kota kinabalu
city file
Country Code: +60 (88)
Currency: Malaysian Ringgit (RM1 = PHP13/
USD0.30)
From the Airport: A taxi takes you into town for
around RM20 (PHP260) in 10 minutes
Getting Around: Kota Kinabalu’s public
transport system is chaotic and a bit unreliable.
Unmetered taxis, some of which are airconditioned,
are the usual mode of travel,
so do haggle the fare beforehand
WHERE TO SLEEP
The Pacific Sutera is minutes away from the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. 1 Sutera Harbour Boulevard, Sutera Harbour, 88100, Kota Kinabalu; tel: +608 831 8888; www.suteraharbour.com
Radius International Waterfront is conveniently in a mall. 7th Floor, Warisan Square, 88000; tel: +60 88 525 969; www.radiuswaterfrontkk.com
WHERE TO SHOP
Centrepoint is located right on the waterfront. Also 1 Borneo in Sepanggar, when it is completed this year, will be the largest shopping mall in East Malaysia
WHERE TO EAT
Head to Ocean Seafood Village in the city for “Sabah Vege”. For Malay “Kampung” style food check out Restoran Sri Melaka, which is in the heart of Kota Kinabalu
LOCAL LIFE
Cathy H.
Nepomuceno
director of marketing
Shangrila’s Rasa Ria Resort
Best breakfast
Buffet Breakfast at Coffee Terrace, Rasa
Ria Resort at RM50! Or Laksa Noodle
Soup on Gaya Street – just RM4.50
Best night out
Shenanigan’s for live band and dancing
all night long or Atmosphere for a great
view and happy hour between 9pm-12mn!
Must-eats
Fresh seafood at Gayang’s or at Ocean
Seafood Restaurant
Must-buys
Sunday Market at Gaya Street to get local
handicrafts and electronics
Insider’s tip
No meter in taxi cabs so you have to
bargain with the cab drivers
hanoi
city file
Country Code: +84
Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND1,000 =
PHP2.5/USD0.06)
From the Airport: Noi Bai International Airport
sits 45km northwest of the capital, and taxis
can take you to the city center in 30 minutes for
about VND250,000 (PHP630) – do make sure
the meter is on!
Getting Around: You can hire a motorbike or
taxi, but it’s best to rent a bicycle or walk
WHERE TO SLEEP
The French colonial DeSyloia Hotel. 17A Tran Hung Dao, Hoan Kiem District; tel: +84 4 8245346; www.desyloia.com
WHERE TO SHOP
There are lots of lovely little shops all over Hanoi. Head to Dinh Tien Hoang Street for shoes, and then to Hang Bong Street for tailoring shops, so you can have clothes made expressly for you
WHERE TO EAT
Bobby Chinn’s overlooks the serene Hoan Kiem Lake and serves a chi chi fusion of authentic yet organic Vietnamese dishes
WHAT TO SEE
The lovely Hoan Kiem Lake, Uncle Ho’s Mausoleum and the old French Quarter
LOCAL LIFE
Kurt Walter
general manager
Hanoi Press Club and
Emeraude Classic Cruises
Best breakfast
Try The Press Club Deli’s muesli,
scrambled eggs in a croissant or some
pho. www.hanoi-pressclub.com
Best night out
“Friday Nights on The Terrace” at the Hanoi Press Club
Must-eats
Cha Ca La Vong, on Cha Ca Street, for
their signature noodles
Must-buys
Hans Kemp’s book Bikes of Burden
Insider’s tip
Relax aboard the Emeraude Halong Bay
night cruise. www.emeraude-cruises.com
ho chi minh
city file
Country Code: +84
Currency: Vietnam Dong (10,000VND = PHP25.4/USD0.63)
From the airport: Tan Son Nhat International Airport is a half-hour’s drive to District 1. A taxi there costs about 80,000VND (PHP203).
Getting Around: Motorbike drivers will take you anywhere for about VND20,000. Air-conditioned taxis will charge you about VND15,000 for the first two kilometers
WHERE TO SLEEP
Renaissance Riverside Hotel. 8-15 Ton Duc Thang Street, District 1; tel: +84 4 9263424; www.marriott.com/hotels/ travel/sgnbr-renaissance-riverside-hotelsaigon/
WHERE TO SHOP
Ben Thanh Market, District 1, for giftsLOCAL LIFE
Tin Sanchez
creative director
Best breakfast
Liver pate on a baguette and vegetables
Best night out
Temple Club. Apart from the fact that it
looks like an opium den, it’s also gained
a reputation because according to the
rumors, Angelina Jolie partied here
Must-buys
Hand-made Vietnamese bags
Must-eats
Check out Wrap & Roll. This place made
me love veggies, and now, I crave fresh
leaves like I crave desserts.
Insider’s tip
If a local likes you, the first place he
will take you is Ngon, 138 Nam Ky Khoi
Nghia Street, District 1
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) for a return trip.
Getting Around: Buses and the MTR are cheap
and efficient. Taxis from the airport cost at least
HKD300 (PHP1,668), but are affordable in the
city. Trams are just HKD2 (PHP11) on some roads
WHERE TO SLEEP
The Salisbury-YMCA. 41 Salisbury Road, Tsimshatsui, Kowloon; tel: +852 2 268 7000; www.ymcahk.org.hk/sales
WHERE TO SHOP
Check out Pokfulam Market and Discovery Bay Market. For more info, click on www.openairhk.com
WHERE TO EAT
Try the flakey layered egg tart and pineapple bun at Honolulu Cafe/Tahn Doh; 176-178 Hennessey Road, Wanchai
WHAT TO SEE
Begin with classic sights – Victoria Peak
and the Star Ferry from Hong Kong
Island to Kowloon. Visit the scenic
fishing port of Stanley and if you have
kids, there’s always Disneyland
LOCAL LIFE
Jean-Michel Wu
HR director
Best breakfast
A late breakfast of dim-sum, or yam cha
at Zen on the peak. Great view!
Best night out
My wife and I went to The Hidden Vine in
Soho, then we hit Kee club for dancing
Must-eats
Dim sum!
Must-buys
Electrical items like PCs and cameras are
the cheapest in Asia
Insider’s tip
Melvis, the Chinese Elvis, hangs out in
Soho on weekend nights. Start thinking
about booking tickets for next March’s
Hong Kong Sevens – it’s my favorite
local “festival”
guangzhou
city file
Country Code: +86
Currency: China Renminbi
(1RMB = PHP5.8 (USD0.13))
From the airport: Airport express buses
cost RMB10 to RMB30 (PHP58 to PHP174).
Taxis from the airport will run you RMB120
(PHP696) for the 28km to Haizhu Square
Getting Around: Buses, trams, the subway.
Taxis cost RMB7 (PHP41) for the first 2.3km
and RMB2.6 (PHP15) for each kilometer after
WHERE TO SLEEP
The Ritz Carlton is adjacent to the
Guangzhou Opera House. 3 Xing An
Road, Pearl River New City, Tianhe
District; tel: +8620 3813 6688;
www.ritzcarlton.com
WHERE TO SHOP
Shangxiajiu-Dishipu Pedestrian Shopping Street has 250 streets to browse through
WHERE TO EAT
The city’s number one restaurant, Pan Xi Restaurant. Try the fresh shrimp dumpling and water chestnut cake. 151, Longjin Road, West, Guangzhou; tel: +8620 8181 5718
WHAT TO SEE
Be sure to go on a riverboat night cruise, and enjoy the pretty lights on the water
LOCAL LIFE
Simon Wong
photojournalist
Best breakfast
Having dimsum at 5:30am with locals at
Leen Heung Lau
Best night out
Tea-drinking with friends on the tea boats
in Lai Wan Park, followed by a breezy
night stroll
Must-eats
Double skin milk, a warm, yogurt-like
treat from Sheunghajiu Street stalls
Must-buys
Haggle for Cantonese antiques, both
real and fake, from old lanes and alleys
over the river
Insider’s tip
Wander the narrow cobbled lanes in the
city’s old quarter for new boutique shops
macau
city file
Country Code: +853
Currency: Macau Pataca
(MOP1 = PHP5.8/USD0.12)
From The Airport: Bus AP1 goes from the
airport to the Barrier Gate (China border)
passing Macau Tower, Hotel Lisboa and the
Ferry Terminal. A 15-minute taxi trip to the
city costs MOP40-50 (PHP231-289)
Getting Around: Walking, pedicabs, tricycles
and hired cabs
WHERE TO SLEEP
The Venetian Macao Resort Hotel, Estrada de Baia de N. Senhora da Esperanca, Taipa, Macau, China; tel: +853 2882 8888; www.venetianmacao.com
WHERE TO SHOP
Avenida Almeida Ribeiro for luxury highclass boutiques and Chinese craft shops
LOCAL LIFE
Sarah Chung
spa manager
Best breakfast
Boca’s Eggs Florentine
Best night out
Drinks on the 38th floor outdoor terrace
at Crown followed by live music and
dancing at MGM’s Lion’s Bar
Must-eats
Lord Stow’s Egg Tarts at Coloane Village
and jugs of Sangria – it’s consumed like a
staple all over Macau!
Must-buys
Peanut candy, almond cookies and dried
beef from around the ruins of St. Paul’s
Insider’s tip
Explore Coloane Island’s scenic walking
paths. Have grilled monkfish and suckling
pig at Camoes in Fisherman’s Wharf
shanghai
city file
Country Code: +86
Currency: China Yuan Renminbi
(RMB1 = PHP6 (USD0.13)
From the Airport: The Maglev train gets you
from the airport to Longyuan station at
431km/hour in seven minutes
Getting Around: The metro system is wellpriced – RMB3 (PHP18) per trip. Get metro
maps at www.smartshanghai.com. Taxis are
also good, but drivers don’t speak English
WHERE TO SLEEP
Pudong Shangri-La Shanghai is on the
banks of the Hauanpu River, across the
Bund. 33 Fu Cheng Road; tel: +86 21
6882 8888, www.shangri-la.com
WHERE TO SHOP
Maison Mode on Huahai Road sells
designer brands like Gucci and
Hugo Boss
WHERE TO EAT
Baoluó Jiulóu attracts long queues of
people with its chaotic buzz and truly
authentic Chinese cuisine
WHAT TO SEE
Stroll along the Bund early in the
morning or late at night and ogle at the
amazing architecture
LOCAL LIFE
Lillian Zhang
PR practitioner
Best breakfast
Dumplings from the street vendor around
the corner of my home
Best night out
Bar-hopping with my girlfriends. We went
from a classy hotel lounge to a jazz bar to
a cocktail bar to an underground hip-hop
club filled with trendy 18-year-olds
Must-eats
Fried stinky tofu and yummy
Shanghainese pan-fried buns
Must-buys
A tailor-made qipao or mandarin gown
Insider’s tip
Alleys along Fu Xing Road and Heng
Shan Road sell second-hand antique
furniture and “Shanghai Lady” posters
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) or take the public bus for RMB1-2
(PHP5.84-11.69)
Getting Around: Bicycles are popular in
Xiamen due to the banning of mopeds and
motorbikes. Rent a pedal bike
WHERE TO SLEEP
With its lakefront location, the Marco
Polo Xiamen offers panoramic views
of the city. 8 Jianye Road, Hubin Bei,
Xiamen 361012, Fujian, China;
tel: +86 592 509 1888;
xiamen.marcopolohotels.com
WHERE TO SHOP
Zhongsan Road is full of big stores and large shopping centers. For more local products visit Dragon Head Road
WHERE TO EAT
Shuyou Seafood Restaurant is an old favorite in Xiamen, known for its impressive seafood menu
WHAT TO SEE
The colonial homes on Gulangyu Island
LOCAL LIFE
May Guan
writer/PR consultant
Best breakfast
Small canteens sell buns and
tasty congees for just RMB1-5 (roughly
USD0.15-USD0.75)
Best night out
The trendiest crowd treks to True Love
Must-eats
Try Wuzaitian’s shrimp noodles or dine to
impress at Suyou Seafood Restaurant
Must-buys
Tea, lacquer sculptures, herbal wines,
peanut candy and dried mushrooms
Insider’s tips
Bring cash when you travel in Xiamen as
most shops don’t take credit cards. And
do make sure to bargain at privatelyowned
shops as they tend to really jack
up their prices
jakarta
city file
Country Code: +62 (21)
Currency: Rupiah (IDR100,000 =
PHP473 or USD11)
From the Airport: Bluebird taxis to the city
cost around IDR98,000 (PHP463), plus the
IDR15,000 (PHP71) toll. The DAMRI bus goes
to any city bus station for IDR15,000 (PHP71)
Getting Around: TransJakarta aircon buses for
IDR3,000-5,000 (PHP14-24), or taxis. Take
the fun three-heeled Bajaj for short trips
WHERE TO SLEEP
Hotel Mulia is in the heart of the city, Jelan Asia Afrika Senayan; tel: +62 21 574 7777; www.hotelmulia.com
WHAT TO SEE
The National Monument and Dunia Fantasy, the Fantasy World theme park
LOCAL LIFE
Nadiah Fatriana
student
Best breakfast
Break your fast at the
foodstalls along Senayan’s jogging track
Best night out
With so many bars to choose from, a
great night would entail bar hopping
Must-eats
Try bubur nasi, rice porridge with
traditional toppings and soto ayam,
Indonesian style chicken soup.
Must-buys
Batik cloth, the kebaya – traditional
Indonesian clothing, and the traditional
Wayang puppet
Insider’s tip
The annual Pekan Raya Jakarta or Jakarta
Fair is a great place to find clothes, food,
and you might even find a soulmate
city file
Country Code: +60 (3)
Currency: Malaysian Ringgit (RM1 =
PHP13 (USD0.30)
From the Airport: A bus will take you
downtown for about RM10 (PHP130), but the
train takes you in half the time
Getting Around: Expressways, trains and
air-conditioned buses have the city covered.
Taxis are fast and affordable (if they use the
meter). The Light Rail trains offer city views
WHERE TO SLEEP
Hotel Maya is a five-star hotel near KLCC. 138 Jalan Ampang; tel: +60 3 2711 8866; www.hotelmaya.com.my
WHERE TO SHOP
KLCC for local jewelry and souvenirs. Beware of bag-slashers and pickpockets
WHERE TO EAT
The Noodle Room in the Hilton Kuala Lumpur, 3 Jalan Stesen Sentral; tel: +60 3 2264 2264; www.hilton.co.uk/kualalumpur
WHAT TO SEE
The Petronas Towers and the serene and scenic Lake Gardens, which include the historic National Monument as well as the Deer Park and Butterfly Park.
LOCAL LIFE
Sheila Paul
consultant
Best breakfast
Nasi lemak from a favorite
roadside stall
Best night out
Ghetto Heaven on Thursday nights at
Zouk for all night R’n’B and hip-hop
Must-eats
Bakuteh, assam laksa, and char siew
Must-buys
Pewter, batik, electronics, and a wide
array of British-branded apparel
Insider’s tips
Once the bars and clubs close at 3am,
you and your companion should make
like the party people and head for
the “mamak” stalls, which serve very
delicious and affordable chow like roti
canai and tandoori chicken.
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 take the MRT
and you’ll be there in about 20 minutes for just
SGD1.70 (PHP52)
Getting Around: Buses cover most areas. Taxis
are well priced, but can be erratic. The MRT
covers shopping areas, and there is also the SIA
hop-on bus and the Singapore trolley
WHERE TO SLEEP
The Link Hotel is five minutes from Tiong Bahru Market. 50 Tiong Bahru Road, tel: +65 6622 8585, www.linkhotel.com.sg
WHERE TO SHOP
Explore VivoCity at Harbour Front. It’s a mammoth mall, with the largest Golden Village cinema on the island
WHERE TO EAT
The Persimmon Bistro & Bar serves Euro-Singaporean fare. The Link Hotel; tel: +65 6227 2271
WHAT TO SEE
Singapore Botanic Gardens for nature walkabouts. For more information, go to www.sbg.org.sg/calendar
LOCAL LIFE
Diane Jorolan
assistant producer,
CNBC Asia
Best breakfast
Mee siam at Amoy Street hawker center
or yummy pork porridge at the Tanjong
Pagar market
Best night out
Clarke Quay, Dempsey and Robertson
Quay offer many choices for fickle
people who can’t make up their minds
Must-eats
Cheese prata at Clementi Road, cereal
prawns at Sin Hoi Sai, and nasi lemak
from almost anywhere
Must-buys
Get gadgets at great prices from
Sim Lim Square
Insider’s tip
Wear comfy shoes and dress cool.
Singapore is best enjoyed on foot!
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: Look for taxis with “Foreign
Language Service” stickers. Most taxis can be
shared except the black, yellow top cabs. Eight
subway lines serve all the main areas
WHERE TO SLEEP
The lush Grand Hyatt Seoul. 747-7 Hannam 2-Dong, Yongsan-Ku; tel: +822 797 1234; www.seoul.grand.hyatt.com
WHERE TO SHOP
Apkujong has funky boutiques and department stores
LOCAL LIFE
JungHyun Won
market researcher
Best breakfast
Omelette or scrambled eggs and
sausages in Itaewon
Best night out
2080 Live Café, a live-music café near
White Cloud Lake, where I love to go for
dinner and music!
Must-eats
Kimchi, bulgogi, bibimbab, and
samgyetang. For dessert, su-jung-gwa
(cinnamon tea) and delicous mae-sil-cha
(plum tea)
Must-buys
Crispy and salty gim (seaweed)
Insider’s tip
To get the true taste of Seoul, try the
street food. Go to Myeong-dong and try
some hot-ba (fried fish balls on a stick)
pusan
city file
Country Code: +82
Currency: South Korean Won (KRW1 = PHP0.05
/USD0.001)
From the Airport: Opt to take the bus, the
Pusan Subway Line or railroad line. To plan your
transfers, click on gimhae.airport.co.kr/eng
Getting Around: The city has an excellent road
network and efficient bus and subway system.
The high-speed KTX train line between Pusan
and Seoul (the Gyeongbu Line) provides quick
and easy travel between Korea’s two main cities
WHERE TO SLEEP
The Empire Hotel is a short drive from
the airport. 398-14, Deokcheon 2-Dong,
Buk-Gu; tel: +82 51 337 8811
WHERE TO SHOP
Browse through Busanjin Market, the Jayu Market and Jewellers’ Street near Beomildong station
WHERE TO EAT
Songjeong Beach has a number of good quality restaurants, from luxurious to mid-range. There are also raw fish centers for a quick meal
WHAT TO SEE
Geumgang Park features the Pusan Marine Natural History Museum
LOCAL LIFE
Edward Lee
overseas business
development manager
Best breakfast
Miyouk gook (brown seaweed soup) with
rice at any traditional Korean restaurant
Best night out
Go out to Gwangan Bridge for its
stunning night views
Must-eats
Raw fish and dongrae pajun (Korean
pancakes) washed down with delicous
makgoli (rice wine)
Must-buys
Lacquer works, ceramic ware and
amethyst jewelry
Insider’s tip
The city hosts the grand Pusan
International Film Festival
(www.piff.org), with lots of stars
to ogle
taipei
city file
Country Code: +886
Currency: New Taiwan Dollar
(TWD1 = PHP1.34/USD0.03)
From the Airport: Taxis to the city cost about
TWD1,100/ PHP1,477. Private bus companies
also run from both terminals, costing about
TWD110-140 (PHP148-188)
Getting Around: Take the MRT with a stored
value Easy Card for transfers between MRT
and buses (TWD15/PHP20) per section
WHERE TO SLEEP
The Caesar Park Hotel is close to the Presidential Palace and other city sights. 38 Chung Hsiao W. Road, Section 1; tel: +886 2 2311 5151; www.caesarpark.com
WHERE TO SHOP
Check out the great shops in backalleys like Zhongxiao East Road and Yong Kang Street
WHERE TO EAT
Wu-Ding at Shida Night Market sells Japanese oden, a stew made with fish paste cakes, konnyaku and vegetables
WHAT TO SEE
Check out Taipei 101 office tower, once the world’s tallest building, and for contrast, visit the Lungshan Temple
LOCAL LIFE
Zhuan Lee
journalist
Best breakfast
Shi jie dou jiang da wang, or “World
Soybean Milk Magnate”. Have it with flaky
buns and dough fritters
Best night out
Celebs and fashionable folk chill at
Room 18/18 Lover. www.room18.com.tw
Must-eats
Freshly-baked pepper buns at Rouhe
night market
Must-buys
If you’re in the market for a laptop, you
may be able to hunt one down here. Also,
don’t forget to bring home local snacks,
pastries and fruits
Insider’s tip
Grab a free copy of POTS Weekly for
information on the week’s hot events
kaohsiung
Country Code: +886
Currency: New Taiwan Dollar
(TWD1=PHP1.34/USD0.03 )
From the Airport: Taxis cost TWD250 to the
city. But you can take the new KRT mass
rapid transit and it takes only 10 minutes. The “I pass card” is only NTD12 per trip.
The KRT is also linked to the high-speed rail
train (HRT)
Getting Around: KRT, taxis, bicycles, walking
WHERE TO SLEEP
The Ambassador Kaohsiung. 202 Min Sheng 2nd Road; tel: +886 7 211 5211; www.ambassadorhotel.com
WHERE TO SHOP
Stroll Bamboo Street for traditional hats, raincoats and household items
LOCAL LIFE
Irene S Ng
consular staff/part-time DJ
Best breakfast
Hsing Lung Chu along Tzu Chiang Road
Best night out
Dinner at the Airport Café and drinks
while watching the planes
Must-eats
Take the ferry to Chi Chin Island and
enjoy the NTD100 per plate of seafood
Must-buys
Jewelery, watches, gadgets, gifts and
stationary, and of course, Chiku cake
Insider’s tip
For a good meal that won’t break the
bank, go to the department store food
courts. The World Games will be held
here in 2009. The new KRT system makes
all the shopping districts convenient and
easy to travel to!
city file
Country Code: +66 (2)
Currency: Thai Baht (THB1 = PHP1.4/
USD0.03)
From the Airport: There’s a free shuttle
to the airport’s Public Transportation Center,
then take a taxi or bus. Taxis from airport will
cost THB200 (PHP271.30), including toll
Getting Around: Travel around town via BTS
Skytrains. Stored value cards start at THB200
(PHP290). Tuk tuks for short distances.
WHERE TO SLEEP
The Metropolitan is a contemporary
hotel with a chic lounge bar and
holistic spa. 27 South Sathorn Road,
Tungmahamek, Sathorn, tel: +66 2 625
3333, metropolitan.como.bz.bangkok
WHERE TO SHOP
The fabulously revamped Central World
is one of Southeast Asia’s biggest malls
WHERE TO EAT
The Celadon offers authentic Thai cuisine. 13/3 South Sathorn Road, tel: +66 2 287 0222
WHAT TO SEE
Stand in awe of the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew. Or you can take a river boat cruise
LOCAL LIFE
Gina Esguerra
photographer/food stylist
Best breakfast
Many stalls serve hearty fruit, noodle or
rice meals for THB40 (roughly USD1.20)
Best night out
Bed Supperclub is one of the city’s
trendiest nightspots
Must-eats
Check out Limoncello with friends and
family. Impress your date with dinner
at Sirocco
Must-buys
For great bargains, Chatuchak weekend
market is the place to go to
Insider’s tip
Be wary of taxi drivers or locals who offer
to take you to stores other than where
you want to go. They get a commission for customers they bring in
luzon - laoag (area code +77
WHERE TO SLEEP
Rio Grande de Laoag Resort and Hotel offers a view of the Laoag Pasdan River. Barangay 30-A Suyo, Laoag City; tel: +77 770 5458, 917 4836102
Java Hotel, nestled in the city, has 50 bedrooms, recreational facilities, and a Balinese-Moroccan inspired design. Bacarra Road, Barangay 55-B Salet, tel: +77 770 5996, 910 877 6849; email: java_hotel@yahoo.com; www.javahotel.com.ph
WHERE TO SHOP
Food of all kinds as well as a plethora of local gifts and fine handicrafts can be found at the Laoag Public Market, bounded by Villanueva, Abadilla, Rizal Streets and Castro Avenue
WHERE TO EAT
Tuck into tasty Ilocano fare like bagnet – deep-fried pork belly rinds, and poqui-poqui – eggplant cooked with egg, tomatoes and onions – among other local delights at this foodie favorite for locals and tourists alike. La Preciosa Restaurant, Rizal Street, Laoag City, Ilocos Norte; tel: +77 773 1162 or 77 773 2159
LOCAL LIFE
Leilanie Adriano
writer
Best breakfast
For mouth-watering local
cuisine, the best place is in La Preciosa
Best night out
Engineering Bar and Restaurant at San
Nicolas 365 Plaza – it’s where people go
to chill and watch bands play
Must-eats
Longganisa, bagnet, pinakbet,
dinengdeng, dinuguan, and seafood
Must-buys
Bring home chicharon, rice coffee, basi
(native wine), sukang Iloko (sugar cane
vinegar), and cornicks
Insider’s tip
Try riding a kalesa or horse-drawn carriage to the market for adventure. And
make sure to see the unique shores of
Pagudpud beach, just one hour away
clark (area code +45)
WHERE TO SLEEP
Hotel Stotsenberg provides first-rate accommodations in the Freeport Zone. Gil Puyat Ave. corner A. Soriano Street, www.hotelstotsenberg.com
The Clark Hostel gives you great value for money as well as cozy, comfortable accommodations Ninoy Aquino Avenue corner M.A. Roxas Highway, CSEZ, Clarkfield; tel: +45 599 7500; email: info@clarkhostel.com
WHERE TO SHOP
Check out Oriental and Liberty dutyfree
shops for home décor, appliances,
chocolates and other goods
WHERE TO EAT
Enjoy barbecue and Pampanga’s mountain view at Rodizio Rooftop Grill. Holiday Inn Clark Mimosa Leisure Estate, Mimosa Drive, Clark Field; tel: +632 910 4203 up to 05 (24-hour hotline)
LOCAL LIFE
Marivic Gilera
lawyer
Best breakfast
VFW restaurant outside of
Clark. Big servings at reasonable prices
Best night out
Klub Bossa on Rivera-Lim Street for live
bands and one of the best sizzling sisigs
in town. Or Bruno and Diego with its
acoustic performers and baked mussels
Must-eats
Try the well-known kamaro (crickets) and
batute (frog) at Everybody’s Cafe
Must-buys
Tocino and longganisa from Mekeni’s or
Pampanga’s Best. Maja blanca made from
carabao’s milk and cassava cake
at Susie’s Cuisine
Insider’s tip
Be open to adventure in Clark!
WHERE TO SLEEP
Hotel Venezia’s suites come with a
veranda and view of the majestic
Mayon Volcano. Washington Drive;
tel: +52 481 0877 to 88
In the town of Sto. Domingo, 15 minutes
away from Legazpi City, you’ll find coalcolored
volcanic sand beaches and the
resort that takes their name. The Black
Sand Resort; tel: +52 435 2000
WHERE TO SHOP
Visit the Legazpi Market for fresh greens - bundles and bundles of taro leaves, cassava tops, pako (fern), tanglad (lemongrass) and a selection of chillies
WHERE TO EAT
You must try delicious Bicolano dishes both traditional and fusion, like Laing Spaghetti. Small Talk Café, Doña Aurora Street, Legazpi City; tel: +52 480 1393 Visit Waway’s, Bicol’s oldest restaurant which serves delectable Bicolano cuisine that is easy on the pocket. Along Penaranda Street
WHAT TO SEE
The observation station at Lignon Hill offers views of the Mayon Volcano and Legazpi city. See the whale sharks in Donsol, 90 minutes away. The Donsol Tourism Office; tel: 927 2330364; email: ecotour_donsol@yahoo.com
LOCAL LIFE
Maya Yap
entrepreneur
Best breakfast
The laing is so yummy, why
not have it for breakfast with garlic rice?
Best night out
Southroad Bar for live bands and
Sanctuario Bar for karaoke night
Must-eats
Laing (or taro leaves with hot chili and
coconut milk), Bicol Express (or pork with
chili, veggies and coconut milk) and for
dessert, pili sweets
Must-buys
Frozen laing from Camalig, Albay, abaca
bags and other novelties and handicrafts
from the local market
Insider’s tip
The city may be gritty and bustling, but it
has the advantage of the vista of Mayon
Volcano, a pretty port and nearby sights
manila
city file
City Code: +2
From the Airport: The ride to the tourist
districts of Manila and Makati should
take around 30 minutes, and cost about
PHP450 (USD10.38)
Getting Around: Taxis are recommended as
opposed to buses and jeepneys. Make sure
they turn on the meter. The MRT/LRT is faster,
but limited and only open from 5:30am to
10:30pm. Cars may be hired, with driver
WHERE TO SLEEP
Built upon a pre-war mansion, the Orchid Garden Suites has 89 guestrooms and suites with a view of the Manila Bay sunset. 620 Pablo Ocampo Sr. Street, Malate; tel: +2 523 9860, 523 9870, orchidgardenhotel.com
Discovery Suites is the perfect option for big groups and families, with choices of three-bedroom suites available. And the location is impeccable, with the well-heeled Podium mall just across the street with easy access to shopping malls SM Megamall and Robinson’s Galleria by foot. 25 ADB Ortigas Center, Pasig City, tel:+2 683 8222, discoverysuites.com
The Peninsula Hotel may have been rammed down by a tank last year, but the splendor of one of Makati’s most elegant hotels has been fully restored. With 497 rooms and suites, an array of fine dining options, and modern conveniences, it will suit business and leisure travelers alike. Corner of Ayala and Makati Avenues, Makati City; tel: +2 887 2888; manila.peninsula.com
G Hotel Manila by Waterfront along
Roxas Boulevard takes on an ultramodern
design with black and white
interiors. Fifty deluxe rooms and a 24-
hour butler service make for a intimate
and relaxing experience. 2090 Roxas
Boulevard, Malate; tel: +2 525 0888,
email: g-hotel.com.ph
WHERE TO SHOP
Score high quality Philippine handicrafts
and Silahis Arts and Crafts in the Intramuros store, which even has a
gallery and a fascinating old books
section. Tesoro’s, Mabini Street;
tel: +2 522 0752
A number of flagship stores flank
Bonifacio High Street, such as Fully
Booked’s five-storey haven (+2 858
7000), Crocs’ complete footwear lineup
(+2 856 1358), Alessi’s kitchenware
collectibles (+2 856 4452), and stylish
furniture brand Bo Concepts. Lots of
options and places to eat, to boot.
5th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City,
Taguig City
A complex of open-planned “villages”
featuring stylized Filipino architecture,
Tiendesitas has everything from
handicrafts and antiques to food and
fashion finds to pet and garden shops.
Practice your haggling skills and prepare
to shop till you drop with its 12nn—12mn
shopping hours. Tiendesitas, Ortigas
Avenue corner E. Rodriquez Avenue
(C-5), Pasig City; tel: +2 386 3927;
tiendesitas.com.ph
R. Hidalgo street in Quiapo has
numerous camera stores frequented
by serious shutterbugs. Just take note:
it’s in the middle of a very busy and
crowded marketplace
WHAT TO SEE
Most of it may have been bombed during WWII, but the Walled City of Intramuros has been reconstructed. A walking tour is the best way to appreciate the city more. Book one with Carlos Celdran tours, tel: 920 909 2021
The newly opened Manila Ocean Park oceanarium is proving to be the perfect family destination. Soon there will be a boutique mall, open water marine habitats, a restaurant row, and hotel. Behind Quirino Grandstand, Luneta; tel: +2 567 7777; manilaoceanpark.com
Do your part while you commune with
nature at La Mesa Ecopark and help
save the La Mesa Watershed. East
Fairview, Quezon City; tel: +2 430 4051;
lamesaecopark.com
LOCAL LIFE
Apa Ongpin
senior vice president
for marketing, PhilWeb
Corporation
Best breakfast
Cafe Adriatico. It’s not haute cuisine, but it’s
really what Filipinos like to eat for breakfast
at anytime of the day. 1790 M. Adriatico
Street, Malate; tel: +63 2 525 2509
Best night out
What generations of night crawlers have
said and still say about Malate is that
it’s the place where you can be anyone
you like, even yourself, for a change. It
is unpretentious compared to Makati or
Fort Bonifacio, and yet it’s far more edgy
and unpredictable than Quezon City. On
Fridays, you may want to head to The Oar
House, a bar on Mabini Street. When it’s
happening, it’s a real life sitcom. When it’s not happening, it’s a real cheap place to
get wasted, anyway. Do not go there if you
like things clean, predictable, orderly and
serious. On Saturdays, try the Hobbit House,
on M.H. del Pilar Street in Ermita. This is
a three-decade-old bar staffed argely by
dwarves. Just get over the dwarf thing, it’s
irrelevant. Live music – blues, rock and folk – is why you’re there. There’s also a good
pool table in the back
Must-eats
Mangoes from Binondo or San Andres
market, and Arce Dairy Ice cream,
specifically the mangosteen flavor
Must-buys
Spoofs on brands t-shirts, particularly if you
are a balikbayan. They make great gifts, and
are a kick to wear elsewhere in the world
Insider’s tip
Always bring an extra t-shirt and don’t
ever go anywhere the taxi driver tells you is
really great
naga (area code +54)
WHERE TO SLEEP
Right at the centro (the city center) is the relatively new Naga Land Hotel. Elias Angeles Street; www.nagalandhotel.com
WHERE TO SHOP
Buy abaca items at the market, then
head to ukay-ukay stores selling
secondhand items. They are on the
second floor of Naga City Supermarket.
General Luna Street
WHERE TO EAT
Pop into Graceland 1 (or G1) for some
delicious, authentic Bicol cuisine.
Kinastilyohan Street
Bigg’s Diner serves cheeseburgers,
barbecue, and Bicol’s specialty, laing.
Evangelista Street; tel: +54 472 1501
WHAT TO SEE
See the four-century-old Naga Metropolitan Cathedral for Nuestra Senora de Peñafrancia feast held every September
See Mount Isarog, the Malabsay Falls or Panicuason Hot Springs. DENR Protected Area Office; tel: +54 472 8018; www.naga.gov.ph
LOCAL LIFE
Karla Marsia Rey
writer/editor
Best breakfast
New China restaurant is an
old noodle place that opens early. Get
the best pandesal ever at Atlantic Bakery
near the centro
Best night out
Molino Grill on Magsaysay Avenue. For
billiards and videoke, try Mud Bugs
Must-eats
Pinangat, kinunot, laing (we call it
natong) and Café Candice’s toasted
siopao with asado mami
Must-buys
Candied sesame seeds, pili nuts, abaca
bags, and frozen laing from G1
Insider’s tip
Visit in April and May, at Christmas or
during the fiesta in September
san jose (area code +43)
WHERE TO SLEEP
Check in at Sikatuna Beach Resort. Airport Road, San Jose, Occidental Mindoro; tel: +43 491 2182
White House Safari Lodge is a twostory house converted into an inn with a nearby black sand beach. It’s just five minutes away from the airport. Airport Road; tel: +43 491 1656
WHERE TO SHOP
Go to the market to score kitschy native necklaces and bracelets
WHERE TO EAT
Notable eateries like Ax’s Restaurant,
Chowder, or Kusina ni Lea
WHAT TO SEE
Sablayan’s world-famous Apo Reefas well as the Pandan Island for great dives, tel: 919 305 7821; www.pandan.com
LOCAL LIFE
Joey Dinglasan
council scout executive of
Occidental Mindoro
Best breakfast
I enjoy the one at the restaurant of
Sikatuna Beach Resort, or visit Goto
Mami for something hot
Best night out
San Jose’s prominent people go to
Chowder and Ax Restaurant, which is
located in the heart of town
Must-eats
Seafood, like crabs, shrimps, sugpo (giant
prawns), squid, lobsters, coconut crabs,
tuna and other delicious fish
Must-buys
Fresh seafood is the best pasalubong
Insider’s tip
Ask a local to show you the beaches on
the islands of Ilin and Ambulong
WHERE TO SLEEP
Check in at Hotel Roma. Luna corner
Bonifacio Street; tel: +78 844 1057
Save while you slumber at the Hotel
Ivory and Convention Center. National
Highway, Barangay Buntun, Tuguegarao;
tel: +78 846 1722
WHERE TO SHOP
Take home alcala milk candy made from carabao’s milk and hot chocolate tablets
WHERE TO EAT
Water Farm Diner offers Cagayan’s famed noodle dish, the batil patong pancit. Along the national highway in Gattaran
WHAT TO SEE
In the nearby town of Peñablanca is the seven-chambered Callao Cave, a popular tourist attraction of Cagayan. Contact the Department of Tourism regional office, tel: +78 844 1621
Take a short boat ride from Callao Cave to the Bat Cave along the Minoran River and watch the bats fly out of their caves as the sun sets
Check out the Cagayan Museum and Historical Research Center (located at the Provincial Capitol Complex), which houses fossils, pottery products and other artifacts
LOCAL LIFE
Earl Pasinos
speech and language
pathologist
Best breakfast
Leng-Leng, which serves the best lomi
and is open 24/7
Best night out
The Port is a good spot to unwind with
friends over drinks
Must-eats
Batil patong pancit, which means “egg on
top” noodle dish
Must-buys
Candy made from carabao’s milk
Insider’s tip
There are a great many beautiful old
churches here, such as Saints Peter
and Paul Metropolitan Cathedral, that
are worth seeing. Also check out the
Cagayan Musuem
bacolod (area code +34)
WHERE TO SLEEP
L’Fisher Hotel is one of Bacolod’s prime hotels. 14th and Lacson Street; tel: +34 433 3731 to 39 or +632 910 4203 up to 05; email: lfisher@globelines.com.ph
At Palmas del Mar, relax in your poolside suite. J.R. Torres Avenue; tel +34 434 7971 to 72; email: palmasdelmar_bcd@ yahoo.com.ph; www.palmas-del-mar.com
WHERE TO SHOP
Apart from the ample wares of the Central Market, the ANP Negros Showroom offers the best and broadest selection of Negrense handicraft products, houseware, gifts and decorative items as well as local food delights. Lourdes C Building, 9th Lacson Street; tel: +34 433 8833/435 0716
WHERE TO EAT
Bar 21 Restaurant for the batchoy and other local favorites. 21st Street corner Lacson Street, tel: +34 433 4096
Trattoria Uma specializes in authentic Italian cuisine. Make sure you remember to order wine, too! CSI Building, 15th and Lacson Street; tel: +63 34 709 1808 and +63 34 435 0957
LOCAL LIFE
Mia Marchadesch-Jaranilla
director and partner
Galerie Joaquin Pte. Ltd
Best breakfast
Try Pendy’s along Lacson Avenue for the
best Spanish food, including callos. You
can also buy pasalubong here
Best night out
Get drinks and tapas at Pepe’s in the
Sorento Building along Lacson
Must-eats
Try the inasal at either Bacolod Chicken
House or Chicken Deli. For coffee, try the
new Kuppa
Must-buys
Local delights like piaya and barquillos,
plus chorizo Manaloto
Insider’s tip
See the work of artists Charlie Co,
Raymond Legaspi and Leah Samson.
Bacolod is their hometown
dumaguete (area code +35)
WHERE TO SLEEP
At Atlantis Dumaguete, you can stay in a “Honeymoon Hut,” stroll the shoreline, learn to scuba, and take a short boat trip to the renowned dive sites of Apo Island, Balicasag reef and the Dauin Marine Sanctuaries. Lipayo, Dauin, Negros Oriental; tel: +35 425 2327; www.atlantishotel.com/dumaguete
WHERE TO SHOP
Handumanan, meaning “remembrance” in English, is a popular souvenir shop that sells various Philippine products.
Arte de Negros sells wooden home furnishings, wrought iron lamps and more. Km. 5 Junob, Dumaguete City, tel: +35 422 6559
Orient Gifts offers a wide selection of native handbags, antiques and freshwater pearls. San Jose Street, Dumaguete City
LOCAL LIFE
Pearl Bangayan
entrepreneur
Best breakfast
Drop in at Antulang Beach Resort. This
luxe resort has poolside villas with their
own heated outdoor Jacuzzi and zen
garden
Best night out
Visit the Boulevard, a very popular place
along the bay
Must-buys
Woven piña cloth and pretty clay pottery
Must-eats
Budbud kabud and chicken inato,
Dumaguete’s specialty
Insider’s tip
Go on a food trip with friends at the
restaurants along the shore of the
Boulevard. This city presents the perfect
getaway from the usual busy city life
iloilo (area code +33)
WHERE TO SLEEP
Enjoy a wonderful sunset view at Hotel Del Rio, located at M.H. Del Pilar Street, Molo, Iloilo City, tel: +33 335 1171 to 74, email: stay@hoteldelrio.net, www.hoteldelrio.net
WHERE TO SHOP
You can check the Central Market,
the House of Sinamay (Osmeña
Street in Arevalo), Asilo de Molo and
Local Manufacturer’s Trade Center
for handmade crafts, souvenirs and
pasalubong for friends and family
WHERE TO EAT
Ted’s Old Timer Batchoy, which has many branches around the city, is the household name in Iloilo when it comes to batchoy. This local noodle soup made of pork innards, crushed pork cracklings, vegetables, chicken or beef, shrimp, broth, and miki noodles is a must-try
LOCAL LIFE
Luigi Gimenez
president
Phoenix Pharmaceutical Inc.
Best breakfast
The Hotel del Rio, Days Hotel, Sarabia
Manor and Amigo Hotel have great
breakfast buffets plus tapsilog
Best night out
At Smallville on Benigno Avenue, there
is Flow Bar for up-to-date music and a
yuppie crowd, Freska for the best bar
chow and MO2 for karaoke rooms
Must-eats
Pansit molo (with egg!) and batchoy
Must-buy
Buy dried seafood items and delicacies
like biscocho plus fruits in season,
mangoes and the best siniguelas!
Insider’s tip
Iloilo has pretty much everything – just
research what you want to do!
cebu (area code +32)
WHERE TO SLEEP
Casa Escaño, an ancestral house with modern B&B facilities and a fine dining restaurant (Don Merto’s). Juana Osmeña St., Cebu City; tel: +32 253 5564, 253 5563; email: casaescano@yahoo.com
Try Cebu’s most exclusive boutique
resort, the Abaca Boutique Resort.
Punta Engano Road, Mactan Island,
Lapu-Lapu City; tel: +32 495 3461;
www.abacaresort.com
Indulge in laidback, tropical island life at Cebu White Sands on Maribago Beach with its 18 well-appointed guestrooms. Looc Maribago, Mactan Island, Lapu-lapu City; tel: +32 495 9000; whitesands.com.ph
Treat you and your loved one to a Lagoon Side room and a spa indulgence package at Plantation Bay Resort and Spa. Mactan Island, Lapu-Lapu City; www.plantationbay.com
WHERE TO SHOP
Check out Tabuan for cheap bags and accessories at Carbon Market
For chic, well-designed clothes and accessories for men, and women, Loalde, a Cebu fashion brand, is it. Best of all, it’s got stores all over Cebu. www.loalde.com
Go to Abaseria Deli, which has a display area of export overruns, accessories and home items. Villa Aurora, Mabolo, Cebu; tel: +32 233 8339
WHERE TO EAT
Head for Kaona Grill for grilled meats and seafood, across Ayala Mall, Cebu Business Park; tel: +32 231 8539
Try the Brownie Cup at Cebu’s premier dessert place, La Marea. Crossroads, Banilad and Paseo Arcenas, Banawa
Great Filipino food in a fine dining environment plus good service with a personalized touch combine at Café
Laguna. Try the puto bumbong! Level 1 Ayala Center Cebu, Cebu City; tel: +32 231 0922; cafelaguna.com
Get your oyster fix at Olio Bar and
Restaurant, which serves a mix of local
and western favorites. Crossroads,
Manilad and Paseo Arcenas, Banawa;
tel: +32 232 3589
WHAT TO SEE
Cebu is the perfect jump-off point for prime island hopping. Check out the islands of Sumilon, Bantayan, Malapascua, Camotes and Pandanon. Ask your hotel for information
Head up to Tops, a look-out point atop Busay Hills, to get a breathtaking view of Cebu City, Mactan and Olongapo. Cottages are available for picnics
Find the life-sized replica of the Lord Jesus and his 12 apostles that dates back to 1601. Chapel of the Last Supper, San Jose Parish Church, Mandaue City, north of Cebu
LOCAL LIFE
Leanne Florendo
managing director
A.L. Amizade Mktg., Inc.
Best breakfast
Bo’s Coffee Club has pretty good waffles.
Or you might want to try the pancakes
and bacon at The Gustavian
Best night out
Veranda of Angelinas has a relaxed vibe.
Try Z for great wine and interiors by
world-renowned Kenneth obonpue
Must-eats
Cebu lechon with puso (or rice wrapped
in leaves).
Must-buys
Treats from Les Chocolaterie at Don
Merto’s Restaurant, tel: +32 420 4933
Insider’s tip
Check out the new tour group for
island hopping and sunset cruises
at islandsbancacruisesmultiply.com
kalibo (area code +36)
WHERE TO SLEEP
Sampaguita Garden Resort is a picturesque getaway. 506 Rizal Street, New Washington; tel: +36 264 3422 or 264 5555; www.sampaguitagardens.com
Surrounded by a tropical forest and beaches, Blue Starfish is a charming Spanish-Mediterranean inspired resort. Jawili, Tangalan; tel: 921 473 5843/ 918 239 0676
WHERE TO SHOP
Buy world-class handicrafts at Javier and India Legaspi’s Heritage Arts and Crafts. 1476 corner D. Maagma and Goding Ramos Extension Streets; tel: +36 268 5455
WHERE TO EAT
Just outside town towards the port, there is a row of restaurants serving up fresh grilled seafood. Sikini (short for Filipino dishes Sinigang, Kinilaw, and Nilaga) does local food. Aquafresh is on stilts so you have a view of the green fishponds
WHAT TO SEE
Stroll around the newly-restored town plaza where you will find the restored Agustinian Kalibo Cathedral, Museo that retains some of its post-war character. Also worth seeing are the Museo It Akean, the “school of the king” as well as the new public library
LOCAL LIFE
Quintin Pastrana
energy executive
Best breakfast
Brunch at Tierra Vega. You
have a great choice between continental
favorites, and Aklan specialties such as
inubarang manok
Best night out
Also at Tierra Vega. It’s laidback,
bohemian, friendly and inebriated. It’s like
Boracay but less pretentious, more cozy
because it’s on a farm.
Must-eats
Our sticky-sweet suman – which is
healthy and doesn’t need extra sugar – and banana chips
Must-buys
Piña silk for your barong Tagalog
Insider’s tip
Talk to the locals—we all know how to
enjoy la vita bella
WHERE TO SLEEP
Tucked inside D’Mall (Boracay’s outdoorshopping center), The Tides Hotel
Boracay features stylishly furnished
rooms and a sun deck bar and café,
www.tidesboracay.com
If an affordable price is your priority when it comes to accommodations, stay at Bans Beach Resort’s no-frills cottages located conveniently in front of the White Beach walk path. Tel: +36 288 3156, 288 3837
WHERE TO SHOP
Take home lampshades, wall hangings and other home décor from the Lonely Planet Boracay shop. Hand- and screenpainted shirts are also sold here
WHERE TO EAT
Find a table at Real Coffee, a quiet and cozy café that serves good coffee, breakfast goodies, brownies and really good calamansi muffins and squares
WHAT TO SEE
f you’ve seen one too many Boracay sunsets along white beach, watch it from Puka beach; and check out the other side of the island, Bolabog
LOCAL LIFE
DJ Surf
Best breakfast
Smoke (at the back of D’Mall,
by the wet market) is the
best place to have breakfast. It has
good food at budget prices any time of
the day
Best night out
Start the night at Bom Bom Bar because
of its reggae music; then move to Hey
Jude! That’s where I’m a resident DJ
Must-eats
Sinigang and balut (fertilized duck egg)
are both unique and delicious. Getting
tipsy first will help the balut go down
Must-buys
Bracelets
Insider’s tip
Have as much fun as possible and play
like there’s no tomorrow. And take lots
of pictures.
puerto princesa (area code +48)
WHERE TO SLEEP
Stay at the Legend Palawan. Malvar Street, Puerto Princesa City; tel: +48 433 9076; www.legendpalawan.com.ph
WHERE TO SHOP
Along Rizal Avenue, tourists can walk day or night and not have a problem finding shops selling hand-made items
WHERE TO EAT
Drop by Café Arturo, a cozy, native hut surrounded by mahogany trees. Try their succulent lobsters and crabs. Mahogany Drive, San Jose, tel: +48 433 3576
WHAT TO SEE
Check out Honda Bay’s dozens of white sand beaches, clear turquoise water, and breathtaking reefs in the well-known dive sites. If you are into rock climbing, there are also some awesome limestone and marble cliffs
LOCAL LIFE
Agnes D. Almonte
bank employee
Best breakfast
At Badjao Seafront Restaurant
for a breakfast with a view of the bay,
sunrise and great food
Best night out
Kinabuch’s bar and grill. The place is like
a bar in Bora where you can dine, drink,
and have fun in your Hula shirt or tank
top, malong and sandals
Must-eats
Just ask for the seafood platter at
Kinabuch’s bar and grill
Must-buys
Pearls, dried or fresh fish, wild honey,
and handicrafts like our bestseller, the
rainmaker
Insider’s tip
Island hop or plan an overnight stay. Hire
a trained guide for outdoor activities
tacloban (area code +53)
WHERE TO SLEEP
An ancestral house built in 1932, Hotel Alejandro is now a five-storey structure with suites, a popular café and a gallery of fascinating World War II photographs and memorabilia that history buffs will love. Along P. Paterno Street, Tacloban City; tel: +53 321 7033, 321 7509; email: alejandro@nxdsl.com.ph
WHERE TO SHOP
Go to SMED Center for souvenirs and Leyte’s best products; near the Leyte Provincial Capitol, along Zamora Street.
WHERE TO EAT
Ocho Seafood and Grill is the place
to go to when it comes to eating the
day’s fresh catch. Try any of the grilled
fish and the baked scallops. Located at
Senator Enage Street
Go to Café Urbana for a good cup of hot chocolate and crepes
WHAT TO SEE
Go on a leisurely cruise along the longest bridge in South East Asia, the San Juanico Bridge and visit the MacArthur Memorial Park
LOCAL LIFE
Heidrun Milan
interior designer/university
instructor/columnist
Best breakfast
Hotel Alejandro offers a wide array
of choices for breakfast. During the
simbang gabi every December, the hotel
serves native delicacies at the crack of
dawn after the mass.
Best night out
Tacloban has coffeshops and bars around
the city where you can just chill
Must-eats
Binagol is a must try for tourists
Must-buys
Binagol, moron and biti for those with
a sweet tooth. Woven bags are chic
souvenirs for fashionistas
Insider’s tip
Every June 30, Leyteños celebrate the
Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival
tagbilaran (area +38)
WHERE TO SLEEP
Located in Panglao island, 20 minutes
away from the city, Amerela Resort
offers luxurious and comfortable
beachside accommodations. Barangay
Libaong, tel: +38 502 9497 to 99
Try the very charming city-based Bohol Tropics Resort. Graham Avenue, Cogon, Tagbilaran, tel: +38 411 3510, 411 2529, email: info@boholtropics.com
WHERE TO SHOP
Check out Bohol Quality Mall along
Carlos P. Garcia Avenue and Gallares
Street, Plaza Marcela in Barangay
Cogon, and Bohol Island City Mall in
Dao, which is the newest and biggest
mall in the area
WHERE TO EAT
Jo’s Chicken Inato is a chicken barbecue joint located along C.P. Garcia East corner Matig-a Street, Tagbilaran
WHAT TO SEE
55 kilometers from the city, the 1,200-
plus cone-shaped limestone hills is
one of the country’s amazing atural
wonders. Also good to take is the Loboc
River Cruise
LOCAL LIFE
Chito Vaño
tour guide
Best breakfast
The Bohol Bee Farm offers
squash muffins and vegetable lasagna
made from organically-grown vegetables.
Also try the specially-brewed coffee from
roasted corn and wild berries
Best night out
Nothing beats spending the evening at a
laidback restaurant that serves up good
food you can share with your family
Must buys
Calamay is a unique Boholano delicacy
which is a concoction of sticky rice,
coconut milk and brown sugar, served in
a coconut shell
Insider’s tip
To appreciate more of Bohol, hire a tour
guide. You will discover the colorful
legends and learn the history of the place
butuan (area +85)
WHERE TO SLEEP
Almont Inland Resort has sports
facilities and a swimming pool. J.C.
Aquino Avenue; tel: +85 342 7414; email:
almontinlandresort@skyinet.net
WHERE TO SHOP
Visit the ukay-ukay (second-hand) stalls at Langihan Road or the tiangge (bazaars) along A.D. Curato Street
WHERE TO EAT
Head to J. Rosales Avenue and try the crispy crablets and barbecue chicken at Aling Cora’sGo to Mering’s Barbecue for some delicious and cheap grilled meats on skewers. Along A.D. Curato Street
LOCAL LIFE
Madel Bautista
events and marketing
services officer
Best breakfast
The Barbecue Place is open 24 hours!
Best night out
Start your evening at Moff’s, a coffeeshop
by day and a bar by night, then move to
True Brew
Must-eats
Palagsing or suman made of coconut
meat, sugar and unaw (the marrow inside
a nipa palm plant)
Must-buys
Palagsing, a native delicacy, or cakes
and other desserts from Margie’s Kitchen,
with branches at M. Calo Street and J.C.
Aquino Avenue
Insider’s tip
Come for the Adlaw Hong Butuan festival
this month
cagayan de oro (area code +88)
WHERE TO SLEEP
Pryce Plaza Hotel overlooks mountain
ranges and Macalajar bay. On Carmen
Hill; tel: +88 858 4537, 858 3111;
email: reservations@pryceplaza.ph;
www.pryceplaza.ph
Cha-Li Beach in Cugman is ideal for families on a budget or those who prefer to stay close the water. Tel: +88 855 2108, email: chali_beach@yahoo.com
WHERE TO SHOP
Every Friday and Saturday, drop by
Divisoria Night Café in Magsaysay
Park where 100 stalls sell everything!
Get good quality tees from Modtrade, a
Cagayanon brand
WHERE TO EAT
At Sentro 1850, order the grilled Balinese swordfish, steamed Hainanese fish, or spinach mozzarella dip. Along Velez Street
At Butcher’s Best, try mouthwatering pork barbecue or sizzling sisig. 87 Hayes Street, tel: +88 857 4018
WHAT TO SEE
Go whitewater rafting on the Cagayan de Oro river. Cagayan de Oro River Tours; tel: +88 857 7238, email: raftingcdo@yahoo.com.ph
LOCAL LIFE
Darling Calo-Santos
school directress
Best breakfast
The serene atmosphere of
Pancake House at Limketkai lets you
wake up joyfully with the city
Best night out
Rosario Arcade is a chic place to be with
friends. It is located at the north side of
the Limketkai Complex and in it are a
smorgasbord of bars and restaurants
Must-eats
Manok ni Sr. Pedro is the best!
Must-buys
Bring home pastel from Camiguin and
pinakurat from Iligan, tasty pineapples
from Bukidnon, and ham from either
Slers, Pine or Oro
Insider’s tip
Yummy local desserts are great energy
pick-me-ups!
cotabato (area code +64)
WHERE TO SLEEP
The Estosan Garden Hotel is about four kilometers from the airport. Governor Gutierrez Street; tel: +64 421 6777
Spend less at Hotel Filipino, a 68-room tourist inn. Gen. S.K. Pendatum Avenue; tel: +64 421 2307
WHERE TO SHOP
Find everything from liquor to local crafts at the three-storey South Seas Mall. www.southseasmall.com
WHERE TO EAT
Circuit Resto serves Chinese fare, pizza and native dishes. Circuit Road; tel: +64 421 2457 Go to the main restaurant Taklobo on Jack’s Ridge Resort. Here you’ll get Davaoeño food to delight you and fill you up – grilled tuna, chicken and pork as well as kinilaw and sinigang. Dine while singers serenade you in true Filipino style! Shrine Hills, Matina, Davao City; www.jacksridgedavao.com
La Toscana serves up something truly special. Pizzas, pastas and delectable desserts all in a very cozy and intimate ambiance. Door, Dacudao Building, E. Quirino Street; tel: +82 305 6556
WHAT TO SEE
Visit the Philippine Eagle Nature Center and relish one of the endangered species in the world. Malagos, Calinan; tel: +82 221 3021; email: info@ philippineeagle.org
See it for real, not just on a postcard.
Behold Mt. Apo, the tallest peak in
the country. If you want to conquer
it, call the Department of Tourism
Office in Davao to inquire and make
arrangements. Magsaysay Park Complex;
tel: +82 221 0070/221 6955
The Davao Sea Wall spans the length of the Matina coast and it’s 30-foot replica of Michelangelo’s David towers over it. Watch the sun set from this scenic spot
The Kadayawan Festival, held on the third week of August, has a parade of huge flower floats on the city streets, offering many photo opportunities
LOCAL LIFE
Emmaruth Gabriel
freelance editor
Best breakfast
If you want to have a view of
the aquamarine waters of Davao, try the
lobby café of Insular Hotel. If terra firma is
more your drift, Jack’s Ridge gives you the
mountain air you need for the day
Best night out
Matina Town Square (MTS) boasts a row
of coffee houses and bars. It’s perfect
for those who do not really know what
to do but want to find themselves a spot
to crawl into on any given weekend or
weekday. The Venue is perfect for those
wishing to catch a concert, eat and play
billiards. The crowd is eclectic, so get
ready to be surprised
Must-eats
That would be grilled bihod with a dash of
kalamansi and soy sauce plus chili
Must-buys
Yellow fin tuna, the devilishly delicious
durian (not for the faint of heart), peanut
kisses and an assortment of the freshest
shrimps, tiger prawns and seafood any
foodie will flip for. Sarongs are a must-buy
for friends and family
Insider’s tip
Explore outside of the city. Go up north
for crisp, cool air at Eagle’s Point. Ride a
ferry and go explore the beaches across
Insular Hotel; there’s a jetty you can use
as jump-off point to Paradise Beach, Pearl
Farm Beach Resort – try their newest spa!
or discover shoals and beaches hidden
within Talikud Island. Be sure you meet the
locals and discover the natural charm of
Davaoeñas and Davaoeños for it is one of a
kind. Also make sure you experience all the
natural highs that come when you frolic on
the beach, climb mountains, trek and even
just take walks around the city.
dipolog (area code +65)
WHERE TO SLEEP
The Top Plaza Hotel is strategically located and considered the top hotel in the city. Echavez Street corner Quezon Avenue; tel: +65 212 5777
WHERE TO SHOP
Both locals and tourists like Mennen’s Gift Mart and Dipolog Friendly Mart
WHERE TO EAT
Café Isabelle serves good coffee and
the best pastries in the city. Sta. Isabel
Street; tel: +65 212 7978
For a filling merienda, check out the
local burger joint, Big Joe’s Café, which
also serves fries, shawarma (meat in ita
bread) and budget-friendly rice meals.
General Luna Street; tel: +65 212 3025
WHAT TO SEE
From Dipolog Boulevard you can go island hopping to several white sand beaches and, if you’re lucky, catch sight of some whales along the way. Also go down the Dipolog river while enjoying nature and a buffet of seafood. And then go to the old Subanen village by the river bank, and trek around Cogon Eco Park, the 344-hectare reforested area
LOCAL LIFE
Jojo Bernedo Leyson
social development worker
Best breakfast
Bonnes Café serves the best chocolatelaced
suman with a cup of thick chocolate
Best night out
Head to ZPOL for good music – mostly
revivals – and ballroom dancing
Must-eats
Feast on crispy shrimps, grilled yellow fin
tuna, shells locally called andres-andres,
crabs cooked in thick coconut milk, and
our unique tanguigue kinilaw
Must-buys
Montaño bottled sardines, Montaño
Spanish-style chorizos, Dr. J Coco Vinegar
and CESCOD’s organic brown rice
Insider’s tip
To really enjoy your stay, be sure togeneral santos mix
with the locals
general santos (area code +83)
WHERE TO SLEEP
Isla Parilla Resort – an island resort in the middle of a man-made lake – offers floating cottages at affordable prices, 15 minutes from the city. Barangay Ladol, Alabel, Sarangani Province
Check out the East Asia Royale Hotel located along the National Highway, tel: + 83 553 4119 to 28, email: gensan@ eastasiaroyalehotel.com, www.eastasiaroyalehotel.com
WHERE TO SHOP
Aside from tuna, you can load up on freshly-picked pineapples, asparagus, mangoes, bananas and other fresh produce from the market
WHAT TO SEE
Stroll along the Queen Tuna Park, where you can star gaze in the evenings and feel the breeze from Sarangani Bay
LOCAL LIFE
Antoniette Gay Llido
information officer, local
government sector
Best breakfast
Sunrise and breakfast at the Sarangani
Highlands overlooking Sarangani Bay
Best night out
Coffee at various coffee shops, and
affordable beer and barbecue at the
Tiongson arcade
Must-eats
Gensan (as we locals call it) is the home of
delicious tuna!
Must-buys
Definitely tuna products, dried and
preserved fruits, fruit juices, and corn husk
products for those who love decorative
products
Insider’s tip
Watch tuna being hauled at the very clean
and modern General Santos City Fishport
WHERE TO SLEEP
Though classified as a standard
hotel, the Lantaka Hotel is known
for its outstanding service. A beachside
location adds to its charm. NS
Vallderoza Street, tel: +62 991 2033
Garden Orchid Hotel is conveniently located near the airport and the city. Along Gov. Camins Avenue; tel: +62 991 0031; email: goh@jetlink.com.ph
WHERE TO SHOP
Score Batik fabrics, malongs, handbags, tubaws (handkerchief-sized scarves wrapped around the head or neck) and other cheap goods at the Barter Trade Market
WHERE TO EAT
Myrna’s Bakeshop in Pasonanca serves yummy cakes and pastries
WHAT TO SEE
Visit the Gallery of the Peninsula at
Ateneo de Zamboanga Univesity
to see the works of talented artists
from Mindanao. The Pasonanca and
the Abong-Abong Parks house 600
different varieties of orchids and offer
tents, a tree house and a view of the city
LOCAL LIFE
Mary Trish
R. Españo lawyer
Best breakfast
The Lantaka Hotel serves good breakfast
with fresh fruits. You can also enjoy the
sunrise by the sea
Best night out
Café Saco in Pasonanca is a small bar
with very loud music. For a more intimate
setting, try the bar at Garden Orchid Hotel
Must-eats
Seafood from Alavar’s
Must-buys
The Zamboanga City shirts (Guachi
shirts) with funny designs highlighting
the Chabacano dialect, sold in Ateneo de
Zamboanga
Insider’s tip
Make friends with the locals and try to
learn Chabacano
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