Starting Point

I had a small inheritance left to me by my grandparents and used a chunk of this to fund a trip to the Philippines. I had many friends out there who insisted that I come and stay with them. For me this was great since it meant that my small chunk of money would stretch even further and as a result I would be traveling across a large area of the country.

From the moment I arrived I was amazed by the differences between my country and theirs. I spent about a week in Manila and that was quite enough for me. Manila just felt slightly grubby, crowded and noisy. I stayed with the family of a friend there. My friend was really proud to have a house in Manila, and even more proud to have her own room which she gave up for me to sleep in. The room was about 6 feet by 4 feet; a narrow ledge down one side was covered by a thin mattress and served as a bed. No offense to my friend but I was glad to leave to travel elsewhere.

The Nice Parts

From Manila I took a coach to Luzon area where I stayed with another friend. For me this was paradise. The small town had a Wild West feel to it, just a few roughly built houses with a small store prominently displaying a coca cola sign. We caught a jeepney from the town for the few miles ride to my friend's house. The road was lined with paddy fields, the odd caribou tethered by the side.

From Luzon I traveled to the islands Bohol, Boracay and Cebu. Bohol was great, I traveled by coach across most of it, unlike a coach in my own country, this was full of passengers, with the overflow being on the roof, along with their baggage and livestock. The roads were terrible, all dirt tracks with massive potholes which the coach lurched along. According to a friend a contractor had been offered the chance to improve the roads which at the time were solid. They had ripped all the roads up then disappeared with the rest of the money. Such stories seemed all too common.

Boracay was the area most people would consider paradise, we fly to a small airport nearby and traveled to the island by outrigger since that was the only way on and off. Boracay is a narrow island with a long golden beach all the way round and amazingly clear blue waters. However since I am not one for sunbathing, there was little more to do and I swiftly became bored. I was glad to move on to Cebu.

A Poor End

Cebu was the only place that I had no friends to meet up with. Once the ferry docked I disembarked and threaded my way through all the containers stacked on the dock. I then headed into the town. Compared to Manila it was far nicer looking place, a bit like I imagine a 50's American town to be like. Almost immediately I was surrounded by a group of children dressed in dirty rags clamoring for some money. I handed out a little which was a mistake since more children appeared as if by magic, but this was getting near the end of my trip and I could spare no more.

I stayed in a pension in the town, while it was very cheap, it was extremely basic, I had a small room to myself with a 5ft wooden bed with only a blanket. Not much good when you are 6ft plus. The mosquito netting on the window was ripped and the night was filled with the irritating whines of the tiny blood suckers. Being a church run place it had many curious notices around like the one in the toilet which said “Please flush, Jesus might be next”. Flushing consisted of pouring a bucket of water down the hole in the floor.

After a few weeks backpacking I decided that I needed to find somewhere to wash my clothes. It was raining quite heavily as I set out. On my way through the town I passed a huge impressive looking church. Directly opposite sleeping on a step to avoid the water running down the road was another child dressed in nothing more than a torn, dirty string vest several sizes too big for him.

I found a small shop that would wash and iron my clothes for next to nothing. When I returned next day they were waiting for me all neatly wrapped in brown paper. As I left the shop a man approached me smelling strongly of drink, he held out a tattered photo of a girl looking no more than 8 years old. He said it was his daughter and asked if I wished to pay to have sex with her. Repulsed I asked how old she was; he replied that he didn't know, with a shrug that implied I was silly to ask. Fighting an impulse to hit him, I walked swiftly on with a sick lump in my stomach. I wondered what could bring a man so low as to do that to his daughter.

After a couple of days in Cebu it was time to leave and travel back to Manila. As I made my way to the ferry I was stopped by an old man dressed in rags. He asked me for some money and I replied quite true fully that I had no money to give him. As I walked away I reflected how we were both the same with no money. Then I stopped and really thought about it. Yes I had no money on me, but I had a backpack full of belongings, I had a plane ticket to take me home and when I got back home the next day was pay day. For the man I had just talked to there would be no pay day.

Historical Sites

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Shown above is the historic Magellan's Cross. It was planted by Ferdinand Magellan, discoverer of the Philippines on April 27, 1521 to signify the beginning of Christianity in the country. Today, this cross (original encased) is both a historical and religious land mark in Cebu where Catholic pilgrims pay a visit to say a prayer. Others come to acquire a firsthand lesson in Philippine history. This site can even be considered as the cradle of Christianity in the Far East for the Philippines is the only predominantly Christian nation in the orient.

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Situated right in the heart of Cebu City is this imposing Cebu Heritage Moñument that commemorates the arrival of the mighty fleet of Ferdinand Magellan in 1521. Also among these giant sculptures are those of Miguel Lopez de Legaspi and his men that arrived in the country forty years later in 1561 to formally colonize and Christianize the Philippines because Magellan failed to completely convert the native earlier due to his death in the historic battle of Mactan-an island less than a kilometer off mainland Cebu. Legaspi's arrival marked the beginning of the more than 300-year Spanish reign of the Philippines.

World Class Musical Instruments

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Cebu guitar makers are well-known all over the country. Each musical instrument above is a small four-string guitar, locally known as “ukelele,” a Cebuano version of the six-string acoustic guitars. Aside from being affordable, the diminutive guitar is very handy that children learn to play it comfortably. When played very well, it can fill the air with melodious tune just like the standard guitars. Sounding boards of Ukeleles (shown above) are mostly incised with images that depict countryside Philippines.

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Shown above are purely Cebu- made acoustic guitars. They are being produced around the country, but those made in Cebu are well-known for being world class. Their sounding boards are made from a tropical fruit tree-jackfruit. Local musicians prefer such raw material for guitars because it produces musical tunes that they like most. Thus, Cebu is now the major guitar-making province in the country

Historic Mode of Transportation

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Shown above is a horse-drawned carriage, a mode of transportation brought by the Spaniards in the Philippines more than four hundred years ago. Filipinos have long used it  with enthusiasm, but the advent of modernization has been slowly putting off these carriages that used to dominate the Philippine local roads. Nevertheless, here in Cebu one can still find a joyous ride on this environment-friendly predecessor of modern taxis that now dominate the short-distance transport.

Historic Churches

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Christianity is the greatest legacy of Spain to the Philippines, making the latter the predominant Christian nation in Asia. Filipinos today have embraced other Christian faith, but Catholicism is predominant. Shown above is the historic Basilica del Sto. Niño (Holy Child Jesus) located right in the heart of Cebu City. Having been built in 1566 by the Spaniards makes it the oldest Catholic church in the Philippines, but lost the honor when it was renovated in 1735 after it was hit by a fire. Today, the structure is reminiscent of the blend of Muslim, Romanesque, and neo-classical architecture. An image of the Holy Child Jesus brought by Ferdinand Magellan is kept in this historic church, making it one of the pilgrimage destinations by thousands of devoted Catholics from within the country and around the world.

Sinulog Festival

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Sinulog, meaning “like water current movement,” is an annual festival held in Cebu City every third Sunday of January. It is a week-long joyous celebration that honors the holy child Jesus or Sto. Niño, and culminates with a day-long street dancing of two steps forward and one step backward tempo. It is well-attended by participants from as far as the fur-flung provinces of Mindanao. Their dashing and colorful attires reflect the major agricultural products of their respective regions. While, those native of Cebu who have migrated usually return for the Sinulog and many foreign tourists as well visit Cebu for this major religious and cultural event in the Philippines.

Taoist Temple

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Being peaceful and inhabited by warm and hospitable people where large scale businesses thrive, Cebu has become the melting pot of Asian races in the Philippines. Many Chinese and South Koreans have made this place their permanent home. Shown above is a Taoist temple built by the Cebu Chinese community. It is open to all visitors- worshipers and non-worshipers alike. And around three hundred (300) meters above sea level, it provides a very comfortable and panoramic view of the ever prospering Queen City in Southern Philippines.

Bantayan Island

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Being a maritime province, Cebu is endowed with many exquisite beaches. Shown above is one of those beaches situated in the island of Bantayan. Its pristine waters and spotless white grains of sand captivate thousands of both local and foreign tourists. Moreover, karaoke bars, snorkeling and diving equipments are available to make ones vacation enjoyable as much as possible.

Water Falls

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The image shown above is that of Kawasan Falls where hundreds of South Koreans, Americans, Europeans and other foreign tourists troop anytime of the year. It's a majestic fall of foam-like waters that extends as high as 50 meters. Below is a deep semi-lake, where one can take an enjoyable plunge into the cold waters. A raft is also provided for a minimal pay for those who just wanted to drift around. Beside this natural pool are cozy cottages and cookout facilities that afford comfortable accommodations.

Cebu Butterfly Sanctuary

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The images above are taken from a butterfly sanctuary located in the nearby town of Pardo. A guided tour around the sanctuary is afforded for twenty five pesos for children and fifty for adult. It's really an amusement, with the Philippine butterflies in their flamboyant colors perching on finger tips. On the other hand, paintings made from butterfly wings (Shown on the 2nd image) are a unique source of fascinating and amazing sights that are equally provided by the sanctuary.

Crocolandia

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Crocolandia is a conservation park located in Talisay City, Cebu. Contrary to its name, it's not only populated by friendly crocodiles but other animals also, making it a mini-zoo. A guided tour is provided for a very reasonable fee. The tour includes a walk through the cages filled with such exotic animals as Philippines turtles, wild pigs, colorful birds, snakes, and iguanas. Animals here are very docile that one could even feed the crocodiles! Provided even more are a series of lectures about wild animals.

Cock Fighting

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Shown above is a typical cockfighting venue in the Philippines. It is a Filipino culture left by the Spaniards. As a form of big deal gambling, it is widely criticized today in Philippine society. But without participating into its gambling side, it's really an amusement to watch ferocious cocks fighting against each other that it is widely participated by Filipinos from all walks of life.

Roast Pigs

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In the Philippines, a social party without a roast pig is incomplete. In Christmas parties, birthdays, weddings and fiestas a roast pig is always the highlight of the menu. It has really permeated the Filipino eating culture that even people who are not so fond of this unique kind of  fork recipe alludes whether a roast pig is among the menus for without it he/she will not attend. No wonder, majority of Filipinos find it yummiest among other kinds of fork recipes.

Cebu Mangoes

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After having tasted Cebu mangoes and those coming from other parts of the world, one can claim that those coming from Cebu are world class. They are characterized by their sugar- sweet taste and fragrance. Unlike other kinds available in many fruit markets, mangoes from Cebu are like papayas in texture, with almost no fiber that makes them very pleasant for a dessert.

Olango Island Bird Watching

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Olango is an islet off Mactan Island. It is of tourist interest for it serves as a refuge to thousand of migratory birds during the months February to April and September to November. Hundreds of tourists troop to the island to enjoy bird watching and boating through the mangroves. Moreover, local villagers amuse the visitors with their indigenous craft at fishing. They also serve foods at very reasonable prices.

Charles Horton Colley, once said of travel, “To get away from one's working environment is, in a sense, to get away from one's self; and this is often the chief advantage of travel and change.” And one place in the world that can truly live up to such agreeable and lovely claim is this beautiful and historic island of Cebu in Central Philippines. On the other hand, the Wonders of Bohol and the Grand Tourist Attractions of Camiguin are as splendid as that in the neighboring province of Cebu.

The Loboc River

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Here tourists enjoy an amazing view of the mountains clothed in green and lush Philippine flora while enjoying a ride on floating restaurants that ferry visitors along the long winding limpid river. One of the smallest primates in the world, known as the Philippines tarsier is also found here. Some are wild and others are tamed, perching on low branches that one can freely fondle the cat-like hair of these tiny mammals. For a complete enjoyment of these tiny monkey-like creatures, visit the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary at the nearby town of Corella.

Local tourists enjoy tarsiers on their arms at Loboc River.

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The Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary-Corella, Bohol

Tarsiers at the sanctuary.

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The Philippine tarsier now gradually disappearing from the forest due to farming and logging (legal or illegal) are being preserved by the Philippine government in a sanctuary at the town of Corella. Once covered by the National Geographic Channel, it is now one of the top tourists' destinations in Bohol. The experience of the visit is highlighted by the excitement of directly catching hold and playing with the diminutive, lovely and submissive creatures. They are very exciting to play with for they are no larger than an adult hand; in fact these indigenous tarsiers in the Visayas and Mindanao region of the Philippines are one of the smallest primates in the world.

The Chocolate Hills

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Standing among the most unique geological features in the world is this grand array of almost uniformly sized-haycock hills. During summer seasons, grasses wither and turn brown, thus its name. Spread across a land area of about 50 square kilometers, the chocolate hills has become the symbol of this central Philippine province even of the country itself. Rest houses on hilltops afford visitors a panoramic and grand view of over 1,000 perfectly-coned shape and 30 to 50 meter-tall hills that would left anyone in awe, an experience that will surely stay in one's memory for a very long time or forever.

The Panglao Beach Resort

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Anyone wishing to treat himself/herself of the foretaste of paradise should consider this island beach resort. Being endowed with crisp and fresh air blowing from the fronting and calm Pacific Ocean makes the island in the frontline of foreign tourists' itinerary. Aside from the bracing and invigorating atmosphere provided by the ambience of crystal and limpid waters, visitors will have their own memorable experiences of Filipinos' ever warmest hospitality.

The Religious Historic Sites

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Being adjacent to Cebu where Ferdinand Magellan docked in 1521 to pave the way for the eventual Spanish occupation of the archipelago for over 300 years, Bohol become one of the historical heritages of the country. Testament to it is the presence of numerous historic catholic churches dating back to the Spanish era. One of them is the Roman Catholic Church in the old town of Albuquerque; the sight of which is like a travel in time back to 17th century Philippines that bears much semblance of those Hispanic countries in South America. Today, a visit of Bohol by both local and international tourists is incomplete without having visited these antiquarian churches.

The Pamilacan Island Dolphin and Whale Watching

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Bohol also provides best dolphin and whale watching experience. Tourist guides are former dolphin hunters themselves who have abandoned their age-old tradition of butchering these giant but harmless and kind sea creatures. Instead they are now serving as dedicated stewards of the sea. For a minimal pay for the guides and other related expenses you surely will have one the most rewarding maritime experiences while contributing for the preservation of the species as well.

I hope you enjoy the virtual tour? You may now start planning and saving for at least once in a lifetime visit of Bohol. I heard once and it's true that the world is like an enriching book; if we do not travel then we simply open and read the first page.

Popular Tourists Attractions

Chocolate Hills

This is the most famous tourists attraction in Bohol consisting of 1,268 haycock hills with heights ranging from 40 to 120 meters, the Chocolate Hils is a wonder of nature. The Hills are considered as a Philippine National Geological Monument. During the summer, the dome-shaped, grass-covered limestone hills dry up and turn brown transforming the areas into rows and rows of chocolate "kisses

Diving Sites

Bohol is surrounded by a large number of coral reefs, which are very rich in life, and a delight to observe, and a prime tourist attraction. Bohol is blessed with white-sand beaches and serene dive spots. Panglao Island has a number of beach resorts for sun lovers where various watersports are available. Near Panglao are the island of Balicasag and Pamilacan. Balicasag is considered as one of the best dive spots in the country. The waters of Pamilacan are brimming with schools of tuna, snappers, groupers, mackerel and surgeonfish. Dolphins and pilot whales can also be viewed from a distance.

Beaches in Bohol

Kaingit Beach, Santa Fe Beach, Anda Beach, Laya Beach, Bikini Beach, Imelda Beach, Duero Beach, Canuba Beach, Claring Beach, Lintuan Beach, Alona Beach, Doljo Beach is ideal for scuba diving, and Momo Beach is another white sand beach.

Hiking and Cycling

Bohol's numerous hills, valleys and plateaus are ideal for hiking and cycling. In Bilar, a three-kilometer man-made forest is sanctuary to the province's endangered species including the tarsier.

Hinagdanan Cave

With its breath-taking symphony of stalactites and stalagmites jutting out of the earth, the Hinagdanan Cave is certainly a sight to behold. Bring a swimsuit if you want to swim its cool springs aptly lit from above by natural skylights.

Badiang Spring

An underground freshwater spring gushes from twin pipes near the sea. The large volume of water normally flows over a waterfall but can be diverted to fill an adjacent swimming pool.

Old Churches and Other Religious Institution

One of the earliest Spanish settlements, Bohol is home to one of the country's oldest stone churches, the Baclayon Church. The legendary Dauis Church, which is just a few minutes from Tagbilaran features a fresh water well at the foot of the altar. The waters are said to be blessed with healing powers. Still another religious must-see is the Panglao Church with its marvelous ceiling murals and intricately-carved antique confessionals.

Bohol Museum

One of the homes of former President Carlos P. Garcia and his family. On display are memorabilia, relics and samples of the island's flora and fauna.

Falls

There are three popular falls in Bohol, Busay Falls, Inambacan Falls and Tontonan Falls.

 

Cebu, Philippines

Famous Tourist Attractions

Lapu-Lapu Monument

Proudly standing at Mactan Island is Lapu-Lapu's bronze form. He is the first Filipino leader to resist Spanish attempt of colonization. His statue ironically stands across the street from that of rival, Magellan.

Magellan's Cross

In 1521, Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan planted a cross on the very spot where the first Filipinos were baptized People started chipping off parts of the cross because of supposed supernatural powers until the city government encased it in tindalo wood and housed it in a monument. It now stands at the corner of Magallanes and Burgos streets.

Mactan Island

A coral island and famous for scuba diving, where beach resorts of international standards are located.

Badian Island

South of Cebu - Located southwest of Cebu City, famous for beautiful corals and reefs, white sandy beaches excellent for diving.

Kawasan Falls

Located in Badian, one can feel the coolness of the surrounding lush greenery of this panoramic waterfalls.

Olango Wildlife Sanctuary

Olango Island supports the largest concentration of migratory birds found so far in the country. Migration starts from the breeding places of birds in Siberia, Northern China and Japan.

Religious Image of Santo Niño

It is considered as the oldest religious relic in the Philippines. It was on April 14, 1521 that Magellan gave the image to Queen Juana as a baptismal gift. Forty-four years later, on April 27, 1565 when Miguel Lopez de Legaspi arrived, Fr. Andres de Urdaneta who formally Christianized the Cebuanos, found the natives hostile. Legaspi himself besieged the settlement and set the village on fire. It was on one of the burnt houses that Juan Camus, a soldier, found the image of Sto. Niño unscratched. Since then, the miraculous image has been venerated by the Cebuanos as its Patron Saint.

Basilica Minor Del Santo Niño

This church was built by Miguel Lopez de Legaspi and Fr. Andres Urdaneta on the site where the image of Santo Niño was found in 1565.

Mandaue- Mactan Brigde

Built in 1972 at a cost of P65 million. This 864-meter bridge connects the islands of Mactan and Cebu. The bridge is situated on top of Busay Hills, an excellent sight seeing spot which offers a breathtaking view of Metro Cebu and the islands of Mactan and Olango.

 

Mindoro, Philippines

Tourists Destinations in Occidental Mindoro

Apo Reef National Park -UNESCO World Heritage Center

Apo Reef National Park is acclaimed as one of the best diving sites in Asia. It is a 34-kilometer reef, with a narrow channel running east to west, dividing this reef into two lagoon systems, north and south. Apo Reef is the second largest contiguous coral reef in the world and the largest one in the Philippines.

Mt. Iglit-Bacu National Park- UNESCO World Heritage Center

Mt. Iglit is one of Mindoro's reservation areas, declared as a game sanctuary for tamaraws, wild animals found nowhere else in the world. The tamaraw bears a close resemblance to the Philippine water buffalo, commonly known as carabao.

Mamburao Beach Resort

This resort is within a completely secluded cove covering 14 hectares of developed beach resort amidst coconut trees. It has a four-kilometer long light grey sand beach. The place is ideal for swimming, boating, scuba diving, wind surfing, snorkeling, deep-sea fishing, and water skiing. Water sports facilities such as glass-bottomed boat, speedboat, hobbie cat, and outrigger boats are available.

Mina de Oro Beach Resort

This resort serves as a jump-off point to other attractions of the island of Ilin. There are ancient burial caves of early Chinese traders, ethnic fishing villages, and numerous dive sites from which to view many tropical fishes.

Ambulong Island

The 3,000-hectare Ambulong Island is one of the three islands found in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro. It is characterized by white sand beaches, cliffs along pillars jutting out of the water, and underwater caves. Coral gardens and tropical fish are abundant in several coves.

Ilin Island

Ilin Island is the biggest among the group of islands located in San Jose. It lies between San Jose and Ambulong Island. The area abounds in shells which can be obtained inexpensively on the island.

Lubang Island

It was in this island where a Japanese soldier named Hiroo Onoda was found in 1974. He surrendered as a prisoner of war after 30 years of hiding in the mountains. Another Captain of the Japanese Imperial Army, Fumio Nakahira, held out for another six years before being discovered in April 1980 at Mt. Halcon in Mindoro.

Ambil Island

An interesting attraction of Ambil is the scenic Besay Falls.It features a series of waterfalls, each cascading into a crystal clear basin, about five meters in diameter.

Pandan Grande Island

Pandan Grande Island is a 30-hectare islet surrounded by a white sand beach. This beautiful little coral islet is located with snorkeling distance from a submarine drop-off, inhabited by schools of reef.

White Island

It has an almost mile-long beach with smooth and powdery white sand. The tranquil and peaceful island is an ideal place for swimming, scuba diving and fishing. Turtle eggs are occasionally found buried in the sand and visitors are cautioned to keep them undisturbed.

Enjoy your stay in these beautiful islands of the The Pear of the Orient-Philippines.