Archive for July, 2009

Laguna Philippines

What has this province in the Philippines stand out among the provinces of the Philippines? Of course, most Filipinos who have known Laguna Philippines already knew why. Of course it is not only Dr.Rizal’s home province located, but of course Laguna Philippines is well known for its Hot Springs and beautiful resorts which has been due to it is within Laguna De Bay- the largest lake at the Philippines at the borders of two dormant mysteriously labeled mountains/volcanoes – the Mt.Makiling and Mt. Banahaw.

Mt. Makiling is known for its hot springs resorts which are all located at its slopes and also labeled as mysterious mountain like Mt. Banahaw. Mt.Makiling is located between Calamba Laguna and Los Banos Laguna. Mt.Makiling is known for the godess residing in the mountain which of course the godess Maria Makiling.It can be accessed through South Luzon Expressway via Maharlika Highway. The famous Pagsanjan Falls can also be found at the hillsides. Pagsanjan Falls is formerly known as the Magdapio Falls. However, aside from Pagsanjan Falls, there is another Falls at Laguna Philippines, that is the Buriwisan Falls at Siniloan Laguna Philippines, however it not accessible via Maharlika highway.

And because it is Lake Province, it boasts of some lakes surrounding it, one of this Lake is the Crocodile Lake at Los Banos Laguna where of course crocodiles could be seen. There are other lakes which are collectively called “Seven Lakes”, namely Sampaloc Lake, Lake Bunot, Lake Calibato, Lake Pandin, Lake Yambo, Lake Palakpakin, and lake Muhikap. These lakes could also be accessed through South Luzon Expressway via Maharlika highway.

Three of Laguna Philippines famous resorts are Villa Escudero Resort which is located at San Pablo City Laguna Philippines, Hidden Valley Springs which is located at Alamino Calaun Laguna Philippines, and Lagos de Sol Resort which is located at Lake Caliraya, Cavinti Laguna Philippines. However, Hidden Valley Springs is the most famous of its resorts due to Hidden Valley Springs truly hot spring because it is naturally-made.

Aside from beautiful and bountiful resorts and hot springs, Laguna Province is rich of bamboos, soft hardwoods and rattan on its forest, which is of course an evidence of Laguna Philippines’“lake” character and nature. Thus, a bamboo industry could be aspiring for it, however, bamboo is not its main industry rather it is wood carvings and paper Mache.

Futhermore, in terms of historical interest, not only the Rizal Shrine at Calamba Laguna is amazingly interesting, but also the Underground Cemetary at Nagcarlan Laguna, the Homma-Yamashita Shrine at Los Banos Laguna, the Japanese Garden at Cavinti Laguna, the Baker Hall at Los Banos Laguna, the Ancestral houses and town plaza at Binan and Pila Laguna, and other historical interest.

Moreover, did you know that the oldest crematorium in the Philippines is located at Laguna Philippines? This oldest crematorium is located at Pila Laguna Philippines.

There are also numerous churches you could see at Laguna, of course one of these is the St. John The Baptist Church where Dr. Jose P. Rizal was said to be baptized.

Calamba Laguna Philippines

Perhaps most Filipinos already knew what’s in this place, yeah, it is the home place or birth place of Doctor Jose P. Rizal –the Philippines’ National Hero, A renaissance genius man. He is an artist, a doctor (ophthalmologist), a poet, a publicist, an engineer, a sculptor, a novelist, a teacher, a linguist who could speak 21 languages, and of course a martyr hero. Actually, his ancestral house at Calamba has now become a tourist attraction for those who visit Calamba Laguna Philippines where a memorabilia about him was on display. They call it Rizal Shrine.

Actually, his ancestral home was destroyed during World War II but was restored during the presidency of Elpidio Quirino, which is during 1950s.

However, it was not only Dr.Jose P.Rizal is the known hero that Calamba Laguna have produced, actually, there are still other four National heroes, namely General Paciano Rizal, Teodora Alonzo, General Vicente Lim, and Lt. Geronimo Aclan. Thus,an association have arise,that is the Calamba Association Of Northeastern USA,Inc. base on New York.This Calamba organization have established by the former residents of Calamba Laguna Philippines to promote Calamba Philippines itself and for the welfare and improvement of the lives of Filipinos in line with the heroic deeds of the national heroes which have sprouted from Calamba Laguna in the Philippines.

Anyway, what are other places of interest at Calamba Laguna Philippines aside from its hero’s zone area? At Laguna Philippines there are many resorts and hot springs you could visit, however, we will discuss them at my article Laguna Philippines. Calamba Laguna is only at the footstool of Laguna Philippines’s famous Enchanted Mountain –Mt. Maria Makiling,thus you could tread upon the Mt. Maria Makiling through Calamba Laguna. Moreover, Calamba has rich source of fresh clean water due to Laguna Philippines have many hot springs within its vicinity. Calamba Laguna has also hot springs at Laguna de Bay- the Wonder Island Resort.

Another place of interest at Calamba, is the St. John the Baptist Church. It has a beautiful ambience and most tourists attend mass on it. I remember, when I was a child we attend mass in it after we visit the Rizal Shrine. For it is said that on this church, Dr. Jose P. Rizal was baptized. Furthermore, at the front of Calamba Laguna Municipal Hall, there are a beautiful potted plants and flowers for sale that could awe your site.

Aside from Rizal’s memorial statue at Luneta Park, he has also another memorial statue at Rizal Memorial School at Calamba Laguna.

However, if you want to visit Calamba Laguna Philippines, it is only 53 kilometers away from Manila Philippines and lies at the southern terminal of South Luzon Expressway. And they say it is a gateway to many part of Laguna in the Philippines and to other adjacent cities and regions.

Calamba Laguna is the largest city of Laguna Philippines which largely are migrants from Manila Philippines and Tagalog regions of the Philippines, as well some religious groups and foreign tourists. Thus, it has many real estate businesses within its region.

Iloilo city Philippines

Iloilo city is one of the largest cities in the Philippines and at the Western Visayan Region as well. It is the capital city of the province of Iloilo Philippines. It is 55 minutes away from Manila Philippines if you happen to took a flight from Manila into this city. However, if you like sea adventure trip, it will take you 19 hours before you reach it if you travel from Manila Philippines.

Iloilo city Philippines is said to have a strategic location for business opportunities, thus Iloilo city is now known for it very robust Banking industry. Did you Know, Iloilo city host a variety of banking institutions? That is, from small into large bank companies, from commercial into universal, from thrift banking into saving, from rural or cooperative. And from local banks into foreign banks, all are in the heart of Iloilo city Philippines. Thus, it is now a hub for most trades, commerce, and industry business.

Iloilo city Philippines has two largest local banks and three foreign banks, namely the Valiant Bank and Queen City Development Bank, and Citibank, Maybank, and Standard Chartered Bank, respectively.

However, aside from banking and commercial industry, Iloilo city is also one of the largest Fishing Industry in the Philippines. That is because of its rich fishing grounds. Its Fish Port is funded in a multi-million budgets. For it is where the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center conducts aquatic research. Moreover, the center for marine and aquatic studies in the Philippines is in it. Did you know that the Iloilo Commercial Port complex is the first island Pier to exist in the Philippines?

However, if you love beaches, Iloilo city has also beaches you could enjoy. You could see it white sand beaches at Sicogon Island. Sicogon Island is of the Higantes Island within the municipality of Carles. Carles is a municipality at Iloilo Philippines. To get to Sicogon Island, if you happen to be at the Iloilo city itself, you can take a public transportation toward the municipality of Carles. The travel is 3-hours. And from the municipality of Carles, you could ride a motor boat to get into the island. However, if you happen to be at Manila Philippines, you could take the Roxas city route for it is said that it is near the municipality of Carles. Moreover, did you know that the beaches at Sicogon Island is more older and most famous beaches among tourist before Boracay Beaches is discovered and known?

There are also some historical sites one could visit at Iloilo Philippines, like the For San Pedro site,the La Villa Rica de Arevalo where Spaniards rule at that time.The Museo Iloilo where one could witness the preserved sunken British ship and Spanish artifacts memorabil,as well as the Local ILonggos crafts.

Aside from Museo Iloilo as a landmarks you could saw at Iloilo city, you could also see Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral, the Molo Church, the Jaro Belfry, the Calle Real, the Arroyo Fountain, the Distrito Jaro, the Muelle Loney, and other beautiful landmarks which your eyes could feast.

The First Class Batangas Philippines

This Province in the Southwestern part of the Philippines is known as the most popular tourist destinations near Manila Philippines and at the Philippines. And why is it so? Of course because of Batangas Philippines famous beaches and resorts and diving spots, like Matabungkay, Anilao, Punta Fuegeo, Calatagan, and other famous tourist spots. Moreover, the famous Taal Volcano was also located at Batangas Philippines where most tourists flock to see the volcano. Taal volcano is the smallest active volcano known in the world and famous for its crater which has a lake in it. Its crater with lake is now called “Crater Lake” which most tourist love to look into. It is a volcano within a lake (Lake Taal) and the volcano itself has also a lake with its crater. Amazing is not it?

However, there are also interesting stuff about Batangas Philippines than its popular beaches and resorts. That is, Batangas Philippines’s famous fan knife or in local dialect “balisong”. Batangas Philippines has been known of this famous product in connection with its urban legend that a “Batangueno”(or local residents of Batangas ) always carry a secret “balisong” in anticipation to defend oneself from any outsiders who would challenge or offend one Batangueno to fight. Thus, there is a scare saying that “don’t mess yourself with a Batangueno” if you love your life. Batangas knife is a folding pocket knife with two handles counter-rotated at the grip of the blade of the knife. The knife can be concealed and surprise revealed when an enemy is attacking you. That’s really quite terrifying if you happen to bull with a Batangueno.

Batangas Philippines is also known for its cattle species, throughout the Philippines the “Batangas Cow” is sought after and almost every Saturday there is an auction.

However, like other region in the Philippines, Batangas in the Philippines has also other products which it can be proud of like pineapples, tuna fish, bangus, tilapia, coconut belt, etc.

Batangas Philippines is also known as the Cradle of Noble Heroes in the Philippine history because of heroes and statemens it produced, like Teodoro Kalaw,Apolinario Mabini,Jose Laurel,Claro M. Recto, and others. There are number of museums also which depicts this historical side of Batangas Philippines like Marcela Marino Agoncillo Museum and Monument which immortalized the contribution of this semi-hero Marcela Agoncillo who sew the first Philippine flag which was raised and wave during the times of Emilio Aguinaldo. This museum is actually an ancestral house of Marcella Agoncillo or where Marcela Agoncillo used to live during her times.Actually, I thought this was called Apolinario Shrine.

So where Batangas Philippines does located? Batangas Philippines is located at the CALABARZON region of Luzon Philippines, confined with the provinces of Cavite and Laguna. If you are from Manila Philippines, Batangas in the Philippines is 110 kilometers away southward through land transportation. Once you get there, you can ride a passenger jeepney or tricycle to go around the province or you can ride boats if you want an island-hopping adventure.

The Nostalgic Vigan City Philippines

The moment you step in into this city, a nostalgia of Spanish era in the

Philippines will flashback your soul in this era in the Philippines as if you

immediately return into the past life and settings of the Philippines during the

Spanish times. That is the thrill Vigan City Philippines will give you once you

visit this city. Both local of the Philippines and foreigners who visit this

place were awe by the nostalgic beauty of Vigan City Philippines and exclaim “It

is a place no other”.

The landscape of the whole city or town is all dressed up during the Spanish era

in the Philippines. The town is filled with antiquated houses with a blend of

Spanish, Latin American, European and Asian architecture with cobbled narrow

streets and calesas. However, these ancestral houses were built by the Chinese

taipans at that time but manage to survive during World War II. You could see

these 180 ancestral houses and other historical landmarks strung altogether at

Mestizo District.

Moreover, did you know that Vigan’s historical town was place by UNESCO World

Heritage Convention side by side with the Pyramids of Egypt, Taj Mahal of India,

The Great Wall of China, and other famous world heritage? Yes, you heard it

right, UNESCO World Heritage Convention did. At December 2, 1999 UNESCO World

Heritage Convention inscribed Vigan City among the list of World Heritage

Cultural Properties for the exceptional and universal beauty of Vigan’s historic

town.

So, where is Vigan City in the Philippines located and how to get there? Vigan city

Philippines is located at the northern Luzon Philippines at the province of

Ilocos Sur Philippines. It is 408 kilometers away from Manila Philippines, 139

kilometers away from San Fernando La union Philippines and 80 kilometers away

from Laog city Philippines.

Once you get there, you can either ride their calesas or jeep or tricyle to tour

the town. Moreover, if you like to stay for few days in Vigan’s historic town,

you can pay for board and lodging there at the historical town. For some

ancestral houses there were turn into hotel for the accommodations of some

tourist who want to stay for few days at the area. However, there are also hotels

in Vigan city which of rural settings if you don’t like to stay at the ancestral

houses. However, there are also resorts accommodations in rural settings if you

don’t want to feel the nostalgia effect of the town.

Aside from nostalgic Vigan’s historical town, you could also witness the Burnay

Industry or Vigan’s earthenware jars process how a potter’s hand molds

earthenware. Is that exciting to see? Moreover, we could also see the art of

“abel-weaving”. Abel-weaving is the art of making fabrics using a wooden handloom

and other accessories use in it to produce clothings, blankets, etc. It is one of

the industrial prides of Vigan City aside from earthenware jar making.

There is also the “damili” industry or the terra-cotta craft which indigenous

people of Vigan city in the Philippines made and produces cooking pots, water vessels, charcoal-fed

-cooking stoves, etc.

General Santos City Philippines is one of the cities in Mindanao Philippines which the Philippines can be proud of because it is where most tuna fishes in the Philippines come from. For General Santos City Philippines is the “Tuna Capital of the Philippines”. Thus, because of its abundance of tuna fishes and other sea foods, locals feast and pampers themselves with different or variety of tuna dishes and other fish dishes such as the Opah (second most eaten seafood specifies at General Santos City Philippines aside from Tuna fish) in their meals and eating feast. Food establishments at General Santos city or to say restaurants and eateries, has experimented dishes and recipes whose main ingredient is the tuna fish. One example of tuna dishes mix with other fish is the “sutukil-sugba” dish which composes of charcoal-boiled tuna mix with special sauce and dipped in toyomansi.

Aside as General Santos city Philippines is known for its abundance of tuna fishes and major exporter of tuna fish in the Philippines, this city has known also in the world as the hometown of now world-known boxer – Manny Pacquiao.

Furthermore, its airport which is located at Barangay Fatima General santos city. It is known as the largest airport in Mindanao Philippines which cater flight services from Manila Philippines and Cebu Philippines, as well as most key cities in the Philippines. By the way, it is called General Santos International Airport, however, it is alternatively called the Tambler Airport for it said to be near Barangay Tambler. General Santos International Airport is new airport in General Santos which replaces the older airports on it. It is located 17 kilometers away from the down town city.

Another distinct feature of General Santos City is its Wharf or Pier. Its wharf is one of the best piers in the Philippines. With its large wharf, not only it connects the cities from the key cities in the Philippines but also cities and piers outside the Philippines.

Though General Santos City is a small fragment of land bounded by Sarangani Philippines and municipalities of South Cotabato Philippines at Southern Mindanao Philippines, yet it is not only large in population (considered to be the most populous cities in the Philippines) but also in commercial and industrial matters ,as well as agricultural also.

Speaking of agricultural side of General Santos City, this city is the one of the largest producer of agricultural crops like corn, rice, asparagus, pineapple, coconuts, copra, potatoes, and other agricultural crops and fruits and vegetables.

It has abundant of agricultural crops because like Davao city Philippines, General Santos city is also a typhoon-free region and have only sufficient amount or volume of rainfall to water its agricultural lands.

So thus, General Santos city is not only large in terms of industrial matters but also in agricultural matters which makes it one of the best cities in Mindanao Philippines as well the best destination in the Philippines, despite of the recent negative news report of frequent bombings within the city. It is part of Mindanao Philippines to have such negative news reports due to its bandits making it their haven.

Zamboanga City in the Philippines

What makes this city at Mindanao Philippines stand out among Mindanao Cities, Though Davao city Philippines already have name in Mindanao?

Zamboanga city Philippines is the second fastest growing cities in Mindanao Philippines aside from Davao City Philippines, thus, it could compete or Zamboanga city have the viability to compete with Davao city Philippines. Well, Zamboanga city for the sake of those who don’t know the city well, it is indeed the Major busiest port in the Philippines and major exporter of sardines in different countries; specifically, to different countries in Europe, Middle East, and Far East.

Recently, Zamboanga city Philippines was considered to be the Top Seaweed Producer in the Philippines, for seaweed farming industry grows strongly in Zamboanga city than in any other port cities in the Philippines.

Aside to be the port capital of the Philippines, Zamboanga city Philippines is also known as the “Flower city” of Mindanao due to its flowery ambience. Moreover, it has unique flora attractions as well fauna attractions. Aside from fauna and flora, you can see on Pasonanca Park a unique beautiful tree house with a gentle stream traversing round it. By the way, Pasonanca Park is the main tourist attraction in Zamboanga City in the Philippines. This park abounds with 600 different species of orchids aside from variety of flowers and trees surrounding it.

Zamboanga is also known as the “Asia’s Latin City” due to the vestiges of Spanish culture flaunted within the city mix with different cultures now existing within the city. The Spanish have set their foot of course to this city and left a footprint upon it. Actually, the Spaniard has set a Pilar Port to it and has perhaps so called it “City of Flowers”. However, it is said that the natives of it, that is before the Spaniards set their foot upon it, have so named it “Samboangan” which means “many flowers”.

One of the province cities within Zamboanga region is the Pagadian city. Pagadian city Philippines is a province city within Mindanao; however, this city set itself apart by projecting sophisticated cityhood which strikes a resemblance to HongKong City. Thus, Pagadain city Philippines is dubbed as the “little HongKong of the Southern Philippines”. Pagadaian city is the gateway of Zamboanga city to it Western region, which is Zamboanga Del Sur Philippines. Furthermore, almost all the regional departments of Zamboanga city Philippines was moved to Pagadian city Philippines making Pagadian city the center for Regional Departments of local government of Zamboanga city, when Pagadaian city have adopted its cityhood.

Actually, Zamboanga city Philippines is the transportation and commercial hub of Western Mindanao. For it have the busiest ports in Mindanao Philippines.

There are much more to say about Zamboanga City Philippines, but only thing it could say about it, that is, Zamboanga City Philippines is indeed the second most important prominent city of Mindanao which Mindanao can be proud of, aside from Davao City Philippines. Davao city in the Philippines is an enclosed city but Zambonga city Philippines is a bay port city. And this difference of these two cities set them apart their respective beauties and usefulness to Mindanao Philippines.

Davao City in the Philippines

Among the cities of Mindanao Philippines, as well in the entire Philippines itself, Davao City Philippines stands out to be the most investment-friendly place to invest your money in the Philippines. Moreover, it is also best place for outdoor activities due to its stable weather condition all year round.

Let us enumerate the reasons why it is the best place for investing your money within the Philippines as well in the Asia-Pacific region.

1. The first thing to consider in investing your money is the location, is not it? If it has number of people flocking into it and have no frequent natural disturbances. Yes, Davao city Philippines has these elements to make you a successful investor. Davao city Philippines is a Typhoon free region where the weather conditions are fit for business investment and sport activities. Thus, you could expect a consistent flocking of people into it.
2. It has a multi-cultural happy and clean cosmopolitan people. That is, a variety of group of people flocks into it. From Davao city Philippines’ indigenous tribes (both Islamized and non-Islamized),Christianized migrant settlers from all over the Philippines, and growing number of global ex-patriates communities having different languages, Cultural traditions, political persuasions or motivations ,and religious beliefs. Imagine this conglomeration of diverse people in this one city? Davao city Philippines is indeed Mindanao’s pride, as well as Philippines pride.
3. Davao City Philippines has the most admired independent and strong local government administration or management in the Philippines. It is far more ahead of the National government in crafting and implementing policies and programs and innovative in governance.
4. Davao City Philippines has the lowest crime rates in the world per month (0.8 % only in every 10,000 persons) Its Police Office has been chosen and considered to be the best Police Group in the Philippines.
5. It has the only the most prepared Integrated Emergency Response System in Asia similar to United States and Canada – the 911.But Davao’911 service is absolutely free of charge.
6. Davao City Philippines promotes healthy lifestyle and advocates it to its constituents. Davao City Philippines pioneered the anti-smoking law, tough policies against dangerous drugs environmental pollution, etc.
7. Davao city Philippines Values greatly money and considered financial situation of its people.
8. Davao city Philippines is an Open city for all, it does not discriminate what kind of people you are if you wanted to live in it.
9. Davao city Philippines has excellent public infrastructures and facilities.
10. Davao City Philippines’s tap water is considered to be the “Best Water in the World”. Its water is tested internationally to be the best quality of clean and safe water in the world. Actually, it is said “it is absolutely perfect”

Davao City Philippines is indeed the best place and the best city in the entire Philippines compares to Manila Philippines and Cebu Philippines. It is Mindanao’s best city, Mindanao Philippines could boast of in the entire Asia-Pacific region.

Therefore, if you want to invest your money for business venture in the Philippines, invest it at Davao in the Philippines; for sure you will reap what you have sown.

Prominent Cities of Mindanao Philippines

Despite of the negative reports bombard against the regions of Mindanao to be a risky place for tourist and locals alike, Mindanao Philippines still stand out as good place for investing your money for business and for extreme sports , a businessperson and sport enthusiast could trust of.

For the cities of Mindanao Philippines really makes the Philippines into a pedestal level in terms of commerce and beauty. What does Manila Philippines have to say about this?

Among the cities of Mindanao Philippines, Davao City Philippines is the most important city that brings great pride to Mindanao not only it is Known for its Durian fruit but Davao city Philippines is known to be the Crown Jewel of Mindanao in terms of economic progress. It is far more investment-friendly city compare to Manila Philippines and Cebu Philippines. For Davao city Philippines, first and foremost, is a Typhoon-free region which means it has a good and fair weather all year round and it has multi-cultural groups of people within it, thus, making it a good place for investing your money. Yup, it has good selling propositions.

Another city which Mindanao Philippines is proud of is Cagayan de Oro city Philippines. Cagayan de Oro city Philippines boast its well known extreme sports activities, particularly its white water rafting and river trekking activities. In terms of economic importance, Cagayan de oro city Philippines is the shopping capital of Northern Mindanao Philippines. It has a number of Malls and Shopping centers, namely, Limketkai Center, SM city Cagayan De Oro, Robinsons Cagayan de Oro, MAKRO Cagayan De Oro, Ororama Chain of Stores, Gaisano City Mall, Divisoria Night Café and Market, Carmen Public Market and Commercial Complex, Cogon Public Market and Commercial Complex, Puerto Market, Agora-lapasan Market, Bulua Market, Ayala Center Cagayan de oro, Pacific Island City Mall and other proposed malls.

Another Mindanao city which is good for Investment is Zamboanga City Philippines known as the city of Flowers. In terms of economic essence, Zamboanga city Philippines is now known as the Philippines’ Top Seaweed producer and it has the busiest port in the Philippines. Furthermore, Zamboanga city is also known as “Asia’s Latin City” because of the vestiges of Spanish culture and language mix with other dialects.

Another prominent city in Mindanao is General Santos City Philippines. General Santos City Philippines is known as the “Tuna Capital of the Philippines”. It is also the home of some media practitioners in Mindanao. Moreover, it is the home city of now world known boxer – Manny Pacquio.

Another city of Mindanao is Pagadian City Philippines. Pagadian City Philippines is the first class city in the province of Zamboanga Mindanao and was dubbed as the “little Hongkong of the South”. It is the regional center of Zamboanga Mindanao.

There are many cities in Mindanao which puts Mindanao Philippines in the good limelight despite of the dark light thrown upon its regions due to rebels hiding within its forest and abducting tourist and locals alike. Anyone could still invest their money and time to it despite of the negative reports about it.

Come and visit beautiful Mindanao in the Philippines!