days reshest catch

just the way you like it. Dont miss

out on the barbecued pork or

chicken on skewers with the sweet

avour a local avourite!

Fruit Shakes

Under the hot sun, theres

nothing as rereshing as the

islands amous ruit shakes.

Mangoes may be the ruit

o choice, but the various

combinations will give you a reason

to try a new variant every time.

Burgers & Crepes

Think Western ood with a Filipino twist!

Savour local chorizo (pork sausage)

on burger buns and local ruits on

light crepes, amongst many other

delectable cuisines.

MUST-EAT

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Cli Diving

A hal-hour boat ride from Boracay, Ariels

Point oers ve cli diving platorms 3 to

13 metres above the water. The half-day

excursion package includes buet mealsand unlimited use o watersports acilities,

so you can ocus on one thing: un, un un!

Fly Fish & Banana Boat

There are watersports aplenty on White

Beach, and these can be done with a group

or maximum enjoyment. Hang on as the

boats cut the waves and have a good laugh

together ater the inevitable overboard

moments.

Windsurfng & Kitesurfng

During amihan (trade winds) season, the

breeze is excellent especially on Bulabog

Beach, making the reef-protected waters at

Bulabog Beach ideal for action sports that

harness wind and water.

All-Terrain Vehicle(ATV)

Explore the rugged side o

paradise as you ride o-road

on an ATV! Travel the unpaved

roads up and down Mt. Luho,

the highest point in Boracay.

There are parks to be seen along

the way and the viewpoint lets

you see the island in a new light.

Other activities: jet skiing,

windsurng, wakeboarding,fying ox

Hair Braiding & Henna Tattoo

No Boracay experience is complete without

having your hair braided into cool corn rows

that t the islands laidback attitude to lie.

Bring the beach home with a henna tattoo

rom the islands many talented artists, who

can draw any design you want.

Island Hopping & Sunset Cruise

Let your riendly boatman take you around

the island or snorkelling and sh eeding,

sightseeing at Crocodile Island and Crystal

Cove, or a sunny beach time on Puka Beach.

End the day with a sunset cruise on an

outrigger boat powered by the wind.

Spa & Massage

Just like the accommodations on Boracay,

there are spa options or all budgets - rom

simple beachront rubdowns and traditional

Filipino massage (hilot), to boutique masks

and scrubs, to blowout luxury packages

worthy o the rich and amous.

Diving

Dive the best dive spots around the islandand take up a diving course at the many dive

centres to experience the best of Boracays

diverse marine life. Novices dont have to

worry as some dives do not require PADI

certication.

HOW TO

THEREGET

KALIBO

CATICLAN

CATICLAN

BORACAY

90mins

20mins

MUST-DO

ACTIVITIES

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DavaoThe moment you land on the island o Mindanao, head straight or Davao City where allthe natural, adventure and cultural action are within arms length. The resh seaood ound

everywhere is an added bonus!

Mount Apo National Park

Almost making it on UNESCOs World Heritage Site is a park which cradles

the highest peak in the Philippines, Mount Apo. Be it viewing its glorious crater

lake or scaling up to the top, youre guaranteed to be thoroughly satised!

Davao Crocodile Park

Its time or you to get to know about all things

crocodile! With interactive wildlie shows and live

hatchlings, your kids will be delighted.

Tboli Weaving Centre

Insular Villages best kept secret, until now that

is. From bres o the Abaca (banana tree)

transormed into elegant Tinalak cloth, the

Tboli women weave their crat with love and

pride. You must get one to take the Tboli

women weave their crat with love and

pride. You must get one to take home!

Philippine Eagle Center

Magnicent raptors everywhere! Get up

close with the rare Philippine Eagle, one o

the largest and most powerul in the world.

Its great un or you and your amily.

Lake Sebu

Picture-perect sceneries are lavishly displayed

by nature itsel until youre rendered speechless!

Supporting the islands irrigation system is what

this lake does best apart rom being naturally

gorgeous.

Lon Wa Buddhist Temple

Just mention Chinese Temple to any taxi driver and youll get here

without diculty. Its really amazing to see that Italian marble decorate

the oors and walls of one of the Philippines largest Buddhist

temples. Relax and absorb the tranquillity.

MUST-VISITPLACES

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O

Annual Fiestas and

Special EventsDance along the street, parade the most elaborate costume, sink your teeth into lip-smacking local are and snap your camera away! Lets get together or an awesomehoopla to complete your already antabulous vacation!

NationwideChristmas SeasonNovember till frst week o January

Christmas in the Philippines is denitely

a memorable occasion the republics

longest holiday season unofcially starts

in September when carols could be heard

chiming rom local radio stations. The

estivities go on ull throttle ater All Saints

Day on 1st November, and last till the feast

of The Three Kings in January. See the

elaborate celebrations in the trees, lights

and dcor, as well as the ornamental

star-shaped lantern Parl - unique to thePhilippines.

DavaoKadayawan FestivalEntire month o August

The estival is a celebration o lie and

thanksgiving or the gits o nature, culture,

harvest and serenity o living. Paint the town

whatever colour you want as splashes o

every imaginable shade will blend into a

spectacular parade.

ClarkPhilippines International

Hot Air Balloon FiestaBetween January and February or 4 days

A east or the eyes as hot air balloons o

2D and 3D shapes crowd the skies, looking

like a huge oating party!

Tigtigan Terakan Keng

Dalan @ Angeles CityLast Friday and Saturday o October

The best bands in Angeles City come togetheror the biggest street party o the year! Time to

throw your cares away and let your hair down

or some dance and party all night long!

Giant Lantern FestivalSaturday beore Christmas Eve

On the Saturday beore Christmas Eve, the

City o San Fernando, Pampanga lights up

with brilliant giant lanterns, measuring to

over 5 metres in diameter. The annual estivaland competition has earned the city the title

Christmas Capital o the Philippines. Each

lantern has thousands o bright- coloured

bulbs that icker in rhythm to holiday music.

Its a Christmas treat unlike any other!

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Inormation in this booklet is correct at press time.

Metro ManilaAliwan FiestaBetween April and May

This annual estival gathers dierent cultural

estivals o the Philippines into one huge esta

o a lietime! Watch as contingents compete oramazing prizes in the dance parade and oat

competitions, as well as the not-to-be-missed

beauty contest.

Metro Manila Film Festival

@ Roxas Boulevard25 Dec till frst week o January

The MMFF is a mixed bag o treats that entertains

lm and celebrity acionados alike, with local moviescreenings from major lm studios, a glitzy award

show and even a grand oat procession.

KaliboAti-Atihan FestivalSecond week till third Sunday o January

Drink Tuba (native wine), eat plenty, dance non-

stop and be in the thick o this Filipino Mardi Gras!

This east is held annually in honour o the Santo

Nio (Infant Jesus).

Food Festival sa KalyeJune 19-23

St. John the Baptist is remembered in a

delectable gathering o music and a

vast array o the best Aklan cuisine

amidst street dancing with dousing

o water and live saints parade.

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Documents

Discover Philippines.pdf