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General Santos City, a relatively small metropolis sitting on the coast of Sarangani Bay, 600 miles south of Manila, in the back-end of the Mindanao region, is called by many as the Tuna Capital of Asia.

The lively, throbbing environment of General Santos has tuna as its main product.  It accounts for a big chunk in the global tuna market.  From its single airport, huge amounts of processed Yellowfin, Bigeye, and Skipjack tuna are sent to markets worldwide.

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The story of this city began in 1939, when General Paulino Santos, along with a small group of people, settled on these shores.  Reminiscent of the American old Western pioneering spirit, he tamed the land and established the district of Buayan.  It was renamed the municipality of General Santos nine years later.

“GenSan,” as locals and Filipinos may call it, became a city in 1968.  It was frequently attacked by terrorists.  Mindanao, the region where GenSan is located, was called the “Marlboro Country” of the Philippines for its rugged terrain and chaotic nature.  The 70’s and the 80’s saw the height of Islamic separatist movements making this a frequent battleground for government and rebel soldiers. 

 Times have changed.  Now, the region of Mindanao generally basks in a peaceful atmosphere.  In GenSan, success usually comes with the smell of fish—tons of fresh fish.  From sunup to sundown, the fishport hums with activity. Basket and tubs of five-foot long specimens of marlin and tuna are hauled from the pump boats into the nearby selling areas by porters.  Some fishermen who own vessels operate independently.  Others work for a number of big fishing companies who have set up shops in the city.

Inspectors representing different companies go around the wharf looking for prospective buys.  The tuna is then checked for its meat quality: Grade A, B, and C. Grade A being the most tender. 

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After transactions are done, the fishes are then delivered to the respective clients.  Some of the fish are cut into pieces then vacuum packed, or blast-frozen for the Japanese, American, and European sashimi markets.  Others are sliced into chunks and canned. 

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Everything about the tuna is edible.  Nothing goes to waste.  The fins and the bones are ground into fishmeal.  The heads can be cooked grilled or as a soup dish – a unique Filipino delicacy.

The locals are proud of their tuna. Most diners boast of their own tuna specialties.  The words “fish” or “tuna” are prominently displayed outside most food shops.  It would be ludicrous to visit General Santos without sampling their local pride. 

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(The SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City, Metro Manila — one of the biggest malls in the world)

Although I am a self-confessed homebody by nature, I have a mysterious alter ego that simply loves hanging out in the mall.

Blame it on my DNA — the mallrat gene was embedded in me even before I came to the world (my Mom was shopping when her labor pains started). And as far as my childhood memories go, Sundays always include a morning mass, a hearty meal, and a stroll in the mall. Times may have changed and interests may have matured, but the mall has been a constant — and our all-time favorite is SM!

My earliest SM visit was when I was 2 years old, to SM Sta. Mesa, which was the newest mall and nearest to our home then. We’d spend almost every weekend there to eat, shop, and entertain ourselves. I’d have the usual kiddie arcades and amusements, but since my parents are moviegoers, it wasn’t long before I developed the ‘popcorn habit’. My Dad took me to my first movie in the cinema, “The Never Ending Story” (featuring that flying dog), with soft drink and buttered popcorn in tow. I was 3 then, and from my Dad’s recollection I gaped in when I saw “the giant TV” and “the huge sofa” — I was so amazed being in this big room that I was looking around at the people, munching the food (and the eventual toilet trip) instead of watching the movie! It was also in SM Sta. Mesa that I watched my two enduring favorites, “Forrest Gump” and “Now and Then”. Back then we sometimes did a ‘double feature’ — watching 2 movies in a day! (Tickets only cost around 40 pesos each circa 1996, and a double bill for 3 even gave you change for 300 pesos! Those were the times…) We’d stay until nighttime in the cinemas and we’d leave on the last full show, with an occasional Chicken McNuggets (they were so delicious then) from the McDonald’s across SM before we go home.

Venturing further, we would embark on a ‘road trip’ to the rest of the SM branches: to SM North Edsa, usually after swimming at Grace Village in Quezon City; and SM Megamall which was our second favorite. Our mall adventures reached as far as SM Las Piñas, SM Bacoor and SM Pampanga! We’d hit the road early in the morning, spend the whole day there, and go home at the strike of 8 — now that’s what I call quality time! SMs have become sort-of local tourist spots, don’t you think? The farthest I have been was to SM Baguio, which Mom & I visited last summer, and capped it off with a Starbucks Chocolate Chip Frappuccino and a delicious local homemade chicken pie.

One of the most unforgettable incidents I’ve ever had was when I almost got lost in SM Megamall’s food court. I was a precocious 5-year-old, and Dad (who just came back from a construction project in China) and I had just finished our lunch. I went to wash my hands on the drinking fountain while he waited on our table. The distance was about 18 feet, and just when I turned back to return, a couple of maintenance people from opposite directions peddled their steel trolleys in front of me (my height only reached about that of the trolleys’), and after that I got disoriented and couldn’t remember the aisle where I was supposed to head to. Where’s my Dad?!? I started aimlessly roaming around, panic flushing through me, hoping for a sign of Dad. A woman noticed me walking about and attempted to accompany me and search, but I was too distressed, tilting my head up and ambling distractedly. A few minutes later, I spotted him with a security guard in the premises, walking ahead. Needless to say, all’s well that ends well — but that was the first time I got real scared in my life. To ease the post-tension, Dad treated me to watch my favorite Disney movie, “Aladdin”, which I remembered was on its reissue screening. Thank God I haven’t gotten lost since!

Now we’re not the shopping type, but just about every square inch of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs pyramid we definitely found at SM. We often buy my school supplies, our clothes, medicines, household needs, gifts and the habitual impulsive whimsy at the mall just ’round the corner (SM Manila, which now carries the status of ‘the nearest SM mall’). And groceries — Mom consumes a bulk of her credit card limit on our monthly purchases. And of course, food — no day-long trip to SM could be sustained without sustenance! Whether fine food, fast food or food court, everything’s all yummy to me.

SM has been known to be a family-friendly place — who else better exemplifies that than with my two folks and I? It has also been a place where milestones are celebrated (we took my grandparents to SM Manila for my grade school graduation feast); a reunion for old times’ sake (my balikbayan cousin and I spent her free time with a skating expedition in SM Megamall and recently in SM Mall of Asia); and a regular hangout of the barkada (which my high school/college friends and I have done in various SM malls, notably SM San Lazaro). It also doubles as a refuge from all things dull and dreary (post-exam stress, a bad hair day, or just killing the boredom!)

My favorite hangouts in SM (aside from the cinema, the supermarket and the food court) are: #1) bookstores (especially National Book Store), #2) the Home section in the Department Store, and #3) SM Appliance Center. There’s #1 because I’m a book lover and simply like browsing new and time-tested titles and thingamajigs, and sometimes give in to irresistible cravings. In my opinion a trip to the mall isn’t complete without going to the bookstore — just being there makes me feel right at home. Meanwhile, I chose #2 because I like looking at the cups and saucers and the cookery, as part of my frustrated ambition to become a chef. Or go to the linen section, and touch the beddings & fabrics and fawn over the fluffiness of the pillows (all the while imagining my dream bedroom!) … and lastly #3 because I like to drop by and view the array of merchandise they have — the home theater combo, the kitchen showcase, the flat-screen LCDs… oh, if I were a rich girl! An honorable mention would be the computers and gadgets level in the 5th floor of SM Megamall, which I loved going to since I was a kid — it was a sure way of getting me geared up with technology. I used to gawk at the laptops, and fast-forward 10 years later I’m still gawking (someone help me get a Macbook please!)

One of the great things about SM is that it constantly improves and reinvents itself. On my trip to SM North Edsa’s The Block, I immediately loved it upon entering and made it my favorite SM in terms of aesthetics because of its ample lighting and spacious interiors (they even have these colorful lounge sofas!). I liked the renovation they did with SM Megamall’s Department Store because it made the place more cozy, chic and appealing at the same time. And the SM Mall of Asia does not disappoint — wide and multifaceted, it took the concept of malls to much greater heights. We went there last New Year’s Eve and walked around, took the MOA outdoor tour shuttle (we were lucky!), and walked some more (even if our feet were sore). We haven’t conquered the entire MOA complex yet, but we’ll get there in time. We loved the open spaces that made the mall akin to a bustling community; and to be able to dine on the stretch beside the bay area on sunset and feel the breeze around you was awesome.

My Mom and her officemates had the opportunity to catch “I Dream”, the musical based on the life of SM founder Henry Sy, Sr.; and she relayed the story to us. To think all this sprawling conglomerate started from his sincere vision and have it achieved — effectively changing the Filipino economy, lifestyle and culture! From that one fulfilled dream yielded the realization of all our dreams. Big or small as they may be, SM has always been there to make our lives easier, better, and much more fun-tastic! Here’s to another 50 years!

As I have mentioned before, summer is the best time in the island. And this summer, I captured the best spots that are etched forever in my mind. These are the places that are so dear to me. When I dream of home, these are the images flooding through my mind.

The Capul Lighthouse

As a child, I was fascinated with this beacon of light that I watched through the night at it shines at the distant Malpal point. Beneath this majestic structure is where as a child, I gather sea weeds and mussels with friends. Around it where guava grooves that are now cleared. This is also the venue of numerous picnics with friends every summer or any other season of the year as long as there are celebrations.

During its heyday, we were able to climb through its spiral staircase and stand proud atop its tower. I remembered Nanay was the one who egged me to climb the tower as a child even if I was frightened.

This lighthouse is very memorable to my family because Nanay spent some years of her childhood here together with her cousins because my grand aunt married the parolista. It was such a homey place back then according to Nanay.

Sadly, this structure is now in a state of disarray due to its exposure to the elements. Good thing, the Philippine Coast Guard is manning the place complete with radar to help traveling ships crossing the treacherous San Bernardino Straight at night. Based on historical data, a few Galleon ships capsized in the San Bernardino Straight while navigating the route back to Acapulco Mexico.

Beneath the lighthouse are natural rock formations that served as anchorage of the Galleon ships during bad weather. According to oral lore, one of the crew of those Galleon ships engraved the name Acapulco in one of those rocks and that was where the name of the whole town became known.

The Capul Church

Capul became the seat of Christianity during the early Spanish Conquest. Testament to this is the limestone church built by the Spanish priests in the early 1600’s through hard labor. It stands to this day as a monument of the strong faith of the Capulenos.

The church is surrounded by a limestone wall fortress that was used as a shield against Moro raiders. Sentries stationed at the fort guarded the town. The belfry signals the people to get inside the church and when the Moros came, the people would throw stones at them and kept them at bay. 

Simple Pleasures

But the best memories that I always look forward to when I go home are the simple pleasures that an island town could offer. Away from then rumbling noise of the metropolis, I enjoyed the serenity and the peace that I experience here.

Finally, this is life being lived simply but to the fullest.

Historical Sites

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

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

World Class Musical Instruments

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

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

Historic Mode of Transportation

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

Historic Churches

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

Sinulog Festival

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

Taoist Temple

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

Bantayan Island

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

Water Falls

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

Cebu Butterfly Sanctuary

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

Crocolandia

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

Cock Fighting

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

Roast Pigs

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

Cebu Mangoes

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

Olango Island Bird Watching

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

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

White Island

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The image of a sand bar above is actually an island, popularly known as the White Island. Depending on the tides, it changes shape; sometimes a letter C, at times it takes the shape of the letter I. Although it’s two kilometers off coast, the island still has the grand picturesque Mt. Hibok-Hibok and Old Vulcan as its backdrop. Tourists go there for a gratifying swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing.

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Shown above is the Pacific side of the White Island, speaking for itself as to how a wonder it is. Its nearly unblemished white shores and pristine waters which are over-hanged by serene and lonely Philippine skies are among the most fascinating spots in the world where anyone can spend the most quality vacation.

Grand Beach Resorts

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Because of being encompassed by the calm seas of the Pacific, Camiguin is endowed with many exquisite beaches, enticing many foreign tourists to visit the island many times of the year. The image shown above is that of the most popular Paras Beach Resort. It is fully equipped for other related recreational activities such as darts, billiards, karaoke system, and satellite television. Speedboats and scuba diving equipments are also available.

Exquisite Sunsets

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While in Camiguin, vacationers will be charmed certainly by the multitude of grand and enchanting sunsets. In each sunset, the reddening sun in its plodding march to obscurity in order to give way to a serene country night is simply captivating. Moreover, the crimson and lonely clouds that now and then appear and disappear until they are completely enfolded in darkness are so beautiful to behold. Silent nights would then take over, but the arrivals of the caravan of small waves would occasionally bring, yet melodious noise.

Lanzones Festival

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The Tropical Lanzones Fruit (Lansium domesticum)

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A local tourist buying lanzones

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Lanzones is a tropical golden fruit known for its sugar taste. It grows anywhere in the Philippines, but Camiguin produces the sweetest kind all across the country, making it the major lanzones-producing province. In keeping with the age-old Filipino tradition of extending gratitude to “Bathala,” meaning God during harvest seasons, residents of Camiguin became well-known for their unique way of thanksgiving-the popular lanzones festival. It is a four-day event in October which is highlighted by a day-long festivity of enjoyable street dancing. In order to partake the  flamboyant and glorious celebration, thousands of both local and foreign tourists troop to the island for the festival that also include exhibits of agri-cottage industry products, Barangay beautification, tableau of local culture, and indigenous sports.

Majestic Waterfalls

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Being abound in this archipelagic country, some grand waterfalls are found in Camiguin. The image above is that of Katibawasan Falls where many tourists take a plunge and a swim into the cold waters. And because of being embellished around with attractive wild and native Philippine orchids, shorter trees, ferns and boulders of many sizes, the 250-feet cascades of cold and frothy waters appear truly majestic. They provide one of the most refreshing and gratifying splashes in hot summers.

The Sunken Cemetery

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Probably unique in the world, the cross shown by the image above marks the location of a sunken cemetery in the town of Bonbon. Seeing this large and imposing cross against the background of a crimson sunset ends up one contemplating things divine. Now seemingly the world of swimming souls is a cemetery of the village that sunk during the 1871 volcanic chaos. Today, diving through an array of cold and lonely grave stones embedded unto the once dry ground more than a hundreds years ago is a wonderment and fascination to many.

Volcanoes and Observatory

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An ant’s view of Mt. Hibok-Hibok

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Inside Philvolcs observatory

The Philippines is one of the most geologically active volcanic island arcs in the world, and one of the volcano-dotted islands of the country is Camiguin. The world-renowned Mt. Hibok-Hibok prompted the Philippine Government to establish an observatory near the volcano for scientific research and volcanic monitoring for tourists’ safety. It is now one of the busiest observatories of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Philvolcs) across the country. Meanwhile, scientists at the observatory are well-known for their generosity in sharing their field of expertise to curios visitors and excursionists that enjoy at the same time a comfortable and panoramic view of the glorious island.

Hot Springs

Located in the Municipality of Mambajao, is the locally favorite Ardent Hot Spring (image above). It derives its hot water of about 40 degrees centigrade from underground which is directly linked to Mt. Hibok-Hibok via subterranean rivulets. Nearby the spring are cozy cottages, dormitories, restaurants, cookout facilities and rest rooms; all provided to cater the need of both local and foreign tourists. Other hot spring of interest is the Tangub Hot Spring. It springs by the sea, resulting to the varying temperatures of the waters; they depend largely on the periodic tides. Nevertheless, scuba divers here can dive as deep as 1020 meters.

Ancient Church Ruins

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The enormous havoc wrecked by the great volcanic eruption of 1871 left the community in abject desolation. Among the extant silent remnants of the unforgiving natural tragedy are the church ruins of walls of adobe, a gloomy belfry and a mute convent whose presence are being preserved by the local government to allow everyone an instant field trip to 18th century Philippines.

Unique Mode of Public Transportation

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One thing that anyone will find hard to forget after the Camiguin tour is the enjoyable and exciting ride on a jeepney. Jeepney is the common mode of overland and short-distance mass transportation in the Philippines. It offers a very affordable fare, albeit one has to suffer a little crowded ride, but it’s fun. This vehicle, also well-known for its flamboyant decorations is purely Filipino invention that it cannot be found in other parts of the world. For a fact, the jeepney has become one of the symbols of the Philippines as a unique country, making a jeepney ride a firsthand immersion into the Filipino culture.

Cold Springs

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Cold springs also abound in Camiguin, and the Sto. Nino Cold Spring (shown above) is the most popular. It has a pool of 25 meters by 40 meters in area. Around two meters deep, the pool provides an enjoyable swimming while all catering needs are probably complete. It has a restaurant, picnic huts, cookout facilities, rest rooms and comfortable cottages. And such Philippine landscape peculiarities as coconuts, fruits trees and green and wild bushes are the very cool primary sights here and there.

Typical Philippine Countryside

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Expectedly, Camiguin presents countless of typical countryside scenes. The golden rice fields, the verdant trees, Philippine birds in their lullabies while perching on low branches and the fresh airs are all-around for anyone to savor upon. It is simply so bracing and so invigorating to allow oneself in complete harmony with nature even in so short a moment in order to rid off such stressful and whirlwind urban life.

Because of incessant advance of urbanization, we tend to get alienated from nature in which we deserve to ravish its natural beauty. Camiguin Island is without question an ideal place to treat our human selves a warm reunion with nature in which we are an integral part. “At thing of beauty is a joy forever,” so said by John Keats, and Camiguin is a thing of beauty; it’s a joy forever.

The list includes the historic city of Vigan, Ilocos Sur; Nuestra Señora dela Asuncion also in Ilocos Sur; Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park and Tubbataha National Marine Park both in Palawan; Banawe or Ifugao Rice Terraces in Ifugao; Apo Reef National Park and Mt. Iglit-Baco National Park both in Mindoro; Sto.Tomas de Villanueva Church in Iloilo; San Agustin Church in Manila and Church of San Agustin in Ilocos Norte.

1. Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park, Palawan

It’s home to over 300 coral species and 400 species of fish. It is currently ranked number 5 on the list for the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Tubbataha is a reef ecosystem made up of two atolls located in the middle of the Sulu Sea. It is a sanctuary for marine life. The reefs lie on the Cagayan Ridge, a line of extinct underwater volcanoes which starts from the north at the Sultana Shoal and it ends in the south at the San Miguel Islands. It was proclaimed as a National Marine Park on August 11, 1988 and inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage in 1993, in recognition of its outstanding universal value in terms of marine life species diversity and richness.

2. Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park in Palawan

It boasts of the world’s longest navigable underground river. This site is currently ranked number 8 on the list of New Seven Wonders of the World.

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is located about 50 km north of the city of Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines. It features a limestone mountain landscape with an 8.2 km. navigable underground river. A distinguishing feature of the river is that it winds through a cave before flowing directly into the South China Sea. It includes major formations of stalactites and stalagmites, and several large chambers. The underground river is reputed to be the world’s longest navigable. At the mouth of the cave, a clear lagoon is framed by ancient trees growing right to the water’s edge. Monkeys, large monitor lizards, and squirrels find their niche on the beach near the cave.

3. Ifugao or Banawe Rice Terraces in Ifugao

It  cover about 20,000 hectares of the Cordillera mountain range.

The Banawe or IfugaoRice Terraces (Tagalog: Hagdan-hagdang Palayan ng Banaue) are 2000-year old terraces that were carved into the mountains of Cordillera in the Philippines by the indigenous Ifugaos. The Rice Terraces are commonly referred to as the “Eight Wonder of the World”. It is commonly thought that the terraces were built with minimal equipment, largely by hand. The terraces are located approximately 1,500 meters (5000 ft) above sea level and cover 10,360 square kilometers (about 4000 square miles) of mountainside. They are fed by an ancient irrigation system from the rainforests above the terraces.

4. Apo Reef National Park – Occidental Mindoro

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

5. Mt. Iglit-Baco National Park

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

6. Historic City of Vigan in Ilocos Sur

Known for its Spanish colonial houses.

Old Vigan Colonial Houses – the ancestral houses were built mostly by rich Chinese traders. These great big houses are made of thick brick walls and plastering with red clay. Tile roofs are made to survive earthquakes. The Mestizo district is the place where you can see more than a hundred houses line side by side along Calle Crisologo.

7. Santo Tomas de Villanueva Church in Miag-ao, Iloilo

A church built by the Agustinians as a fortress-church in Baroque-Romanesque style on a hill in 1786.

The Church is an Augustinian mission station built as a squat, massive fortress to protect townsfolk from Muslim invasion.

8. Nuestra Señora dela Asuncion in Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur

Located on a hill surrounded by a stone wall. The best way to appreciate the architectural mood is to ascend the church’s grand stairway of 85 wide steps starting at the town proper.

9. San Agustin Church in Intramuros, Manila

Built as early as 1586, San Agustin Church is the oldest extant Christian sanctuary in the Far East, and the Philippines’ oldest stone edifice.

10. Church of San Agustin in Paoay, Ilocos Norte

A church made of coral stone and was adorned like an Asian temple. A church made of coral stone and was adorned like an Asian temple. Built from 1694 to between 1702 and 1710, it is the premier example of Philippine Earthquake Baroque, an architectural solution to the area’s challenging and natural setting.

Come and visit these beautiful and world class sites. You will surely enjoy your trip in the Philippines once you have visited these UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

For more tourist destinations in the Philippines see;

The Top Five Island Tourist destinations in the Philippines

11 Reasons Why You Have to Go to the Hundred islands

Top Eight Best Diving in the Philippines

Ifugao Rice Terraces: The 8th Wonder of the World

Best Island Tourist Destinations in the Philippines

Best Tourist Destinations in the Philippines

What Makes Batanes Unique From Other Tourist Destinations?

The Top Six Most Popular caves in the Philippines

Baguio City: A City in the Sky

Mayon Volcano is located in the Bicol Region in the Province of Albay in the Philippines. This volcano has been world famous for its perfect cone shaped. All volcanologist classifies this volcano as a stratovolcano which is a composite volcano. Its perfect cone was formed though the alternate pyroclastic and lava flows. This is an active volcano in the Philippines and has erupted for over 47 time in the pass 400 years. The Mayon Volcano is part of the Pacific ring of fire because it is located along the Pacific Oceans rim.

The most destructive eruption of the Mayon Volcano was in 1814 which buried the whole town of the Casagawa leaving the bell tower of the church as the new surface.

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is found in the Island of Palawan in the Philippines. It is about 50 km north of the city of Puerto Princesa which is the Capital city of the Island of Palawan. This park is most commonly known as the Underground River. This park features the different formations of the limestone. The river takes about 8.2 km and it is very navigable which ends to the South China Sea. The lime stones formations include stalactites and stalagmites and chambers which some of them a larges ones. This underground river is the longest in the world. When you enter the cave you will find a lagoon that is framed by growing trees on the edge of the water. You will also find monkeys, monitor lizards of large sizes, squirrels on the beach that is near the cave.

Tubbataha Reef

The Tubbataha reef is located in the middle of the Sulu Sea with the island of Palawan in the Philippines. It is the only Marine National Park in the country. It is also in the UNESCO’s National World’s Heritage site. Tubbataha Reef has the most beautiful reefs in the world. The name Tubbataha means long reefs exposed at low tides by the Samal people who had the first access to this park in the 1980’s. There are about one thousand different species in this park that includes many endangered species and you can only find them in this reef. The manta rays, clownfish, sharks, lion fish and the tortoises are just a few of them.

Chocolate Hills

The Chocolate Hills is located in Bohol Province, in the Central Visayas of the Philippines. This is the famous tourist spot when you visit Bohol Province. The Chocolate Hills consist of 1, 268 cones that is perfectly shaped hills. These hills are covered in green grass but it turns brown during the summer season the reason why they were called “chocolate hills”.

These hills have been spread on the area of more than 50 sq km. It is also included in the Provincial Flag for Bohol. It is the 3rd on the National Geological Monument in the Philippines.

Braving this dilemma is Alvin Lim, President and CEO of Serye Café Filipino, with the new addition to his chain of restaurants in Sucat, Paranaque. Alvin’s stay in Europe inspired him to bring the “coffee culture” in the Philippines, without the usual European or American flavour but with the same urban flair as that of the café bistros in France.

According to Alvin, the idea of putting up a café that is dedicated to Filipino Fare has been sitting around for 12 years, but because of resources constraint, he has not been able to put it in place. However, his visit to France opened his eyes to how much the French appreciates their own desserts and coffee and Alvin thought that the same attitude could develop in the Philippine café scene. This young entrepreneur believes that Filipino coffee, desserts and dishes can be at par with the rest of the globe, if only resto’s and café owners would present their products in tune with the global market.

Perfect Combination

“There’s nothing more sumptuous than the taste of the familiar.” This is how Alvin describes the wide selection of Filipino desserts and coffee that Serye Café Filipino offers. The 12 years of planning generated a menu that can proudly be called Pinoy but can still be comparable and maybe even better than international brands.

Serye’s signature drink aptly called Mocha Manila is a combination of Arabica coffee from Baguio, Cordillera and Sultan Kudarat and our very own cacao chocolate tablets or tablea from Davao del Norte, one of the largest cacao-producing provinces in the country.

Combining yema confection, a popular Filipino candy made of condensed milk and sugar, vanilla ice cream and coffee, Serye’s Yemma Frappe will easily become another bestseller. The right amount of sweetness and bitterness provides a harmonious blend that is perfect for a relaxing afternoon with friends.

Another drinkable dessert exclusively available at Serye is Café on Sorbetes. To give it the all-Pinoy taste, Alvin made sure that their supplier is a home-grown ice cream manufacturer, even if it means shifting from their former suppliers. Alvin said that this is also their way of supporting the local industry.

Tablea seemed to be one of Serye’s favourite ingredients, it being the main flavour in most of their mouth-watering dessert.

Tablea Cheesecake, Tablea Coffee Pie, which is made of tablea, butter cream and cookie crust and Gateau Mocha Manila which is five layers of chocolate cake, chiffon cake, chocolate mousse and coffee buttercream with praline, are all bursting with the bitter-sweet flavour from premium cacao beans from Davao. Not to be disregarded is the rich and creamy chocolate dip called Fondue Filipino, which is an imitation of the Swiss Chocolate Fondue, but which uses native chocolate. Fondue Filipino is served with Pinoy most popular merienda, crunchy Turon which divert from the traditional fried banana. Serye’s Turon comes in three varities, banana-langka, mango-sago and buko-pinya. For these delicious treats, Alvin relies on the skills of his wife with desserts.

Coffee Table Art

Only on Serye Cafe Filipino you will find Pinoy art served with your coffee. The “Gallery on a Table” concept of Alvin completed the all-Pinoy touch in Serye’s interior. Three famous young painters were commissioned by Alvin to create table veneers which the Philippines café scene.

Mark Andy Garcia, who admitted of not being a coffee drinker himself, created a series of paintings of his observations of how Pinoy enjoy their coffee. His first painting closely resembles the way I enjoy my own cup, over some good music, a good book and a cigar, in a comfortable spot where I can see the other people inside and outside the store. Mark Andy has been a constant winner in different art competition including Art Petron, Metrobank and Shell.

Jaime Gubaton’s piece puts a romantic hint in his painting of a couple sharing a story over a cup of coffee in a mall where a family also happens to pass by. Jaime’s painting reflects the current popular way of the yuppies crowd in getting to know their prospective partners, over a cup of coffee and a good conversation.

Another couple, this one obviously on a sort of lover’s quarrel was depicted in John Paul Antido’s acrylic creation. Using his signature jeepney as the coffee table, John Paul tried to show how cosmopolitan couples sort out their differences, over a cup of brewed coffee.

These furniture will soon be available in all of Serye Café Filipino’s four branches – Quezon Memorial Circle (in front of Quezon City Hall), Santana Grove, Sucat Road, Paranaque, Level 2 Festival Walk – Festival Supermall in Alabang and at Eastwood City, Libis

Alvin said that like in France where coffee shops are becoming the melting pot of culture, arts and politics, he wants Serye Café Filipino to become a place for Filipino culture, art and even politics. He strongly encourages poetry clubs, photographers and writers to hold their events at Serye.

And to keep up with the recent trend among coffee shops, Alvin is also planning to set up free wifi connections in all of Serye’s branches.

True Café Filipino

The dream of being an all-Pinoy coffee shop, which took 12 years to fulfil has indeed became a milestone in Philippine’s coffee industry. Alvin has always believed in the quality of Filipino coffee beans, which during the 1990’s was the fourth most exported all over the world.

“What Serye Café Filipino intends to do is to serve and promote local specialties prepared with global sophistication relevant to today’s globe trotting Filipinos yet still keep it very familiar and close to our hearts. We want Filipino urbanites to enjoy authentic local desserts comparable to how the rest of the world enjoys their own,” said the proudly Pinoy owner of Serye Café Filipino.

It is relatively a new sport in the Philippines and it has becoming a popular sport and it has been advancing rapidly. There are also active climbing places in manila and in other major cities. There are also quality-climbing equipments that is available in outdoor shops and climbing sites outside Manila which are Atimonan in Quezon, Antipolo, Cogeo, Manalmon, Montalban, Mt. Maculot, Palawan and Sagada. Currently there are 3 gyms that have indoor artificial climbing walls, which are the Power up Gym in Quezon City, Planet Rock in Makati, and Gravity Gym in Paranaque.

Sea Kayaking

It is also a new sport in the Philippines. The Philippines has 7,107 islands and offers thousand of kilometers for kayaking on crystal clear water, which can take you to exotic villages, pristine beaches, beautiful coral reefs and mangrove along the way. You can kayak in Caramoan, Palawan, Samar and in Siargao. Kayak is also a good way to explore Philippines delicate ecosystems without disturbing any wildlife.

Surfing

Philippines have some good surf breaks that will be available for you whatever level you are in. there are world class waves between July and November when the winds brings strong waves amid clear skies and low humidity. You can experience this waves in Baler and Infanta in Quezon, Daet in Camarines Norte, Catanduanes, Vigan in Ilocos Sur, La union, Samar, Siargao, Tandag in Surigao del Sur and in Zambales.

This and kayaking are new sports in the Philippines. There are becoming more paddlers that are looking into more action in the Philippine Rivers. If you want to experience the thrills of the gushing rapids of the Philippines Rivers, go to Bubunawan/Cagayan River in Mindanao, Tibiao River, Panay, Calbiga River in Samar, and Tacloban.

Trekking

This is for those people who wanted to go beyond the end of the roads and Philippines has the best treasures. Trekking is the only way you can see these treasures. These are the places which are the falls, tribesmen with beautiful tattoos and the crystal Water Rivers. You will also see jungles, virgin forests, and beautiful mountain ranges. And only the trekkers can witness all these things. If you are that person you can trek in Abra, Albay, Baguio, Batanes, Batangas, Bohol, Bulacan, Cebu, Iriga, Kalinga, Laguna, Leyte, Marinduque, Mt. Province, naga, Olongapo, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Pampangga, Romblon, Samar and Sorsogon.

Listed here are some of the great wonders of nature found in the Philippines. I have chosen 10 places that in my opinion are the best places to see in the country.

Banaue Rice Terraces

This beautiful place is located in the northern part of the country. This wonder of nature is known to Filipinos as the 8th wonder of the world. This rice terraces has been carved into the mountains by the indigenous people of Mountain Province and Ifugao more than 2000 years ago. The Banaue Rice Terraces is included in the Unesco World Heritage List in 1995.

Tubbataha Reef Marine Park

This Unesco World Heritage-listed marine park is located in the Municipality of Cagancillio, Province of Palawan. Tubbataha is made of about 10,000 coral reefs lying in the middle of Sulo Sea. Tubbataha is a nesting place for green sea turtles. It has almost 500 species of fish, about 45 species of birds, 9 species of dolphins and whales and it has about 400 species of corals.

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park

This great wonder of nature is another sight to enjoy. It is located in Palawan, Puerto Princesa, about 50 kilometers north of the Capital City. It has about 8 kilometers of navigable Underground River considered to be the longest in the world and features a limestone karsts mountain landscape. The river winds through a cave before it flows directly to the sea. This underground river has several chambers and also contains major formations of stalactites and stalagmites. Like the Tubbataha Reef, this nature park is included in the Unesco Heritage List.

Chocolate Hills

Chocolate Hills is located in Bohol, Philippines. It is made up of around 268 small cone-shaped hills that are almost of the same size and spread over an area of about 50 square kilometers. These coned-shaped hills are covered with grass and turns brown like a dark colored chocolate during summertime

Mayon Volcano

Mount Mayon is located is located in the province of Albay and about 15 kilometers northwest of the capital city of Legaspi.

Mount Mayon is an active volcano and has erupted about 47 times in the last 400 years. The volcano is known the world over as the most perfect cone shape volcano.

The most destructive eruption of Mount Mayon occurred in 1814 when lava flows emanating from the volcano buried the nearby town of Cagsawa, leaving only the bell tower of the church visible from the ground.. In this worst eruption, more than 2,000 people died.

Boracay Beach

Boracay Island is located in the province of Aklan with a land area of about 10 square kilometers. The island is famous for its powdery white sand and now considered as one of the best beaches in the world. From an unknown travel destination years ago, Boracay is now teeming with upscale tourists from all over the world.

Siargao Island

Siargao Island is located in the province of Surigao del Norte. It has a land area of over 400 square kilometers. Siargao is known the world over as one of the best Surfing destinations. It is home to Siargao Cup, a Philippine and International Surfing competition sponsored by the local government of Surigao.

Hundred Islands of Pangasinan

Hundred Islands is located in Pangasinan. These islands are scattered in deep blue waters of Ligayen Gulf. Some of the bigger islands have white sand beaches and dining facilities for visitors to enjoy.

Pagsanjan Falls

Pagsanjan Falls is located south of Metro Manila in the province of Laguna. The place is very popular among domestic and international travelers. Shooting the rapids is its major attraction. Boatmen will take you in their banca (wooden boat) to the river upstream, go swimming and shoot the rapids on your way downstream.

Taal Volcano

Taal Volcano is located in the island of Luzon in the province of Batangas, about 50 kilometers south of Manila. It is an active volcano with a large lake in its crater. The lake is popular fishing ground for residents living in the vicinity of the volcano.