Hong kong

City File

Country Code: +852 Currency: Hong Kong Dollar (HKD1 = PHP5.6 (USD0.13))
From the Airport: The Airport Express to Kowloon or Hong Kong Island takes half an hour and costs HKD180 (PHP1,001) return.
Getting Around: Buses are frequent and can take you to every corner of the territory. Taxi fares from the airport to Kowloon cost at least HKD300 (PHP1,668), 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 HKD2 (PHP11).

EATING
Magical eats
Historic surroundings make The Peak Lookout a dining gem with a genuinely international menu. 121 Peak Road, The Peak, tel +852 2849 1000.

SLEEPING
Stylish night
Lanson Hotel’s mint walls, ornate chairs and LCDs make it a luxurious affair for a night’s treat. 133 Leighton Rd, tel +852 3477 6888, www.lansonplace.com.

WHAT TO SEE
Stanley
For views and a world famous market.

SHOP
Night market
Kowloon is busy and noisy, but always fun. Step off the MRT at Mongkok. Kowloon is busy and noisy, but always fun. Step off the MRT at Mongkok.

LOCAL LIFE

Claire Masters
Teacher

Local recreational activity…I always enjoy going to one of the beaches, sipping drinks by the beach at Shek O and walking the Dragon’s Back across the centre of Hong Kong. I love Hong Kong because…
It’s such a vibrant, social city with loads to do from Chinese reflexology to high-end shopping.
Best thing to do at night… Go up the Peak and see the fantastic view on a clear night. There are also plenty of places to choose from to go and eat. Try local Cantonese food or experience cuisine from any country in the whole world.

Guangzhou

City File

Country Code: +86
Currency: China Renminbi (1RMB = PHP5.8 (USD0.13))
From the airport: Guangzhou Baiyun International airport is 28km from Haizhu Square in the centre of town. Airport express buses are available for 10RMB to 30RMB (PHP58 to PHP174). A taxi from the airport to the city centre should cost around 120RMB (PHP696).
Getting Around: Guangzhou has public buses, trams, and subway lines. A Guangzhou taxi charges 7RMB (PHP41) for the first 2.3km and 2.6RMB (PHP15) for every kilometer after that.

EATING
Cantonese cuisine
The busiest restaurant in town is Guangzhou Restaurant. This Canton classic on Wenchang Nan Lu specializes in abalone sprinkled with 24-carat gold flakes and duck feet stuffed with shrimp.

SLEEPING
Three star simplicity
Next door to a shoppers’ paradise, Hotel Elan is a cheap and cheerful place to stay and comes with free broadband internet. 32 Zhanqian Heng Lu, Liwan District.

WHAT TO SEE
Lights by night
An evening cruise on the Pearl River is one of the highlights of Guangzhou. Departing from Dashatou Port, visitors are treated to a lovely view of the city’s lights.

Macau

City File

Country Code: +853
Currency: Macau Pacata (1MOP = PHP5.8 (USD0.12))
From The Airport: Bus AP1 travels between the airport and the Barrier Gate (the border with mainland China) passing Macau Tower, Hotel Lisboa and the Ferry Terminal on the way. By taxi a trip to the city centre should cost about 40-50MOP (PHP231-289)and takes about 15 minutes.

LOCAL LIFE

Billy Clarke
Tourist Counselor

Favorite local festival?
The best festival has to be the idiosyncratic Feast of the Drunken Dragon festival in May. As its name
suggests, this festival is about getting inebriated and gorged in honor of a good natured dragon.
Insider’s tip…
To keep the punters punting, a lot of the bigger casinos give out complimentary coffee and tea free, as well as bottles of water, so hook yourself up with a bottle and hold onto it during your day.
Local recreation…
Utilizing the muscles on your upper arms– on the slot machines. Unusual fact about the city… The name Macau comes from the legend of a woman who helped a boat get safely to Macau by ordering a storm to calm down. The weather apparently obeyed, and the original 1448 temple still exists – A-Ma temple.

EATING
Individual tastes
The Portuguese flavor is at Rua Felicidade, or Food Street.

SLEEPING
Drowsy dreaming
Pousada de Coloane is a family-run hotel on Cheoc-Van beach, tel +853 2888 2143/44, www.hotelpcoloane.com.mo.

WHAT TO SEE
Try your luck
It’s the ‘Vegas of the East’! Lisboa Casino for grandeur or the new Venetian Macau.

SHOOPING
Buy food!
Pork jerky, almond cakes, egg tarts…

China & Indonesia: Shanghai

EATING
Local delicacy
Try xiaolongbao (small meaty dumplings served in hot soup) in the Old City.

WHAT TO SEE
Sunset Mojitos
On the rooftop of 18 on the Bund, watch Pudong sparkle with a cocktail at Bar Rouge.

SHOP
Technicolor shopping
Dongjiadu Lu Fabric Market is the destination for serious shoppers. 118 Dongjiadu Lu, by Zhongshan Nan Lu

City File

Country Code: +86
Currency: China Yuan Renminbi (RMB1 = PHP6 (USD0.13)
From the Airport: The fastest and most exciting way to get from the airport is the super-fast Maglev train. Reaching speeds of 431km/hr, the trip from the airport to Longyuan station takes just seven minutes.
Getting Around: Shanghai has a comprehensive metro system with stations all over the city, and it’s a very affordable way to travel at only RMB3 (PHP18) per trip. Interactive metro maps can be found at www.smartshanghai.com. Taxis are also affordable and plentiful although not many drivers speak English.

LOCAL LIFE

Robb Pollard
Nightclub Manager/DJ
Promoter

I love Shanghai because… There’s so much going on! It’s very cosmopolitan but it’s still the place to find traditional Chinese culture. The city never sleeps and has so many restaurants and bars.
Best place for a drink… Depending on your mood, go wild at Zapata’s; for a nice romantic or quiet drink go to Face Bar and Barbarossa; Attica is a great place to meet people.
An unusual thing to do… The most unusual thing I’ve heard of here is a blind restaurant that doesn’t let you see anything you eat or drink – the lights are off!
If Shanghai was a color it would be… A vanilla sky place… ever-changing and unpredictable, but there’s also a warm feeling to it no matter how much of a bad day you’re having.

Xiamen

City File

Country Code: +86
Currency: China Yuan Renminbi (RMB1 = PHP5.84 (USD0.13)
From the Airport: You can take a taxi to the city from the airport for RMB30-40 (PHP175-234). Alternatively take the public bus for RMB1-2 (PHP5.84-11.69).
Getting Around: The bicycle is a popular mode of transport in Xiamen as mopeds and motorbikes are banned – unlike in most Chinese cities. Rent a pedal bike to feel local or take the buses around town, they offer a regular and fairly reliable service. Taxis are easy to find.

LOCAL LIFE

Wu Zanbin
Station Manager of Cebu
Pacific Air

Best breakfast… Huang Ze He Restaunt, it’s about 50 years old and serves traditional dishes.
Most exclusive hotel… Mandarin Hotel.
Favorite local festival… Chinese New Year.
Insider’s tip… After 6pm, you can buy many items for good prices near Xiamen University.
Local recreation… Mah-Jong
Best thing to do at night…
Singing in KTV, drink beer on the beach.
Xiamen’s twin city should be…
Singapore. Both clean and beautiful cities.

EATING
Seafood
Seafood lovers won’t be disappointed at Jiali Seafood Restaurant near the Sofitel Plaza, tel (86 592) 516 9999.

SLEEPING
Step up and shine
The Crowne Plaza has the city’s best location, and a great pasta restaurant.

SHOP
Fashion Strip
Zhongshan Road, lined with neon illuminated department and clothes stores, is the city’s major shopping hub.

Jakarta


Colonial architectureEATING
Culinary escapades
For local food go to the local warung (food stalls) that dot the city streets. Try mouthwatering local greens like gado-gado (steamed vegetables mixed with peanut sauce), or the hot and sour Rojak (mixed fresh fruits with brown sugar sauce, peanuts and chilli).

SLEEPING
Backpackers and Bodyguards
Jalan Jaksa is the road where visitors on a budget flock for cheap rooms and bars – and a bodyguard service to boot!

WHAT TO SEE
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 from the 137m high observation deck.

SHOP
Local arts and crafts
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.

City File

Country Code: +62 (21)
Currency: Rupiah (IDR100,000 = PHP473 (USD11))
From the Airport: Taxis (new tariff– choose Blue Bird, one of the more reliable taxi services) to downtown which costs around IDR98,000 (PHP463), plus the IDR15,000 (PHP71) 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 (PHP71).
Getting Around: Travel around town with the air-conditioned TransJakarta buses for IDR3,000-5,000 (PHP14-24), or taxis (old tariff taxis are cheaper, but less safe than Blue Bird or Express taxis). Have fun travelling cheaply with the threewheeled Bajaj if you are only going a short distance.

Malaysia / Kuala Lumpur

City File

Country Code: +60 (3)
Currency: Malaysian Ringgit (RM1 = PHP13 (USD0.30))
From the Airport: A bus will take you into the heart of town for around RM10(PHP130). A train will get you across the 75km in half the time.
Getting Around: Kuala Lumpur’s public transport system is slicker now. Expressways keep 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.

EATING
Authentic Asian Flavor
Chinatown and Little India showcase the city’s culinary diversity. Indulge in dim sum or dip Hokkien delicacies into a steamboat.

SLEEPING
Eight not Late
Hostel Number Eight (www.numbereight. com.my) is more boutique than budget. 10 Jl Tengkat Tong Shin, Golden Triangle, tel +603 2144 2050.

WHAT TO SEE
Colonial commute
Built by a British architect in 1911, the train station is embellished with Moorish flourishes.

SHOPPING
The height of fashion
Below the 88-storey Petronas Towers is shopping heaven.

LOCAL LIFE
Rosalynn Poh
Public Relations

Exclusive hotel…
Ritz-Carlton Kuala Lumpur (your very own butler!)
Favorite local festival…
Chinese New Year (7-8 February). The young and unmarried get money – how great is that? The most fascinating festival would be Thaipusam in January, where Hindu devotees have a big procession, some with piercings all over and carrying religious statues/goddess.
Unusual fact about KL…
You can get food at any time of the day!
If KL was a color it would be…
Purple – a mixture of everything! Nothing is black and white really!

Singapore

City File

Country Code: +65
Currency: Singapore Dollar (SGD1 = PHP30.6 (USD0.66))
From the Airport: Take a taxi downtown for about SGD12 (PHP368). Or hop on the MRT underground train within 15 minutes for SGD1.70 (PHP52).
Getting Around: Buses are frequent and cover most areas. 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 popular shopping areas. There is also the SIA hop-on bus and the Singapore trolley.

LOCAL LIFE
Trixia Carungcong
Journalist & Senior TV News
Producer

Favorite local festival…
The Mosaic Music Festival every March. Harry Connick Jr opens it this year on 7th March (www.sistic.com).
Best night out…
Meeting friends for dinner at Mohammed Sultan, watching a movie at VivoCity, then after midnight, heading to Sentosa to lie down on beds by the beach and drink beer while talking until the wee small hours of the morning.
Unusual fact…
Singapore is just slightly bigger than Metro Manila. You can drive from the end to end, east to west in an hour.

EATING
Hawking
Hokkein mee, roti prate, laksa and fish-head curry are unmissable. Visit Chinatown Food Street or East Coast

SLEEPING
Hip to Hang
hangout@mt.emily provides stylish and affordable accommodation, 10A Upper Wilkie Road, tel +65 6438 5588.

WHAT TO SEE

Sentosa
Bask on the beach, go to Underwater World, relive history at Siloso Fort or indulge in a massage at Spa Botanica.

SHOPPING
Incomparable
Find everything on Orchard Road from Manolos to five dollar jeans.

SOUTH KOREA / SEOUL

City File
Country Code: +822
Currency: South Korean Won (KRW1 = PHP0.05 (USD0.001))
From the Airport: 52km via 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 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.

EATING
Arts Eats
Share bbq ribs and kimchi jigao at a traditional restaurant in Hyewha.

WHAT TO SEE
Scaling great heights
The World Trade Center and the Coex Mall are a shopper’s delight. Seoul Tower stands atop Mount Namsan, with stunning views or take the Namsan cable car from Myeong-dong.

SHOPPING
Traditional Crafts
Head to Insa-Dong or Namdao-moon.

Taiwan / Taipei

City File

Country Code: +886
Currency: New Taiwan Dollar (TWD1 = PHP1.34 (USD0.03)
From the Airport: The fastest way into the city is by taxi (about TWD1,100/ PHP1,477. Private bus companies also run from both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Tickets cost between TWD110-140 (PHP148-188).
Getting Around: Most travel via MRT. Get a stored value ticket (Easy Card) for transfers between MRT and buses (TWD15 (PHP20)) per section.

EATING
Magical eats
The Shin Yeh Japanese Buffet is one of the best dining deals in Taipei. Locals flock here for fresh sushi, steak oysters and more. 12 Guan Cian Street, Sec. 1, 6F, tel +886 (2) 2371 3311.

WHAT TO SEE
Relaxing bird’s eye view
Speed up air pressure-controlled elevators to the observation deck on the 89th floor of Taipei 101 for 360° views.

SHOPPING
Home-grown style
Local fashion houses YAP, Bread and Butter and Iroo Moderato satisfy the city’s hunger for haute couture with their European and Japanese inspired clothing at non-imported prices.

LOCAL LIFE
Kazuya Deguchi
Sculptor

Local delicacy…
All kinds of tropical fruit.
Favorite local festival…
Chinese New Year.
Must visit…
Guanghua Computer Market in Taipei for all the latest electronic goods.
Best thing to buy here for under PHP50…
This isn’t a cheap city, so mineral water in the convenience store is one of the few things you can buy for that amount!
Must-buy gift…
The traditional almanac/fortune telling book that maps the entire body, especially the erogenous zones.
If Taipei was a fruit, it would be…
A durian. It’s stinky and tasty and it is also a matter of luck if you get a tasty one or not.

Thailand / Bangkok

City File
Country Code: +66 (2)
Currency: Thai Baht (THB1 = PHP1.4 (USD0.03))
From the Airport: Take the free shuttle to the airport’s Public Transportation Center. Here, you can rent a car, taxi or bus it 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 (PHP290). Tuk tuks are only recommended for short distances.

EATING
Laid back lounging
Dine and be seen lounging on Bed Supperclub’s space-age all-white recliners. 26 Soi Sukhumvit 11, Sukhumvit Road, Klongtoey-nua, tel +66 (0)2 651 3537, www.bedsupperclub.com
Roof top views
Sip on your favorite cocktail at the Moon Bar at the Banyan Tree Bangkok or head to Sky Bar at the Dome at State Tower for fantastic views. www.banyantree.com and www.thedomebkk.com

SLEEPING
Backpacker Central
Pra Athit Pier is where Khao San Road’s cheap rooms and beer are.

WHAT TO SEE
Dusky Dusit
Dusit Park is a legacy of the beloved King Chulalongkorn with lots to see.

SHOPPING
Golden Mile
Shopaholics will have a field day at Sukhumvit Soi 55’s design shops or break your credit limit at Siam Paragon, Gaysorn and Erawan shopping centres.

The Philippines/ Luzon

CLARK: area core +45

WHAT TO SEE
Casinos and Leisure
Once the bastion of American military might, the wrath of Mount Pinatubo returned it to Filipino hands. Now it is a special economic zone that features world-class leisure and entertainment.

Local history
If you like history, Betis in Guagua town is one of the older communities.

SLEEPING
Everything under one roof
Try Fortuna Leisure Parks, CM Recto Highway, boasts a casino and mountain views, tel (2) 843-8798,
www.fontanaleisureparks.com.

Holiday home

Always reliable, the Holiday Inn is a good place to check-in, Mimosa Drive, tel (2) 8451888, www.ichotelsgroup.com.

SHOPPING
Value for money
Although cheap, PX (Post Exchange — a subsidized US forces shop), US-branded goods are no longer as abundant, you can grab bargains at duty free shops.

EATING
US sizes
A restaurant called RUMPA at Clark Airbase, is owned and managed by retired US Military Personnel. Their tacos and mashed potatoes are a real must, but each portion is enough for two!

LOCAL LIFE
Mark Cezar
Private Employee

Famous visitors…
Almost every major political figure in the country has visited Clark at some time in the past. When it was still an American Air Base, I think a couple of US presidents dropped by.
Exclusive hotel…
Holiday Inn Mimosa.
Favorite local festival…
Giant Lantern Festival in San Fernando.
Local recreation…
Shopping and eating.
Clark’s most famous export…
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s, Bata Reyes and Apl Pineda from the Black Eyed Peas.

Luzon
Legaspi: area code: +52

WHAT TO SEE
Mount Mayon
At 2,462m above sea level, this active volcano is Bicol’s main attraction.
Cagsawa Ruins
Testament to the power of Mayon, the lone church steeple and litter of volcanic rocks are all that remain after the eruption in 1814.

EATING
Tasty taro
Try Pinangat, made from taro leaves and stuffed with shrimp fry and tinilmok (coconut milk) – regional specialities.

SHOP
Local gifts
Buy handicrafts from Abaca at the Satellite market or bottles of pure honey harvested from the highlands.

LOCAL LIFE
Aleli Saw
Entrepreneur

Must try…
The home-cooked food, moist chocolate and custard cake of Alibar beside St Raphael church.
Good place to shop…
Good and cheap abaca homeware such as hampers, magazine racks, trays and bags are available from the exporters in Daraga.
Insider’s tip…
Eat fishballs and bbq merienda at the airport in late afternoon.
Local recreation…
Walking up ligñon hill in the morning or afternoon, mountain biking on the Mayon trails, and scuba diving!

Manila

LOCAL LIFE

Jeffrey Royce M Zapata
Software Engineer

Best night out?
Manila has thriving nightlife, so you won’t run out of choices. But if you want a place that features diverse possibilities, head to Baywalk. You can dine in a restaurant bus while watching the ferry cruise in Manila Bay, or drink a couple of beers while listening to live band performances. There are stand up comedians and mime shows.
Favorite local festival…
The Feast of the Black Nazarene in January is my favorite local festival. During the event, thousands of Devotees from all over the Philippines gather in Quiapo to pay homage to the miraculous Black Nazarene.
If Manila were a fruit…
It would be a fruit salad. The city is a melting pot of diverse culture, of different people, and yet everything blends so well – like in a fruit salad. If a Hollywood film had been set in
Manila, it would be…
National Treasure! The metropolis is full of hidden treasures and different sceneries, and it is always a delight to discover them. Antonio Banderas should play the main role.

WHAT TO SEE

Historic Manila
Until World War II, Spanish-style buildings lined the cobblestone streets of this former fort. Those that remain (Casa Manila, Fort Santiago and San Agustin Church) reveal the city’s past colonial splendor.
Architect
Designed by architect Leandro Locsin, the Cultural Center of the Philippines is one of the city’s most iconic buildings and an important venue for performing arts, www.culturalcenter.gov.ph
All the world is a stage
Enjoy Broadway hits and Filipino theatrical talent. Repertory Philippines has a full line-up every year (OnStage, Greenbelt 1, tel (2) 887 0710, LRT Stn Ayala; www.repertory-philippines.com), PETA Theater stages classics in Filipino (tel (2) 7256244, www.petatheater.com).

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 (USD10.38).
Getting Around: Taxis are recommended, although buses and jeepneys ply their 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.

SLEEPING
Lion the witch and the wardrobe
Linden Suites is small on the outside but huge inside! There are serviced apartments, luxuriously large rooms, an ornate swimming pool complete with Grecian pillars and a new restaurant opening soon. 37 San Miguel Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City, tel (2) 638 7878, www.lindensuites.com

EATING
Party hotspots
Music of upcoming bands at Route 196 and its legendary street barbecue draws crowds to this stretch of Katipunan Ave (Blueridge, Quezon City, tel (2) 439 1972) while club of the moment Warehouse 135 has already seen international DJs taking booth control to entertain Manila’s most beautiful (135 Yakal St, Makati City, tel (2) 887 0526).

SHOP
Pearls
For South Sea pearls, check out the jewelry flea market at Greenhills Shopping Center, ww.greenhills.com.ph.
First class
For top 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
Interiors guru, Budji Layug showcases fine modern furniture made with local materials 233 Nicanor Garcia Street.

Visayas
Bacolod (area code +34)

WHAT TO SEE
Sun seekers
Take a two-hour drive to the white, palm beach at Lakawan, Cadiz.
Culture vulture
Check out the international doll collection at the Negros Occidental Provincial Museum.

SHOP
Under 100 pesos
Pick up some charming souvenir and gift items from the Negros showroom.

SLEEPING
L’Fisher Hotel
One of the grandest in the city, it’s found on 14th and Lacson Street.

EATING
Wine and dine
Tuck into great pizza at Bob’s, the town’s oldest family-owned restaurant, or slurp a bowl of the Cavern’s famous Moroccan Hairira soup. Pepe’s Restaurant, in Sorrento Place, serves great smoked barracuda in Cajun sauce.

LOCAL LIFE
Matthew Gonzalez
(Wacky Matt)
Student, Writer

Good thing to do at night…
Stroll down lover’s lane (the lagoon) at night! It’s so romantic!
Insider’s tip…
Ride the jeepney to exotic Silay! It’s only PHP10/USD0.25 and beats a taxi for me!
Must buys…
Just take a sugar cane from the highways here! They’re the best souvenirs! Even better, they’re free!
Must eats…
What would Bacolod be without its delicious Chicken Inasal?
If Bacolod was a fruit it would be…
A banana. At first it looks dull, but when you open it up and eat it, Bacolod is just as sweet as the banana!
If Bacolod was twinned with a city in the world, it would be twinned with…
Salt Lake City, USA. Bacolod is a hot, tropical version.

Cebu

Canoeing off the dramatic
coastli WHAT TO SEE
Beach bathing
Try the northern tip of the island or the south-west coast for some spectacular sun worship, or the island of Mactan for select private beaches.

Feel the history
Lapu-lapu Monument or the Magellan’s Cross is steeped in Filipino history. Why not share in the legacy and pose for a picture?

SLEEPING
Luxury living
The Shangri-la Matcan (Engano Road, Lapu-Lapu, tel (32) 231 0288,
www.shangro-la.com) is one of the most exclusive hotels, closely followed by the Hilton (Punta Engano, Mactan Island, tel (32) 492 777, www.hiltonworldresorts.com).

EATING
Rightfully famous
Cebu’s lechon (roast pig) is famous – just taste it for yourself. Sticky rice wrapped in banana leaves is also a local delicacy not to be missed.

SHOP
Guitar
The local symbol is prevalent across Cebu City. Pick up a souvenir. See our feature on Cebu on page 18,
Notes on a Gypsy Summer.

Dumaguete (area code +35)

Local Life

Vince J Utzurrum
HR Associate

Local recreation…
Grab a coffee or a beer at the local restobars and cafes around the city and chat while enjoying the cool breeze.
Famous visitors…
Showbiz has already invaded the city and we’ve had politicians, national artists and most of all Dr Jose P Rizal who is famously from the city.
I love living in Dumaguete because…
Of the ambience of the city. It’s an urban city with a rural atmosphere. No hustle and bustle. Just perfect.
Must buys…
Don’t forget to buy pasalubong at San’s Rival Cakes & Pastries! And Taster’s Delights yummy burgers! Two of a kind in Dumaguete City!
Must meet local characters…
Kuya Mo Atega of Siliman University, arguably the best tour guide in town.
If is was twinned with a city, it would be twinned with…
Paris. You will simply fall in love with the city the moment you step foot on it.

WHAT TO SEE
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.
The Bat Cave
Caves near Mabinay are among the 33 in the Dumaguete Province and are perfect for swimming and exploring centuries-old calcite formations.

SLEEPING
Value for money
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.

SHOP
A good thing to spend your money on is a motorcycle to drive you around town and see more of the city.

Visayas
iloilo (area code +33)

SLEEPING
Recently opened
Check out Centennial Resort Hotel in Alta Tierra. A hotel and resort in one.

EATING
Epicureus!
Celebrate the Ilonggos’ epicurean abilities with a bowl of deliciously invigorating La Paz Batchoy or Molo.

SHOP
Take home history
Poke around the old districts, such as Jaro, for classic-styled sugar baron abodes and other examples of Spanish architecture.

WHAT TO SEE
Religous Rigor
About 40km from Iloilo is 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.

LOCAL LIFE
Robert “Bobby” Rodriguez
Actor and teacher

Best night out…
Weekend parties in Iloilo have taken grander shape in the past year since the opening of Smallville – a complex of bars, restaurants and hotels. Fridays and Saturdays are packed until the wee hours. Themed parties, fine dining, featured DJs, videokes, and bands are some of the few things one can experience on this side of Iloilo.
Insider’s tip…
Cruise Iloilo River and see the city from a different point of view. You can rent a boat by Carpenter’s Bridge in Molo District (for about PHP200/USD5) as your starting point and cruise your way to Muelle Loney. It’s breathtaking and traffic-free. Just don’t forget to put on your sun block.

kalibo (area code +36)

LOCAL LIFE
Rene R Ricaforte
Owner, Lance R Marketing & Surplus Center

Unusual thing to do in Kalibo…
The month-long merrymaking on the street during the celebration of the Ati- Atihan Festival, known as the mother of all festivals…
If Kalibo was a fruit, it would be…
Rambutan. Banga boasts of producing the best rambutan in the region.
Famous person I’d most like to visit…
Clare Danes, so that she can experience the hospitality and kindness of the Aklanons.
Kalibo’s most famous export…
The world famous piña cloth, seafoods, crabs, prawns, oysters and bangus.
If it were twinned with a city in the world, it would be twinned with…
The town of Kalibo is unique!

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

SLEEPING
Exclusive hotel
Kalibo’s most stylish places to stay the night are Sampaguita Garden Resort (6 Rizal Street, New Washington, tel (36) 264 3422, www.sampaguitagardens. com) and the Blue Starfish in Jawili, Tangalan (Dumatad, Tangalan, tel 921 473 5843, www.silent-gardens.com).

EATING
Festival that’s not Ati-atihan
The Kalibo Food Festival is now in its 12th year. Catch it in June.
Breakfast
Try Cafe Latte for coffee and a continental breakfast, or Hernary’s Mix ’n Match for Filipino style tucker.

SHOP
Pina fabric
Pina is the queen of Philippine fabric and a world-renowned art form. Don’t leave Kalibo without checking it out! Local designer India dela Croz makes pillows for Calvin Klein from pina.

puerto princesa
(area code +48)

WHAT TO SEE
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. Puerto Princesa Subterranean River
National Park
At 8.2km, this is the longest navigable underground river in the world, although only 2km 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 – and a melting candle.

SLEEPING
Choice pickings
Kawayanan Resort (Abaa Road, San Pedro, tel (48) 434 7078, www.palawanresort. net) is a super-friendly hide-away, a short drive away from the city itself.

EATING
Vietnamese Village Restaurant
Only a few refugee families live here now, but this serves great food and snacks.
Capital snacking
We’re the country’s lamayo capital. You’ve got to buy a box of the dried fish to take back.

SHOP
Bargains
In the local markets there are plenty of cheap things to find. Flip flops go for a mere PHP50/USD1.25.

Roxas (area code +36)

WHAT TO SEE
Traditions
Roxas offers a host of treats for travellers seeking an “out of the way” destination. From the traditional Visayan lifestyle of Capiz, to the quiet fishing villages, isolated beaches and islands such as Napti, 20 minutes from Roxas.

SLEEPING
Swish snoozes
President’s Inn (Rizal Street, tel 6210208), and Nesta’s Hilltop Hotel (Province Park, Roxas City) are the pick of the swish.

SHOP
Oysters
These local delicacies are the thing to spend your money on. Nowhere better.

EATING
Seafood
The town is well known for all manner of seafood, from angel wings, to shrimp, bangus to talaba. Riverside carinderia (eateries) are the place to get them.

LOCAL LIFE
Rolendo Andrada
Government Employee

Insider’s tip…
The city itself is small so you can walk around it in one day. Alternatively, use a tricycle for around PHP6/USD0.15!
Local recreation…
Roxas City is known for its beaches. People usually go swimming during weekends, while some go to Capiz Stadium to play some sports.
Unusual fact about the city…
For the past few years, it’s been a consistent winner of the cleanest and greenest city in the region.
I love Roxas because…
The place is very safe and peaceful and the people are warm. Agriculture and Fishing are the primary industries and people just pick fruits and vegetables from their backyard or go to a nearby sapa to catch some fish for their food. Everything that we sell and eat here are fresh, from fruit to fish.
Must eats…
Blue marlin, shrimps, and oysters. You can buy a sack of oysters for just around PHP150/USD3.70 and eat to your heart’s content. Yummy!

Tacloban (area code +53)

LOCAL LIFE
Leo Rafael O de Guzman
Government Employee
Exclusive hotel…
The Leyte Park Resort offers guests elegant quarters, warm service, sumptuous food and a unique ambiance.
Insider’s tip…
Motorcycles can take you around the city at PHP5/USD0.12 per person. Stores close early here at around 7.30pm so get your souvenirs early.
Unusual fact…
The city is linked to the Island of Samar by the San Juanico Bridge built by Ferdinand Marcos for Imelda as a Bridge of Love that connected them.
Must buys…
Native banig: handwoven handicrafts made of Buri (Palm) Pandan or seagrass leaves. The leaves are dried, usually dyed, then cut into strips and woven into mats, hats, bags, wallets and much more.
Must eats…
Fresh and affordable seafood and local delicacy binagol, a specialty made from a kind of root crop, with a sweetened center mixed in with some peanuts, and placed in half a coconut shell, then wrapped in banana leaves and secured with a string tied in a radial pattern. It’s a treat anticipated by many people who have tasted it, who find the very sweet center and outer coating too good to miss!

EATING
Fruit of nature
It’s cheap, healthy and abundant in Tacloban, so chow down on banana, pineapple and other natural protein bars.

WHAT TO SEE
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.
Statue of history
Red Beach at Palo, is where General MacArthur fulfilled his legendary promise in 1944: “I shall return.”

SHOP
Abaca
Treat yourself to some locally-made abaca bags for under PHP50/USD1.25, and you’ll benefit the local economy.

Tagbilaran (area code +38)

WHAT TO SEE
Chocolate Hills
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.
Sights and history
Lesser-known attractions include the historical Baclayon Church and the rainforest with its beautiful waterfalls near to Antequera.
Tarsier
Bohol’s endearing mascot the Tarsier is the world’s smallest primate.

SLEEPING
Exclusive hotel
For an ambience that just says the word ‘class’ try the Bohol Plaza, www.boholplazaresort.com.

EATING
Chocoholic
The local markets serve delicious local chocolate. Buy some!
Beach beauties
Kaingit beach has a feast of good and affordable seafood dishes.

Mindanao / Butan (area code +58)

WHAT TO SEE
Museum quality
A 10 minute walk from the city center, the Butuan Regional Museum houses artifacts such as gold ornaments, pottery and burial coffins, evidence of the city’s long history as a center of trade.
Magallanes
Named after Ferdinand Magellan, this coastal town held the first mass in Mindanao and is home to the century-old Bitaug Tree, lit by fireflies in the evening.

EATING
Local snacks
Try mo-ron, suman-like with chocolate on the inside.

Cagayan de Oro (area code +8822)

WHAT TO SEE
Whitewashed
The city boasts a reputation for excellent whitewater rafting and river trekking. 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. For further information, check out 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.

EATING
Fish fish
At Lagoon Fish n Pen, you can enjoy the rising sun over breakfast.
Must eat
Ham, grilled food, ostrich meat and kinilaw (raw fish) are local delicacies, so it wouldn’t be right to leave without trying them.

LOCAL LIFE
Alex Onate
Estudiante

Best breakfast…
Try Vienna Café or Blue Berry Café for the taste of a European delicatessen.
Must see…
The Gardens of Malasag Eco-Tourism Village is located in a reforestd area in Malasag Hill. This seven hectare village has replicas of tribal houses in the region and a panoramic view of Macajalar Bay. The tourism village is owned and managed by the Philippine Tourism Authority
Exclusive hotel…
Pryce Plaza Hotel, Carmen Hill.
Unusual fact…
The city has been occupied by humans since around 377AD. Signs of ancient habitation were discovered in 1970 by field researchers of the National Museum.
Best thing to do at night…
Go to the High Ride lookout where you can see the night lights of the city.
Must eats…
Jamon Cagayan de Oro (pork ham) sold by Slers, Oroham and Pines, cashew nuts from Lumba district, chicharon (pork rind/skin) sold by Slers and local fruit delicacies.

Cotabato (area code +64)

WHAT TO SEE
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.
Arts and crafts
Beautiful Lake Sebu is the ancestral home of the T’Boli people. Traditional crafts include ornate beaded costumes, brassware and highly treasured weavings.

EATING
Shake it up
Try a mango or avocado shake at Manong Fruit Stand beside the Cotabato highway.

SHOP
Mall rats
Shop in South Seas mall, which is the biggest in the city, for local goods and textiles.

SLEEPING
Upmarket
For an exclusive overnight, check into Estosan Garden Hotel, Gov Gutierrez Bld, tel (2) 910 4203.

Dipolog (area code +65)

WHAT TO SEE
History comes alive
Visit the homes of national hero Dr Jose P Rizal 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.
Action adventure
You can go white-water rafting in Dipolog, just contact the local tourist information centre for a great tour guide.
Roadtrip
Drive up to Bukidnon and head over to the Monastery of the Transfiguration for some retreat. On your way back, take a peek at the pineapple farms and have lunch at Del Monte Clubhouse (they serve mouth-watering steaks).
Map of the people
Visit Rizal’s map of Mindanao.

EATING
At home treats
Home to the best delicacies in North Mindanao: pastel, Cheding’s roasted peanuts, or Monk’s Blend Coffee and even Spanish sardines from Dipolog.

SLEEPING
Swim and sleep
You can go for a dip at your hotel if you stay in Dakak Beach Resort, 30 minutes drive from Rizal Shrine by motorcycle.

SHOP
For food!
Just a block away from Xavier University you’ll find Butcher’s Best Barbeque. PHP50 gets you two barbecues (try the hot & spicy variant) and rice. As an added bonus it will give you a university vibe as students are all over the place.

Davao (area code +62)

WHAT TO SEE
Bird of Prey
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 these big bird’s talons? Now you can view them at the Philippine Eagle Nature Center.
Tribal gathering
There are many ethnic tribes in Davao who continue to live as they did centuries ago. You can meet them too. The T’boli people weave magic, so buying one of their unique hand-woven products is a must.
Artistic hub
The park in Davao is newly-decorated by local artist, Kublai, with statues of children, giant eagles and flowers.

SHOP
Presents
Must-buys for friends and family are durian, sarongs and malongs from Aldevinco Shopping Center.

EAT
Great in crates
You can buy fruit in wooden crates or special boxes with handles. Visit Davao’s markets and buy a crate to enjoy while relaxing on the beachside.

SLEEPING
Romance
Pearl Farm Beach Report or Paradise Island are great for couples.

LOCAL LIFE

Andrew “Drei” Boquiren
Filmmaker/Graphic Designer

Best breakfast…
Kakanin and native coffee at Bankerohan.
Favorite local festival…
Kadayawan! The entire city comes alive with so much festive activities.
Insider’s tip…
Catch a beautiful sunset along the coastline near Matina Aplaya.
Local recreation…
Weekend hiking and trail biking along the outskirts of the city (a lot of fantastic rugged trails). Diving.
Best thing to do at night…
Chilling out in any of the local coffee shops.
Must eats…
Hito (catfish) over at Calinan.
Unusual thing to do…
Play street chess in San Pedro. Or check out local films. The local filmmakers organize regular monthly screenings of their works in different bars.

General Santos (area code +83)

LOCAL LIFE

Kiara Anjelika Regaldo
Former Ms GenSan and model

Best breakfast…
Batchoy King which offers delicious la paz batchoy as early as 6am, and Fagioli Coffee Shop which offers cheap Filipino dishes such as tapsilog.
Favorite festival…
GenSan Street Party where East Asia Royale Hotel’s parking lot is closed and then converted into a really rocking party place!
Best place to stay…
Isla Parilla Resto and Resort. It’s a man-made mini island and has a great ambience that unique and offers fresh, delicious seafoods!
Insider’s tip…
Between 5-7am there are lots of freshlycaught tuna that can be seen at the port being prepared for export in Manila and outside the country.
Best place to take the gang…
Nearby beaches are only 20-30mins drive from downtown where you can enjoy snorkeling, scuba diving and swimming!
I love GenSan because…
There are absolutely no typhoons! You can live a healthy lifestyle because there’s no pollution and the Seafoods, fruits and vegetables are fresh and inexpensive!
Best thing to do at night…
Beer drinking at the restaurants of nearby beaches or going to an outdoor bar called “cookie by night” and enjoying their famous Onim’s baked chicken!
Interesting people from GenSan…
The City Mayor. He came from a family that has lived in the city for many years and also comes from a long line of politicians. You can also look for Manny Pacquiao!

WHAT TO SEE
Ups and downs
Explore Mount Parker and Mount Matutum and the caves.
Culture
The Kalilangan Cultural Festival from 23-27 February fills the city with life as it celebrates its rich heritage.

EATING
Tuna
DiliKaGuaPo, meaning “he’s not handsome” or DIlis KAg GUAva kag POmelo: small fish and guava and pomelo.

SLEEPING
Royal welcome
The East Asia Royale Hotel has all the amenities (National Highway).