Time to travel to…

bangkok

Irwin Cruz

Royal Treatment
In 1782, Rama I founded the new capital, Bangkok, with Rattanakosin as its center. The Grand Palace complex by Wat Pho Pier includes a grand royal residence and Wat Phra Kaeo, home of the Emerald Buddha and Thailand’s holiest shrine.

Take It Lying Down
The oldest and largest temple in Bangkok, Wat Pho houses a 46m-long reclining Buddha. Unwind with a session at its esteemed massage school.

Silk/Wood
The late American, Jim Thompson is often credited for reviving Thailand’s silk industry. Even though he went missing 30 years ago, his legacy lives on through the high-end silk fabric company bearing his name and his abode-turned-museum comprising six teakwood houses. BTS National Stadium, www.jimthompson.com

Patpong
The notorious go-go bar district at BTS Sala Daeng is also home to a thriving night market where almost everything is for sale.

Fluvial Romance
Book a dinner cruise from one of the luxury hotels on the Chao Phraya River and see the capital’s sights in their evening glory.

Kitchen Confidence
Add some spice in your cooking by signing up for a class at The Oriental or the Blue Elephant cooking schools. Sessions include a visit to the market. www.blueelephant.com/school

Backpacker Central
Phra Athit Pier is where Khao San Road’s cheap rooms and beer have long been a magnet to backpackers.

Chill Feel
Flanking Khao San Road, the low-profile bars along Phra Athit Road have become a haunt for young foreigners and Thai students from nearby universities.

city file
Country Code: +66 (2)
Currency: Thai Baht
From the Airport: Take the free shuttle to the airport’s Public Transportation Center. Here, you can rent a car, hail a taxi, or hop on a bus that takes you downtown. Taxis cost THB200 (PHP271.30), including toll of THB50 (PHP67.80). The cheaper but longer Bus No. 552 ends at BTS On Nut Station.
Getting Around: Travel around town via BTS Skytrains. Stored value cards start at THB200 (US$5.50). Tuk-tuks are recommended only for short distances.

Local Life
Eric DiAdamo
Writer

Best breakfast…
The food court in Lumpini Park.
Famous visitors…
Ulysses S. Grant, Joseph Conrad, The Beatles, Robert De Niro, Hugh Grant and David Beckham.
Best night out…
Eating and talking with friends into the wee hours at one of the sidewalk cafés on Sukhumvit Road.
Exclusive hotel…
The Oriental.

hongkong

James Moore

Dim Sum
Traditional dishes wheel past on trolleys in the sprawling dining room of City Hall Chinese Restaurant. Eat all the dumplings you can, and drink all the tea you like, and the bill won’t be more than HK$100 (PHP660) per person. Open for lunch only. City Hall, Central, tel +852 2521-1303.

Skyscrapers
To get a bird’s eye view of the city, head to the viewing terraces of the Bank of China building in Central, or the Central Plaza in Wanchai. Have a drink at Aqua (One Peking Road, Kowloon) or dine at R66 Revolving Restaurant (Hopewell Tower, Wanchai).

Escalating Success
Take a ride on the world’s longest escalator network through the Mid-Levels. Hop off anywhere en route to pick up fresh fish, fruit and vegetables from market stalls. Hollywood Road and Cat Street are heaven for antique-buyers, and Hong Kong Island’s oldest temple, Man Mo is worth a visit.

Fortune
Get your palm or face read at Wong Tai Sin Temple in northern Kowloon.

Stanley
This former fishing village on Hong Kong Island’s south side is now a bustling market filled with bargain souvenirs and lovely alfresco restaurants (Lucy’s is our top pick). The action centers around a few lanes.

city file
Country Code: +852
Currency: Hong Kong Dollar
From the Airport: The Airport Express to Kowloon or Hong Kong Island takes half an hour and costs HK$180 (PHP1,163) return.
Getting Around: Buses are frequent and can transport you to every corner of the territory. Taxi fares from the airport to Kowloon cost at least HK$300 (PHP2,000), but around the island, they are cheap and plentiful. The MTR is fast and well-priced. Trams chug along the island’s main streets for only HK$2 (PHP13).

Local Life
Sarah Lewis
Teacher

Best breakfast…
Champagne brunches on Sundays at the top hotels. Free-flow champagne and amazing food until 3pm.
Insider’s tip…
Walk the Dragon’s Back, eat in Shek O, then go to the beach.
Local recreational activity …
Horse-racing at Happy Valley on a Wednesday is a great cheap night out.

jakarta

Ramzy

Centered
Previously known as Sunda Kelapa, the name Jakarta was changed by the Dutch to Batavia. The traveler in search of arts and culture will find Central Jakarta to be the perfect choice for a fill of museums, statues and monuments.

Up to the Sky
Monas — the national monument that sits in the center of Merdeka Square — has a top covered with pure gold and is a beautiful sight at night. Enjoy great views of Jakarta’s central business district and its attractions from the 137m-high observation deck.

Culinary Escapade
Over 17,000 islands have their respective regional cultures and cuisines. An authentic experience can be found in the many local warung (food stalls) that dot the city streets.

Green Gourmets
Go healthy with salad or the mouthwatering “local greens” like gado-gado (steamed vegetables mixed with peanut sauce), or the hot and sour rujak (mixed fresh fruits with brown sugar sauce, peanut and chili). Warung Daun or Gado-Gado Boplo in Kebayoran Baru, Dapur Sunda (www.dapursunda.net) or Sari Kuring do serve some of the best greens.

Leather Puppets and More
Traditional Indonesian arts and handicrafts are popular souvenirs. Explore the extensive collections of high quality paintings, batik textile, exquisite silver work, rare gems and ceramics at Sarinah Department Store, Jalan Surabaya or Jalan Kemang Raya.

Backpackers and Bodyguards
Jalan Jaksa is where those on a shoestring budget flock for cheap rooms and bars — including a bodyguard service, to boot!

Youth Spot
Be seen at Ex — Entertainment Center at Plaza Indonesia, or Citos (Cilandak Town Square) where young, rich and hip Jakartans go to enjoy good food and listen to great music

All that Glitters
Indulge yourself in all the bling at Plaza Indonesia shopping center, Plaza Senayan.

city file
Country Code: +62 (21)
Currency: Rupiah (IDR100,000 = PHP536)
From the Airport: You can hail a taxi (choose Blue Bird, one of the more reliable taxi services) — taxis (new tariff) from the airport to downtown cost around IDR98,000 (PHP523), plus the IDR15,000 (PHP80) toll, depending on distance. The cheaper alternative is to take the DAMRI bus, which takes you to any bus station in the city for just IDR15,000 (PHP80).
Getting Around: Travel around town with the air-conditioned TransJakarta buses for IDR3,000-5,000 (PHP16-27), or taxis (old tariff taxis are cheaper but less safe than Blue Bird or Express taxis). Have fun traveling cheaply with the three-wheeled Bajaj if you are only going a short distance.

Local Life
Ayiela Soraya
Graphic Designer

Best breakfast…
Bread ‘n’ breakfast at Kemang. I love the pancakes! For something local, try Menteng (along the Menteng road). Eat bubur ayam (chicken porridge). It’s the best I’ve tasted.
Insider’s tip…
Bargain a lot and don’t try to drive between 5pm and 7pm around Sudirman, Kuningan or Pancoran. It’s a hell of jam and you’ll get stuck for an hour or more

kuala lumpur

Marika McAdam

The Height of Fashion
The 451.9m-high Petronas Towers are the centerpiece of the Golden Triangle district. Below the two 88-storey towers is shopping haven, Suria KLCC. Enjoy the view from the 41st floor bridge that links the two.

Authentic Asian Flavor
Chinatown and Little India showcase the city’s cultural and culinary diversity. Indulge in dim sum or dip Hokkien delicacies into a steamboat. Sink your teeth (and fingers) into the spices of Little India — try South Indian thali (rice plate), or Muslim Indian biryani (basmati curried rice).

Colonial Commute
Built by British architect AB Hubbock in 1911, Kuala Lumpur railway station is embellished with Moorish flourishes of minarets, arches and cupolas. This Raj-era station is a resplendent monument and even houses the six-star Heritage Station Hotel (tel +60 (3) 2273-5588).

Old-Style Worship
The oldest mosque in Kuala Lumpur, Masjid Jamek, is situated at the tranquil meeting point of two rivers, marking the place where the city’s founders first settled in. The pink bricks, white domes and looming minarets are splendid at sunset.

city file
Country Code: +60 (3)
Currency: Malaysian Ringgit (RM)
From the Airport: A bus will take you from Kuala Lumpur International Airport into the heart of town for around RM10 (PHP138). A train will get you across the 75kms in half the time.
Getting Around: Kuala Lumpur’s public transport system has become slick in recent years. Expressways keep the traffic moving, and trains and air-conditioned buses have the city covered. Taxis are fast and affordable (if they use the meter). The Light Rail system offers the best view of the city.

Local Life
Raysonick Tham Heng Yew
Senior Manager, Sales &
Marketing

Best breakfast…
One of the local mamak (Indian Muslim) stores where you can find a lot of variety They’re cheap and usually open 24 hours.
Best buys…
I recommend our local batik shirts, or kebayas (traditional Malay blouse) and Selangor Pewter.
Best at night…
Chinatown, where you can buy all sorts of things. It’s a real tourist attraction!

singapore

Jayne Kennedy

Symbol of the City
The Lion City is symbolised by the exotic Merlion opposite the Fullerton Hotel. Its head represents the lion that was spotted by Prince Sang Nila Utama who “rediscovered” Singapore in 11AD, while the fish tail is a reminder of the city’s roots as a fishing village.

Shopping Orchard
Besides eating, Singaporeans’ other favorite pastime is shopping. At Orchard Road, head to Tang’s for classy browsing, Wisma Atria for mid-range eclecticism, and Takashimaya, to get a bit of everything.

Hawking
The city’s hawker centers are some of the best in the world. The basic rule is to head to the stall with the longest queue. Hokkein mee, roti prata, laksa and fish-head curry have to be tried to be understood. Visit Newton Hawker Center, Chinatown Food Street or East Coast.

River Rolling
Clark Quay and Boat Quay celebrate the beauty of the Singapore River with a number of waterfront bars and restaurants, including Harry’s Bar at Boat Quay and Indochine or Hed Kandi’s Kandi Bar at Clarke Quay.

MOS
Since its beginnings as one of the UK’s first superclubs, the Singapore Ministry of Sound has a selection of rooms, each featuring different music for different clientele.

Botanical Beauty
These peaceful Botanical Gardens (almost 150 years old) are an oasis in the city. Take an evening stroll around Swan Lake, the National Orchid Gardens and the Ginger Garden.

city file
Country Code: +65
Currency: Singapore Dollar
From the Airport: Take a taxi downtown for about SG$12 (PHP390). Or hop on the MRT underground train within 15 minutes for SG$1.70 (PHP55.35).
Getting Around: Buses are frequent and cover most of the island. Taxis are well priced, but not always plentiful. Check with your hotel in case advance bookings are required (fees apply). The MRT is good for the popular shopping areas. Ask your hotel for information about the SIA hop-on bus and the Singapore trolley.

Local Life
Sandy Fong
Circulation & Production Manager

Best breakfast…
Any coffee shop. For just S$2 (PHP62), you can get two slices of toast with butter and kaya (coconut and egg jam), two halfboiled eggs and a cup of coffee or tea!
Insider’s tip…
Never wait for a taxi from 11pm onwards, especially when you are in the town area (Bugis and Orchard Road). Taxi drivers will seem to have disappeared mysteriously. However, when the clock hits midnight, a lot of cabs will suddenly be on the roadagain. The solution to this: call a cab.
I love Singapore because…
Of the cleanliness!

taipei

Nana Chen

Oyster Omelette
The made-to-order oyster omelette captures the taste of Taiwan with its fresh oysters and vegetables fried in a blanket of a chewy egg and starch batter

Bird’s Eye View — Taipei 101
Speed up air-pressure-controlled elevators to the observation deck on the 89th floor and enjoy a 360-degree view of Taipei.

Guiltfree Shopping
Local fashion houses Y.A.P., Bread and Butter and Iroo Moderato satisfy this city’s hunger for haute couture with its European- and Japanese-inspired clothing.

Designer Paradise
Breeze is one of the newest shopping malls in Taipei with big international labels such as Tod’s, Burberry, Bally, Georg Jensen and more. Also popular is its six-theatre movie complex and the supermarket with one of the most extensive food selections.

Magical Eats
The Shin Yeh Japanese Buffet is one of the best dining deals in Taipei. Locals flock here for fresh all-you-can-eat sushi, steak, imported oysters on the half shell, grilled fish and much more. 12 Guan Cian Street, Sec. 1, 6F, tel +886 (2) 2371-3311

Relaxing
A place to be for dinner and long afterwards, Ziga Zaga, in the Grand Hyatt Regency, is popular amongst the executive crowd for its top-rate Italian food, nightclub and live entertainment. 2, Sung Shou Road, tel +886 (2) 2720-1234

city file
Country Code: +886
Currency: New Taiwan Dollar
From the Airport: The fastest way into the city is taxi (about NT$1,100 (PHP1,500). Private bus companies also run from both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Tickets cost between NT$110-$140 (PHP160-206).
Getting Around: Most travel via MRT. Get a stored value ticket (Easy Card) at the station for transfers between MRT and buses (NT$15 per section).

Local Life
Lyndon Lin
Graphic Designer

Best breakfast…
I go to Chang-an East Road and Hsin-shen North Road where there’s a traditional Chinese breakfast place near the corner. The soybean milk is particularly good.
Famous visitors…
Elizabeth Taylor, Madonna, Michael Jackson, Bill Clinton, so many.
Best night out…
Mou-kon, in the mountains, to drink tea all night with my friends.
Exclusive hotel…
Spring City Resort in Beitou, north of Taipei
Favorite local festival…
Chinese New Year festivals are the best and most cheerful.
Insider’s tip…
Shopping before and after Chinese New Year is best. It’s nice and quiet because most people leave the city to go home.

seoul

MP Beale

Historic Seoul
The Blue House and surrounding complex is the official residence of the President of the Republic of South Korea. A tour of the city’s five palaces should include Chang-deokgung Palace and Biwon (Secret Gardens) within the magnificent Changdeokgung Palace. www.lifeinkorea.com/Travel2/76

Jewel of Seoul
Gyeongbokgung — or Gyeongbok Palace — was the main residence of the royal family during the Korean Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). It is walkable via Insadong, also known as Mary’s Alley.

Art Action
The Insadong Junction area has countless antique shops and art galleries as well as traditional tea houses. Open daily from 10am to 10pm. Insadong Junction, Jongno-gu. Insadong Tourist Information Desk, tel +82 (2) 731-1621.

Scaling Great Heights
The World Trade Center and the Coex Mall are a shopper’s delight. Seoul Tower stands atop Mount Namsan, with views of the Blue House, the World Cup Stadium and Olympic Park. Take the Namsan cable car from Myeong-dong (tel +82 (2) 3455-9277/9288, www.nseoultower.co.kr/english).

Live It Up
For a trendy drink, head to Hongik University area, Sangsu-dong or Mapo-gu. Since it started in 2001, “Clubbers and Harmony” Club Day offers free access to 13 clubs. Doors open between 8pm and 9pm, but the peak party time starts around 11pm.

Percussion
Nanta Cookin’ Theater is a percussion performance played on kitchen instruments Tel +82 (2) 739-8288, email ticketmaster@ nanta.co.kr, www.nanta.co.kr

Korean Folk Village
This area contains architectural styles from different regions and is often used as a background for Korean movies.

Outward Bound
The northeastern mountains are famed for their therapeutic hot springs, said to benefit skin, eye problems, neuralgia and gynecological diseases.

Ginseng
Korean Ginseng Center on Ganghwado Island is the largest wholesale market for Ginseng products sold by the farmers.

city file
Country Code: +822
Currency: South Korean Won
From the Airport: 52km via the Expressway to Seoul. The airport has a post office, mobile phone hire, Internet access, medical center, chemist and laundry.
Getting Around: Taxis: Look for “Foreign Language Service” stickers. It is normal in Korea to share taxis — except in black cabs with a yellow top. Subway: Eight lines serve all the main areas of interest. Station signs are written in English and Korean, and most have English announcements.

Local Life
Pedro Delgado
Designer, Animator and Instructor

Best breakfast…
Something spicy like kim bab chon guk. Simple, cheap, delicious. The name translates to kim bab heaven. Need I say more?
Favorite local festival…
Every Sunday people flock to Mount Gwanak. Mountain climbing is leisurely and family based.
Insider’s tip…
If you are going to order beer anywhere in Korea, buy pitchers. They are cheaper than pints, rigged with lights and cooled with dry ice.
I love Seoul because…
There is something new to do everyday.
Must eat…
If you are a vegetarian try dubu (tofu) or, if you love meat, sam gyup sal (pork).

luzon

laoag (area code +77)

Chip Childers

Vibrant
See the St Williams Cathedral and the Sinking Bell Tower.

World Heritage
Outside the city, Pao-ay Church is a UNESCO World Heritage site that showcases the distinct “Earthquake Baroque” architecture, built to withstand the area’s seismic activity.

Presidential Election
Batac town houses the Marcos Museum and Mausoleum, where the eventful years of Ferdinand Marcos’ presidency are highlighted, and where his body, preserved in refrigerated slumber, is on public display.

Local Life
Amado Ian C. de Jesus
Software Engineer

Exclusive hotel…
If you want to go all out, head to Fort Ilocandia, the only five star resort hotel in Northern Luzon. The amenities cater to just about every whim, but if you want to just relax, you will find the manor-like resort delightful too.
Local eats…
Never leave Ilocos without sampling bagnet, a native version of pork chop, fried to a crisp brown. You can also sample suman, a sticky rice cake wrapped in banana leaf, for that real native feel.
Best breakfast…
The restaurant at Fort Ilocandia. It has a wide selection of food and soothing ambience – that’s definitely something worth waking up early for!

clark (area code +45)

Clarence Manicad

Stuff of Legend
Once the bastion of American military might, the wrath of Pinatubo returned it to Filipino hands. Now a special economic zone that features world-class leisure and entertainment, Clark is the center of tourism and trade in Central Luzon.

Roll a Chance
For the bold and daring, or if you simply have extra cash to spare, test your luck at a number of world-class casinos here.

Remnants of the Past
The American “glory days” are strongly in evidence and provide a unique setting for dining and commerce. Though cheap PX (Post Exchange — a subsidized US forces shop), US-branded goods are no longer as abundant, grab bargains at duty-free shops.

Fusion Food
Sample Kapampangan cuisine along with food served in American-style diners.

Local Life
Thelma M. Valdepeñas
Food and Beverage Director Holiday Inn, Clark

Best thing to do at night…
Have dinner at Rodizio, on the rooftop of the Holiday Inn. It gives you a perfect view of the sunset and a wonderful landscape.
Best buys…
Candies that are famous during town fiestas, but are sold year-round by local delicacy shops in downtown Angeles City.
If Clark was a fruit, it would be…
The grapes used in winemaking. The more a bottle of wine is aged, the better it tastes. The longer you stay in Clark, the more you will find it exciting and pleasurable.
If it was a color, it would be…
Blue – any shade of blue that is pleasant and soothing to the eye.
Famous person you would like to visit…
Microsoft boss Bill Gates. Since he is a world-renowned philanthropist, he will definitely find Clark a place with enormous potential.

The IT industry is one which is getting a lot of attention and so a visit by Mr Gates would be a bonus. I hope that if he visted, he could cause a boom in the IT sector, which can generate employment for the local community.

legaspi (area code +52)

Andrea Pasion

Mount Mayon
At 2,462m above sea level, this active volcano is Bicol’s main attraction. Named after the Bicolano word “magayon”, meaning beautiful, Mayon is visible from anywhere in Albay. The regular eruptions have softened the shape, but not its magnificence.

Cagsawa Ruins
Testament to the power of Mayon, the lone church steeple and litter of volcanic rocks are all that remain after a violent eruption in 1814. Souvenir shopping is great; plant-lovers will find orchids for about PHP20 (US$0.40).

Pinangat
Made from taro leaves and stuffed with shrimp fry and coconut milk (tinilmok) – the region’s culinary glory.

Local Life
Donna Marie Vergara
Program Officer, Jesuit Volunteers of the Philippines

Local delicacy…
Coconut milk reigns supreme! There’s Bikol express, a spicy pork dish cooked in coconut milk; kinunot, stingray flakes in coconut milk; and pinangat, taro leaves cooked in coconut milk.
Legaspi’s most famous export …
Quality ropes and fabrics, bags and craft materials made from Abaca and coconut.
Local must meet character…
In downtown Legaspi, there’s a restaurant called Small Talk Café. Didit, the ownermanager, has black and white photos of the city and the province dating back to the 50s and 60s.

manila

Irwin Cruz

Historic Manila
Until World War II, Spanish-style buildings lined the cobblestone streets of this former fort. Those that remain, such as Casa Manila, Fort Santiago, the Manila Cathedral and San Agustin Church, reveal the city’s past colonial splendor.

Malacañang
Formerly the Spanish Governor-General’s residence, this grand historic building by the Pasig River now houses the country’s seat of power and a museum containing memorabilia from past Philippine presidents. By appointment only. Closed on weekends. www.op.gov.ph/museum

Art Treasury
The Metropolitan Museum of Manila holds exhibitions on local and international arts. It also houses the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (Central Bank of the Philippines) collection of gold jewelry and paintings by Filipino masters. www.metmuseum.ph

Archi-culture
Designed by architect Leandro Locsin, the Cultural Center of the Philippines is one of the city’s most iconic buildings and remains an important venue of Filipino performing arts. www.culturalcenter.gov.ph

Lovers’ Lane
Enjoy the outdoor cafés — and a fiery sunset — along Baywalk, the renovated promenade flanking Roxas Boulevard

Faith and Fortune
Wishing for something? Pray to the Virgin Mother at Baclaran Church on Wednesdays or the Black Nazarene at Quiapo Church on Fridays, but don’t get swindled by the fortune-tellers outside.

Pearls
For South Sea pearls, check out the the jewelry flea market at Greenhills Shopping Center. www.greenhills.com.ph

First Class
For high-end shopping, Greenbelt in Makati City is the place. Don’t miss Sunday brunch at Museum Café (tel (2) 757-3000) and coolers at People’s Palace (tel (2) 729-2888).

First-Rate Furniture
The Makati Shop of Interiors guru, Budji Layug showcases fine modern furniture made with local materials such as abaca fiber, bamboo and Philippine hardwoods. 233 Nicanor Garcia Street

Music of the Moment
Sample the burgeoning independent music scene at Saguijo (www.saguijo.com), San Antonio Village, and 6Underground Bar, Legaspi Village (tel (2) 830-0891/893-8283).

C Theory
Hang out with the culturati at Conspiracy Garden Café, located on Visayas Avenue in Quezon City. This nook has a calendar tight with evening concerts, poetry readings and heated debates (tel (2) 453-2170).

Naughty Nights
Party with the übercool at Embassy (Unit D, Fort Bonifacio Global City, tel (2) 816-4195); Fiamma Ristorante Enoteca (32 Jupiter Street, Bel-Air Village, tel (2) 897-1352); or Capone’s Bistro (G/F Fraser Place Building, Valero cor. Dela Costa Streets, Salcedo Village Makati City, tel (2) 816-4394). For something rowdier, head for Malate and institutions like The Library (a comedy club) on Adriatico Street or Bed, a gay disco at Maria Orosa and Julio Nakpil Streets (tel (2) 404-3662).

Passionistas
Get smitten by designer clothes and pretty accessories at I Love You, a charming little boutique. 7840 Pilar Place, Makati Avenue, tel (0915) 908-9797.

Bazaar
Find everything from rice cakes and boxer shorts to antique Chinese wedding cabinets at the Tiendesitas bazaar, with over 1,000 thatch-roofed stalls along C-5 road in Pasig City. www.tiendesitas.com.ph

Bargains
The recently cleaned up Divisoria Market is the city’s wholesale epicenter and attracts shoppers in the hunt for rock-bottom prices.

Shoe Capital
Over 300 glittering pairs of the world’s most famous shoe collection are housed at Marikina Shoe Museum. Opening hours are from 8am to 5pm. Entrance fee costs PHP20 (US$0.40). www.marikina.gov.ph

city file
City Code: +2
From the Airport: The ride to the tourist districts of Manila and Makati should take around 30 minutes, and costs about PHP450 (US$8.80).
Getting Around: Taxis are recommended, though buses and jeepneys ply designated routes throughout the city. The elevated metro (MRT/LRT) is faster, but is only open from 5.30 to 10.30pm. Bring lots of coins and be prepared for long queues at the counter.

Local Life
Cee Paredes
TV writer and producer

Best eats…
Chicharon (pork crackling) best enjoyed with the “national drink,” San Miguel beer, of course!
Best night out…
Oktoberfest with friends in Timog Avenue, Quezon City.
Great place for a romantic date…
Taste of LA restaurant along Tomas Morato Avenue, Quezon City is among the best.
Heaven for bargain shoppers …
The ever-popular 168 Mall in Divisoria, Manila, where some goods you see are sold for only half the price.
Visitor must dos…
Bargain hunting and hitting the city’s night spots.

visayas

cebu (area code +32)

Clarence Manicad

First Horizons
Straight out of Mactan Airport, you know that you have arrived when you pass the magnificent Mandaue- Mactan Bridge.

Role-Play
There are many “firsts” in Cebu: the first street in the country (Colon Street), the first tri-bastion fort (Fort San Pedro). Don’t merely gawk at the Lapu-lapu Monument or the Magellan’s Cross — feel it, breathe it. Then go ahead, share in some history and pose for a picture.

Think Epic
Hire a taxi for a day and take in the amazing views from temples, churches, gardens, coves, marvelous shores and atop hills. Olango Island has witnessed great battles and a nation’s beginnings. (Even bird migration is of epic proportions.)

Recess
Cebu’s lechon is famous — just taste the evidence for yourself. The sticky rice wrapped in banana leaves is also a local delicacy not to be missed.

Beach Bathing
Whether you ponder your troubles or throw your cares to the wind, there’s always a perfect beach resort in Cebu where you can do one or the other — or even both. Try the northern tip of the island or the southwest coast for some spectacular sun worship.

Luxurious Living
If you can afford to splurge, live it up in one of the many five-star hotels scattered around the island. The Hilton Cebu Resort and Spa or the Shangri-La Mactan feature splendid facilities that leave nothing to be desired.

Local Life
Cyrus Cyril R. Phalashol
Software Engineer

Best breakfast…
Head to Lapu-Lapu for eateries that serve Cebu’s famous sutukil, a native seafood cuisine.
Exclusive hotel…
Live the life of Robinson Crusoe for a few days at Pacific Cebu Resort. Here you can indulge in privacy and get a much-needed break from the hectic city life.
I love Cebu because…
It offers the best of both worlds: the accessibility of business opportunities and the pleasures of nature tripping. Add to that the low-cost of living and you get a destination that’s definitely hard to resist!

bacolod (area code +34)

Rebecca Rodriguez

Road Trips
Take a two-hour drive to the white, palm beach at Lakawan, Cadiz.

Chicken Inasal
This famous local fare is barbecued and served with banana leaves at Bacolod Chicken House and Chicken Deli in Lacson Street and Aboy’s in Goldenfield.

Goodies and Sweets
Try tarts and products from durian chips to mango jam at Virgie’s Homemade Products on San Sebastian Street.

Artsy Crafts
ANP Showroom on Lacson features capiz shell lamps, woven bags and mosaic shell art.

Culture Vulture
Check out the international doll collection at the Negros Occidental Provincial Museum.

Local Life
Eric Dormido
Technical Support Engineer

Best night out…
MO2 bar at the Goldenfields Commercial Complex.
Exclusive hotel…
L’ Fisher.
Favorite local festival…
Masskara Festival.
Local recreational activity…
Excursions to the beaches in nearby towns.
Unusual fact…
Bacolod is the only town I know of that has a cemetery in the middle of a street.
I love Bacolod because…
It has a very laid-back atmosphere and very hospitable people.
Best thing to do at night…
Again, party at the Goldenfields Commercial Complex.
Best buys…
Export-quality handicrafts made by the Bacoleños at the Negros Showroom.
Best to eat…
The best chicken inasal (grilled chicken) in the Manokan Country; cakes in Calea, like piaya, barquillos and napoleones.
If Bacolod was a color…
It would be a fusion of red, blue, green and yellow! Bacolod is home to the country’s most colorful festival, the Masskara. Bacolod’s most famous export…
Sugar. Negros Occidental is known as the “Sugarlandia” of the Philippines
If Bacolod was twinned with a city …
It would be Rio de Janeiro. Every October Bacolod City becomes a Rio when it celebrates the annual Masskara Festival. Locals in colorful masks and costumes take to the streets and dance to the beat of samba music.

iloilo (area code +33)

Chip Childers

Local Delicacies
Celebrate the Ilonggos’ epicurean abilities, and go straight to the source for a bowl of deliciously invigorating La Paz Batchoy or Molo, nationally known dishes that are named after Iloilo’s neighborhoods.

Visual History
Drop by Museo Iloilo, which has exhibits on prehistoric Chinese traders, the long Spanish era, and the changes brought about during the American years.

Sugar Scents
Poke around the old districts, such as Jaro, for classic-styled sugar baron abodes and other examples of Spanish architecture.

Church Bells
About 40km from Iloilo resides Miag-Ao church, one of four UNESCO World Heritage churches in the country. With walls of solid coral several meters thick, it’s easy to see how this church has stood for 200 years.

Outside the City
Driving up either coast brings scenic rewards, with quiet fishing villages and lonely islands on the horizon line. West of Iloilo City is a line of quaint towns like Guimbal and San Joaquin, blessed with natural attractions such as waterfalls and beaches, and full of looming Spanish churches, some brilliantly preserved.

Great Escapes
Facing Iloilo City across the Iloilo Straits, Guimaras Island offers superlative beach resorts and ample opportunities for island exploring, with islets, waterfalls, beaches and mountain bike trails to call your own for the day. A moderate hike to the top of Mount Diguman gets you a 360-degree panorama which takes in Panay and Negros Islands.

Local Life
Aileen Grace Chu
Events Executive of ETG Staging Connections

Best breakfast…
The coffee shop at the Lapaz public market is where public officials gather in the morning. They don’t use coffee makers, instead preparing the coffee using special hand methods.
Must eat…
Chicken inasal (barbecue) and fresh, cheap and delicious seafood. Visitors should definitely try those at Breakthrough and Tatoy’s. Another must is the famous Lapaz batchoy from Ted’s or Nat’s.
Best night out…
The Smallville Business Center area is the newest place to hang out at night. It has several restaurants, coffee shops and nightclubs.
Best gift…
Delicacies from Biscocho and Panaderia de Molo. There’s also goat’s milk from Espanola, but this has to be ordered in advance.
Best thing to buy for PHP50…
An inasal meal, which includes rice, chicken and soft drinks.

dumaguete (area code +35)

Rebecca Rodriguez

Marine Sanctuary
Scuba-divers will love Apo Island’s rich marine life and beautiful coral gardens. Sea anemones and clown fish congregate at the Clown Fish City dive spot.

Can’t Get Enough of Culture
On San Juan Street around the main plaza, there is Theresa’s Lodge, with clean rooms and shared facilities. Vintage Inn on Legaspi Street has airconditioned single and double rooms. For a scenic place on Rizal Boulevard that over looks the sea, try Bethel Guest House.

The Bat Cave
Caves near Mabinay are among the 33 in the Dumaguete province, and perfect for exploring centuries-old calcite formations. You can even swim in underground rivers.

Casaroro Falls
This alarming 100m-high single column of cold water drops into a swimming basin, surrounded by steep rock walls. Great while mountain-trekking near Valencia.

Local Life
Hannah Faye M. Muralla
Recent graduate

Interesting fact…
A belfry still stands in the city, which in the olden days warned locals of the arrival of pirates who kidnapped the beautiful women of Dumaguete. The city’s name comes from the Visayan word “dagit,” which means “to snatch”.
Best thing to do at night …
Feast on tempura on Rizal Boulevard. The area’s always teeming with people, and the sea breeze at night adds to the charm!
Local delicacy…
Chicken inato from Jo’s Restaurant! It’s the counterpart of Bacolod’s chicken inasal.
Most famous export…
The Siliman Writers’ Workshop, or National Writers’ Workshop.

kalibo (area code +36)

Clarence Manicad

Be an Ati
This is the time to smear yourself with soot, dance to pounding music and get in touch with your primal self at the famed Ati-Atihan Festival along the streets of Kalibo. From 19-21 January, the festival is in honor of the town’s patron, the infant Niño. It is a religious experience that is anything but somber.

Activities
Go trekking or mountain-biking along quaint villages and catch your breath along the edges of dramatic rocky cliffs. Alternatively, take a snorkel and go exploring.

Adventurous Eats
As the gateway to Boracay, Kalibo is a magnet for people from all over the world, so the food is correspondingly cosmopolitan.

Beach Bounty
Take a ferry to the world-famous party island of Boracay to get caught between facilities galore and the deep blue sea. There are water sports, beach volleyball, bikini opens, MTV, discos, parties all night long — or simply enjoy over 300 facilities sprouting along the shore.

Local Life
Mariel O. Constantinopla
Registered Nurse

Best place for an outing with the family or the gang…
For those who find Boracay too pricey, 35 minutes by car from Kalibo is Tangalan town, where you can enjoy seawater at Jawili Beach or freshwater at the seventiered Jawili Falls.
Most romantic spot in town…
Café Latte, an internet café that has a beautiful garden, serves wonderful cheesecake and offers seclusion from prying eyes.

Best thing to do at night…
A night in town that starts with dinner either at Bagobos, Niños Ihaw-ihaw or Daks. If you’re in the mood for local food, try out the binakol, native chicken cooked inside a bamboo or coconut shell. If you want to check out the bar scenes hop on to Mezzanine, Zapa or Abrigana.

Gifts to bring home …
Export quality bags and slippers made from piña and abacà. For food, try cassava pudding, longganisa made by Jocell’s, or boneless bangus.

roxas (area code +36)

Chip Childers

Traditions
Roxas offers a host of treats for travelers seeking an “out of the way” destination. Quiet fishing villages and a traditional Visayan lifestyle is still in order in Capiz, and isolated beaches and islands such as Napti, 20 minutes from Roxas, abound.

Festivities
During the first weekend in October, the Halaran Festival brings the town to life, celebrating the handover of Panay to the Malays, in a similar manner as Kalibo’s Ati-Atihan Festival.

Local Life
Zarah Jane Almeida
Research Manager

Survival tips for tourists …
Be prepared with small peso notes when you arrive at the airport. There will be people wanting to help you with your luggage and they’ll be expecting a tip. Also, when taking a tricycle from the airport or hotel (there are no taxis in Roxas City), it’s better to first negotiate the fare.
Local delicacy…
Talaba (oyster) and sisi (small oysters), best eaten fresh from the shell and dipped in the traditional mix of vinegar, chili, and ginger. Another must-try is diwal (angel wings shell), steamed or grilled, as well as chicken binakol.

puerto princesa (area code +48)

Andrea Pasion

Crocodile Farm
Visit the Irawan Crocodile Farming Institute, where crocodiles are bred and studied. For some serious action, come at feeding time, around mid-afternoon.

Honda Bay
From the top of a hill, Honda Bay offers a spectacular view. Tour its islets and shallow reefs, or take a catamaran to navigate its islands: Cowrie, Meana Marina, Bat, Starfish, Pandan, Señorita, Lu-li (short for lulubog, lilitaw — because it appears and disappears as the tide rises and falls), and Snake Island, an “S”-shaped island with a 3,000m-long white beach. Snorkel, and see groupers just a few steps from the shore.

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park
At 8.2km, this is the longest navigable underground river in the world, although only two kilometers are open to the public. It’s a two-hour bumpy ride, but the rewards are spectacular: cathedral-like caverns with stalagmites and stalactites that resemble the Virgin Mary, a melting candle, the face of Jesus and a resting Pegasus

Mangroves and Forest
The beautiful nature park surrounding the underground river is home to rare birds, monitor lizards and wily monkeys.

Vietnamese Village
Only a few refugee families live here now, but the village restaurant serves the best beef stew noodles and crusty baguette.

Local Life
Ynna Lauron
Senior Project Officer

Best thing to do at night…
Hang out at Kinabuch Grill and Restaurant.
Survival tips for tourists…
Don’t forget your sunblock lotion and wide brimmed hats.
Local delicacy that should not be missed …
Tamilok (a slimy, pale white woodworm that is eaten raw).
Best food to bring home …
Cashew nuts and dried or fresh fish.
Best place for an outing with the gang …
Taraw Lodge at Sitio Sabang, the jump-off point to the St Paul Subterranean National Park’s famous underground river.

tacloban (area code +53)

Chip Childers

Bridging
Tacloban City, the gateway to the Eastern Visayas, offers access to sites around northern Leyte and Samar Island, which is a quick jaunt across the majestic San Juanico bridge that links the two islands.

Memorial
The next town over from Tacloban, Red Beach at Palo is where General MacArthur fulfilled his legendary promise in 1944: “I shall return”. An often-photographed memorial commemorates the landing, with statues of the General and his entourage trudging through the water to the beach.

Secret Caves
Only an hour away by boat or road, Sohoton Natural Bridge National Park in Southern Samar features some breathtaking rock and cave formations.

Local Life
Michael Anthony B. Ruiz
Self-employed

Best breakfast…
Go to Bevs, where they serve the best tapsilog. I also recommend Calle Z, especially after a night out.
Favorite local festival…
It has got to be the Pintados Festival.
Best night out…
99 per cent of people who go out at night go to Magsaysay, or Mags Bar as the locals call it. It’s especially fun on Friday and Saturday nights.
Must eats…
They should really buy delicacies like moron (sticky rice cake) and binagol (sweet taro pudding). Palo is the best place to buy it. Everyone should try it – and also bibingka (rice flour cake).
Must-see sights…
Leyte Park Hotel or McArthur Park for the view and for the experience.

tagbilaran (area code +38)

Chip Childers

Hills of Chocolate
The iconic Chocolate Hills are the most famous attraction of Bohol Island. About 1,268 ice-cream-scoop-shaped berms stretch out across Central Bohol, offering stunning scenic walks and views — an unparalleled piece of nature.

Sights and History
Bohol offers an impressive amount of other lesser-known attractions, from the historical Baclayon Church to the waterfall-accentuated rainforest near Antequera.

Mascot
Bohol’s other endearing mascot, the Philippine Tarsier is the world’s smallest primate and can be seen in its natural habitat at the Tarsier Visitor Center in Corella.

Beaching
A short ride from the airport at “Tagbi”, Panglao Island offers diverse and impressive diving as well as superb beaches.

Local Life
Ivy A. Betco
IT Consultant

Must eat…
Calamay is Bohol’s most popular delicacy, which the town folk of Jagna claim to have invented. It’s made of glutinous rice mixed with coconut milk and sugar. Then it’s placed inside a polished coconut shell with a red ribbon trimming on the outside.
Romantic getaway…
The Loboc River is one of the spots in Bohol that couples should not miss. Floating restaurants will take visitors around the serene and scenic river and to many enchanting falls.
Best place to take the gang…
Definitely Panglao Island! Aside from swimming and snorkeling, you can also watch the sunset from the beach and stargaze at night.
Guaranteed good time away from the city…
Scuba diving and snorkeling. Around Balicasag Island, 45 minutes from Panglao Island, you’ll find some of the best diving and snorkeling locations in the province.
I love Tagbilaran because…
People have a deep sense of spirituality, love of nature and passion for music.

mindanao

butuan (area code +58)

Irwin Cruz

Local Culture
A 10-minute walk from the city center, the Butuan Regional Museum houses artifacts such as gold ornaments, woodcrafts, pottery and burial coffins, evidencing the city’s long history as a center of trade. Meanwhile, objets d’art showcases the richness of the local Butuanon, Manobo, Mamanua and Higaonon cultures.

Magallanes
Named after Ferdinand Magellan, this coastal town has placed a marker on the site of the first mass held in Mindanao. Also in this town is the century-old Bitaug Tree, lit by fireflies in the evening.

Local Life
Carlos Lozada Clase Jr
Information Education and Communication Officer

Best place for an outing with friends…
When friends and I want to feel refreshed, we hit the beaches outside the city. There’s Veranda Beach Resort in the town of Carmen and Tubay Mountain Beach Resort in the town of Tubay.
Best thing to do at night…
Pray and meditate… before going barhopping with friends!
Local delicacy that should not be missed…
Palagsing, a traditional Butuan snack made from coconut. Each portion costs only one peso.
Survival tips for tourists …
Just be friendly to the locals and be careful you don’t get tempted to buy unnecessary things

cagayan de oro (area code +8822)

Irwin Cruz

Whitewashed
The city boasts a reputation for excellent whitewater rafting and river trekking. Be bold and try a run on the river’s Class IV rapids just outside the city. The exhilarating course has been shortlisted as the venue for the 2007 World Whitewater Rafting Competition. www.raftingcdo.com

Treetops
An hour from the city, the Canopy Walk in Claveria town is for the brave-at-heart. It includes a climb up Mount Magbais, speeding down a zip line and traversing five hanging bridges 36m above the ground. The local tourism office can assign a trained local guide. DTO, A Velez Street, CDO, tel (8822) 726394/723696

Dive! Dive!
The beautiful coral reefs in Duka Bay and Mantangale are replete with colorful marine life, so invest in an underwater camera if you can. The latter is also a great place to spot dolphins.

Local Life
Melo E. Esguerra
Program Manager of GMA-7

Most popular recreation…
You can go whitewater rafting, spelunking, canopy walking, mountain trekking and swimming around the waterfall all in one weekend!
Best night out…
My favorite hangout is 1150 club for its cosmopolitan crowd and contemporary interior, which blend perfectly well with a martini. Not a lot of people know about the exciting nightlife here.
Must try…
A taste of the local lechon baboy (roast pig) and lechon manok (roast chicken) is a must for all visitors. The cheesecake and strawberry shortcake at Bigby’s are my favorite desserts.
Best gift…
Bulua Pottery and Stoneware has some of the best stoneware in the country.
Best thing to buy for PHP20…
A box of Vjandep pastel (locally baked bread with sweet fillings), or Cheding’s roasted peanuts!

cotabato (area code +64)

Chip Childers

Music and Dance
The city is the head of the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). With three recognized sultanates and almost one million people, the Maguindanao people have a distinctly different culture, evident in the architecture, brasswork and music, typified by the kulingtang (brass gong xylophone) and beautiful dances commemorating war, love and other human conditions.

Trekking
The wilderness around Cotabato is still largely intact, and offers many exploratory opportunities for trekkers. Check with regional DOT for advice.

Arts and Crafts
Framed in thick, cloudy forests about an hour from Cotabato, Lake Sebu is famous for its strikingly beautiful waterscapes. It is also the ancestral home of the T’Boli people, one of the most high-profile and intriguing tribes in Mindanao. T’boli traditional crafts include ornate beaded costumes, brassware and highly treasured weavings which hold an important role in T’boli weddings, birth and death rituals.

Local Life
Mariariza G. Larroza
Office Worker

Best night out…
At the Estosan Garden Hotel for coffee with friends
Best buys…
Hot and spicy peanuts, fresh fruit and seafood – all are reasonably priced. This is also the best place to buy colorful malong (woven cloth). Cotabato is full of bargains for shopping enthusiasts.
If Cotabato was a fruit…
It would be the local fruit, marang – similar to jackfruit. It is abundant in the area.
I love Cotabato because…
I love the well-priced fresh food.
If Cotabato was a color…
It would be green, because there are still a lot of unexplored forests on the outskirts.

dipolog (area code +65)

Chip Childers and Jayne Kennedy

History Comes Alive
Retrace the steps of national hero, Dr Jose P Rizal. Visit his homes at Casa Redonda and Casa Cuadrada. There are books, periodicals and exhibits at The Rizaliana in Dapitan City Plaza. His original estate is the breathtaking Rizal Shrine.

3003 Steps
Follow man-made steps up to Linabo peak, Dipolog’s highest point at 460m above sea level. Glimpse spectacular panoramas and the coastline.

Local Life
Ernie B. Rojo
Executive Director

Best night out…
The Octave Sports Bar at Tomas Claudio which offers a wide range of entertainment. You can also play billiards and darts there.
Best buys…
Dipolog’s bottled sardines! The place is the bottled sardine capital of the Philippines.
I love Dipolog because…
It is laid-back yet offers the promise of progress. The people are the most hospitable Filipinos I know.

davao (area code +62)

Clarence Manicad

The Greatest
Whether you’re talking about the sweetest suha (pomelo) or the most delicate orchid from along the slopes of the country’s tallest peak, Davao has it all — and in no small proportions either.

The Greatest
The Philippine Eagle symbolizes many things, but a real live one is a stupendous sight, dwarfing the famous bald eagle. Have you seen the size of those big bird’s talons? Now you can view them at the Philippine Eagle Nature Center and give these endangered birds a helping hand.

Tribal Souvenirs
There are numerous ethnic tribes in Davao who continue to live as they did centuries ago. And you can meet them too. The T’boli people weave magic, so buying one of their unique hand-woven products is a must.

All Dressed Up
Ditch the urban garb and think island, tribe trinkets and raffia. There is much to do here, whether on a mountain slope, among the corals, or even on the golf course.

Great in Crates
You can buy fruit in wooden crates or special boxes with handles. Visit Davao’s markets and find sweet juicy pomelo in abundance. Buy an extra crate to enjoy while relaxing by the shore — they keep well. The best way to haggle? Smile brightly and don’t blink.

Artistic Hub
The park in Davao is newly decorated by a local artist with statues of children, giant eagles and flowers.

Local Life
Didoy Lon
Project Development Officer

Must eat…
Fresh seafood, Colasa’s barbecue, fresh durian and durian shake.
Recommended activity for the gang…
Whitewater rafting at Crocodile Farm, trekking at Eden Nature Park and diving at Samal Island.
Best thing to do at night…
Enjoy cheap food and beer at The Venue in Matina Town Square or Pops Restobar on Ilustre Street.
Gifts to bring home…
Pomelo, durian candy and native products sold at Aldevinco Shopping Center.
Best buy for PHP50…
Durian candies!

general santos (area code +83)

Chip Childers and Jayne Kennedy

Mountains and Caves
Explore Mount Parker and Mount Matutum, and the numerous caves that abound.

Culture
The Kalilangan Cultural Festival in February fills the city with life as it celebrates its rich cultural heritage.

Tuna
In September, the city features its famed tuna that are abundant in the waters of Sarangani Bay. Look out for delicious and innovative dishes.

Local Life
Pearly Juaniza
Bakery Owner

Local recreational activity…
I like to hike around Lake Maughan, T’boli, South Cotabato Province.
Unusual fact…
PHP30 will buy you more fresh tuna and vegetables than you could eat!
Must eats…
Sashimi and vegetables.
Unusual thing to do…
Fishing for bangus and tilapia.
Famous person you want to visit here…
Brad Pitt, he’s every girl’s dream!
General Santos’ most famous export…
We’re not called Tuna City for nothing!

zamboanga (area code +62)

Chip Childers

Melting Pot
The city’s proximity to Borneo, the Sulu archipelago and Mindanao have brought together Christian, Muslim and tribal communities.

500-year History
Fort Pilar houses 500 years of colonial history – from the Spanish settlement, to chapters of British, Dutch, American, Japanese, and finally Filipino control.

Muslim Village
Rio Hondo is a picturesque Muslim village laid out on stilts over the water. Inquire at the Zamboanga Department of Tourism.

Local Life
Melanie P. Wee
Bank teller

Popular local recreation…
Cockfighting, badminton and duckpin bowling.
If you just want to chill out at night…
Eat balut along RT Lim Boulevard by the sea.
Must-eat local delicacy…
Seafood (some of the cheapest in the country) and Alavar’s bagoong, or shrimp paste.
Fun thing to do …
Visit a treehouse in Abong Abong, a park in Barangay Pasonanca known for its greenery.
Best thing you can buy for PHP100…
Barter for goods.