Archive for the ‘Random Places’ Category

Tagaytay

Monday, November 10th, 2008

About Tagaytay

Tagaytay City, Philippines (population 16,322), is about 60 km / 37 miles south of Manila in the mountains of Cavite Province. Tagaytay is a city of scenic contrasts .Wildflowers line paved winding roads, panoramic views of the Taal Volcano nestled in Taal Lake, and orchards of fresh home grown fruits, all amidst modern convenient facilities and amenities including the Casino Filipino Tagaytay.

Tagaytay is home to Taal Volcano, which is reputed to be the world’s smallest and yet most active. It stands on its own island amid a landscape of ash and cinder. The breathtaking views of Taal volcano and Lake is a MUST SEE for everyone visiting Asia. It is truly a once in a life time experience and we recommend a visit in the strongest possible way.

Tagaytay, considered as the country’s second summer capital because of its crisp and cool climate all year around, is a treasure box of pleasure points in by itself. At nightfall, one sees the lake sparkle with the pinpoint lights of fishing boats. It is a perfect picnic spot. Here, the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Philippine Tourism Authority built Picnic Groove, a public park in the city which generates public patronage through user fees and the sale of low priced goods, thus contributing to the industrial growth of Tagaytay.

Tagaytay, however, is more than a picnic haunt. The place has given rise to many congregational houses and retreat centers. It is also conductive to spiritual meditation, that is earned yet another title for being the “Center of Spiritual Retreat.”

Thus, the masterpiece of nature that is Tagaytay is a not to be missed item in a tourist itinerary. It should always include a visit to the Volcano Island, and its enumerable side spots.

Tagaytay City, located 2,500 feet above sea level enjoys a cool and invigorating climate characterized by a relatively low temperature, low humidity, and abundant rainfall. Average temperature is 22.7 degrees Celsius. For this reason, Tagaytay with its cool weather, balmy winds and foggy mists is called the “second summer capital” of the country after Baguio City.

Photos

Tagaytay 1

Tagaytay 1

Tagaytay 2

Tagaytay 2

Tagaytay 3

Tagaytay 3

Puerto Galera

Sunday, November 9th, 2008

About Puerto Galera

Puerto Galera is located on the northern part of the island of Mindoro, Philippines, in the province Oriental Mindoro. It is about 130 kilometers south of Manila and 14 nautical miles from Batangas City. In total it has 12 coastal villages or Barangays and one mountain district. It is bordered in the north by the Verde Island Passage, in the northeast by the town of San Teodoro, in the northwest by Occidental Mindoro and in the south by Mount Malasimbo and Mount Baco. It covers a total land area of 23.247 hectares.

Photos

Puerto Galera 2

Puerto Galera 2

Puerto Galera 2

Puerto Galera 2

Puerto Galera 3

Puerto Galera 3

Boracay

Saturday, November 8th, 2008

About Boracay

Boracay Island, Philippines Known far and wide as an island paradise, Boracay has charmed vacationers with its powder white sand, crystal blue waters and purposely laid-back pace. Located at the norther tip of Panay province, Boracay is about three hours away from Manila. Sun worshippers from all over the world visit Boracay yearly, and some have even made it their second home. It is no wonder therefore, that French, German, Spanish and English can be heard spoken in the Island. The culinary fare is equally exciting featuring a wide range from Thai and Austrian to Belgian and Filipino. Numerous water sport facilities, including dive shops are on hand as well as a sprinkling of bars and discos. Most visitors, however prefer to sit back and enjoy the sun.

For many certified sun-worshippers the world over, paradise goes by the name Boracay. For indeed, many visitors have come back to Boracay year after year. Some have even chosen to live in this paradise island. Sheltered from the fierce easterly typhoons, Boracay can be found at the Northwestern tip of Panay, in the West Visayan region,off the Sibuyan Sea. Boracay has managed to pack its thousand- hectare area with all the elements of a tropical paradise- crystal blue waters, powder white sand, liberal doses of tropical palms and flowering plants, and a healthy marine life under the seas.

Boracay is made up of three little communities: Yapak in the north, Balabag in the middle, Manocmanoc in the south. Hilly elevations up to 100 meters above sea level characterize Yapak and Manocmanoc. Interwining trails link the small villages but many sometimes lead to lush tropical jungles. Electricity and public transportaion remain relatively scarce. Boracay would have remained a national secret if not for a few foreign travellers who accidentally stumbled upon the place. Some say it was a movie crew which spread word about Boracay to other sun worshippers. Othere swear it was German traveler Jens Peter’s book, which included rave reviews about Boracay, that sent tourists on their way. Whichever tale is true, Boracay has become a melting pot for beach lovers. At any point in the islands, visitors can hear English, German, French, Norwegian, Belgian, Bahasa, and Korean spoken fluently. More importantly, visitors respect the serene quality of the place, and pay tribute to native Boracaynons by behaving to local behavioral codes- which means no nudity, no fighting, and no loud commotions. Not surprisingly, the culinary fare at Boracay is as diverse as the nationalities of its visitors. French, Australian, Belgian, German, Spanish, Norwegian, Turkish, Portugal, Greece, Italian, Americans, Canadians, Swedish, Taiwanese, Korean, Japanese, Singaporean, Malaysians, and Thai - they’re all here side by side with the Boracay cuisine. Lending ample support to this virtual rainbow of gastronomic pickings are Boracay’s famous selection of Tropical fruit shakes: from sweet yellow mango, green tart mango, to pineapple, coconut milk, cantaloupe and banana. Don’t go back home without a sip.

Links

More about the Philippines

Photos

Boracay 1

Boracay 1

Boracay 2

Boracay 2

Boracay 3

Boracay 3

Alabang

Friday, November 7th, 2008

About Alabang

Alabang is a place south of Metro Manila, Philippines. Located within this town are shopping malls, plush villages and business establishments. Shown below are pictures from the Ayala Alabang Village.

Photos

Alabang 1

Alabang 1

Alabang 2

Alabang 2

Alabang 3

Alabang 3