Northern Philippines: A Spanish Heritage

from the blogs of OMP supporter Lili Ramirez, grabbed from www.travelblog.org

An hour or so away by plane from NAIA, all of 8 to 9 hours travel by road. Take your pick.

We chose to fly, then rent a car from our base which is Fort Ilocandia Hotel and Resort. The hotel is a good base for many day trips to various parts of the Ilocos Region. Top of the list is a visit to Vigan, the only surviving colonial town in the country. Declared a UNESCO Heritage Site, it is a must see for all visitors who want to catch a glimpse of how it was in the 18th and early 19th century. Time stood still in this part of Northern Philippines. It helped too that Vigan , unlike Cebu and Manila, was spared of the bombing last World War II. Do not forget that Manila is the second most bombed city during that war. By God's mercy, Vigan survived and preserved its antiquated houses, cobbled pathways, even the calesas or horse-drawn carts. The township with all its narrow streets speak of an architecture which blends Spanish, Asian and Mexican influences. At the time, it was called Ciudad Fernandina before it became Vigan which comes from the word "kabiga-an" where a tuberous plant called "biga" abounds. Then famous as a commercial and trading post, it attracted Chinese junks sailing from the South China Sea. Some of these Chinese seafarers married natives and settled in Vigan. This was long before King Philip II of Spain sent Captain Juan de Salcedo who then "founded" the town in 1572 and called it Ciudad Fernandina in honor of the King's son Ferdinand who died at an early age. Since then, Augustinian missionaries visited Vigan and the rest of Ilocos Region and initiated the evangelization of the area. Many churches and monuments still stand today, spared from the bombings of World War II.

Back in Laoag, Ilocos Norte, we spent the next day visiting Paoay Church, another UNESCO Heritage Site. I have not seen a church compound anywhere in the Philippines as grand as this one. Paoay Church stands proud. It is by no means as grand as the churches you'd find in Europe, but the colonial heritage and the Spanish legacy give it its well-deserved grandeur. Built of bricks and coral blocks, the architecture combines Gothic, Baroque and Oriental. Built over a period of nearly 200 years, the church belltower is a fitting reminder of the Christianization of the Philippines as ell as its role in the Philippine Revolution when it was used as an observation post by the local rebels called Katipuneros. Another church , the St. William's Church, was built by the Augustinian frailes or priests in 1612 in the Italian Renaissance design. Right next to it is a sunken belltower leaning slightly to the North. This is our local though much scaled-down version of the Pisa tower. A 3rd church we visited was Sta. Monica Church , a century old church of neo-classical and baroque architecture.

Of more recent history is the fact that ex-President and strongman Ferdinand Marcos hails from Batac, not too far from Laoag. The ancestral house of the Marcoses is now the Marcos Museum and Mausoleoum where the late President's body lies like a wax statue. During his 20 year reign, Marcos built a Malacanang of the North (Malacanang in Manila is the official residence of the President, much like the White House in Washington DC). The mansion is an expression of opulence and overlooks the lovely Paoay Lake. Now a museum, visitors can tour the mansion for a minimal fee.

These days, the Ilocos Region is still considered Marcos land despite the fact that the dictator has passed on many years ago. His only son, Ferdinand Junior, Bongbong to most, is the current congressman representing the Ilocos Region. Bongbong earlier served as governor of the province, during which time the Bangui Windmills were established. This wind farm lies nearly next to Pagudpud and now has 15 wind turbines. It has since attracted many visitors to the area just to view the 70 meters tall wind turbines. And not too far from here is the Cape Bojeador , a lighthouse built in 1892 north of Laoag City. It is the highest, and I think the oldest, lighthouse in the country.

Many Ilocanos to this day idolize the late President Marcos. Without dwelling on politics, I will venture to suggest that the more prominent and admirable Ilocanos should be Juan Luna , Diego Silang and his equally brave widow, Gabriela. All three are martyrs and heroes of the land. They have done far more for our country than any other Ilocano. That said, let me invite everyone to visit our land!

Boracay on a Budget

photo credits-Charlene Diane Albert

Certainly, a traveler can't get enough of this paradise and enthralling get-away called Boracay. Some of the reasons why include the talcum-fine white sands, crystal-clear calm waters, the culture and the people.

But if you are on a budget, please consider the following breakdown of anticipated expenses:

Now, how do you actually get to and enjoy this paradise island?

1. First, on your arrival in Manila, book a decent budget accommodation in the heart of the City but close to the airport. Then, take The RORO system to Boracay which is fast becoming the preferred mode of transpo for people who would like to explore the different islands of the Philippines, Boracay included. The Nautical "Highway" is a combination of overland highways and roll-on, roll-off (RoRo) vessels that allow you to bring vehicle to Panay Island and visit key cities like Kalibo. However, one cannot ferry a car to Boracay Island.

For the more structured individuals, the short cut of the long process is to book a van in Manila by contacting private operators such as Angel Star (02 783-0886 c/o Abner) and Gope (02 732-6891 c/o Cesar). This option provides you a straight trip from Manila to Caticlan at the cost of P930.00, more or less. Their group operates several passenger vans which can load 10-14 or 15-18 persons. You book the trip exclusively or share with fellow travellers. The Van leaves at 9PM daily from Manila-Batangas-Calapan-Roxas (arrives Roxas at 5am or 6am) to catch the 8am or 10am ferry/boat to Caticlan, where you are expected to arrive between 12nn to 2pm. Before proceeding to Boracay Island though, be sure to get your return ticket (Roxas-Manila) at the Caticlan Ferry Terminal (inquire about the updated schedule from the staff of the van operators). Take an early dinner before boarding the van and bring water and something to eat while on travel. Riding a van gives you a more relaxed pace to Caticlan because you wouldn't have to stop in many sub-destinations which lengthen your trip and therefore can be truly tiresome. Noted that the fee of P910.00 already includes two RORO fares.

The RoRo system even as it entails extended travel time is easier on the pocket and therefore more ideal for budget travellers. But if you only have a few days to spend in the Philippines, by all means book a flight early (at least two months in advance) within the range of $50-100, one-way. Budget fares are available thru Cebu Pacific Airways or the Philippine Airlines (select the "econolight" fare type in the drop-down selection menu of the booking section in their website).

2. Contact us (OUR MELTING POT backpackers) - 0917*8328539; we can arrange for you the cheapest accommodation in the island which can range from P500-800 pesos, on a twin-sharing arrangement.

3. Explore the wet market and request specific stall vendors to cook your food according to your own taste or preference.

4. Be open to making new friends while in the Island, among local tourists or foreigners. Your new-found acquaintances may be willing to sharing boat rides with you during your island hopping adventure or other fun activities like banana boat ride, kayaking and many more. On an individual basis, the price for popular services or rides can be prohibitive. But when you divide the cost among three or four other travelers, your exploration of the island truly becomes affordable.

When you are already in the island, remember the following . . .

During the dry season (Nov-Apr), White Beach, which is located at the western stretch of the island, is calm and utterly suitable for swimming. Here, you can simply while away time. In fact, the best thing to do when you are in Boracay is not to do anything. Let nature charm, calm and mesmerize you while sitting on the beach, enjoying the powdery white sands, feeling the cool air breeze, watching people pass by.

But if you can’t resist the water, soak in it by all means because the beach is an unbelievable, magnificent, expansive natural swimming pool. The whole beach front extends for several kilometers. The water stays quite shallow for several meters out. When it’s low tide, 30 meters off the frontage, you only have the water up to your waistline. Underneath, the softest, gentlest, finest cushion of sand gives you the best natural foot spa for free.

Boracay sunset is both awesome and captivating. On a lucky day, you get all the colors in the sky which make you momentarily forget the particular time and space you’re in. That’s why it’s called paradise. You wouldn’t wanna leave the place.

In contrast to other popular beaches in Southeast Asia, Boracay does not yet (and will probably not) have the amenities of BIG shopping malls or theaters and multi-purpose stadiums that somehow put pressure on the traveler TO DO something. But you can also get the pleasure from a lazy afternoon by building castle in the sand, playing board or card games with your companion or joining an unknown group of locals or foreigners in a fun beach volleyball game. Yes, you may only have to flash your wide smiles without need of introducing yourself. Presto, you can be in the game with people whom you have only met for the first time.

The eastern side of the island has strong winds and big waves making it enjoyable for wind surfing, wave running, etc. During the rainy or typhoon season (Jun-Oct), it’s the White Beach which gets the larger share of winds and somehow angry waves that make it unsuitable for swimming. Take note that there are no lifeguards on White Beach. Even as there are dive shops every few meters on this paradise island, the operators or the crew are not there to watch over people who swim in the inviting waters of Boracay.

During the night, however, Boracay is transformed. The place is lavish with plenty of bars staging different kinds of shows every night. You can enjoy a reggae ambiance or listen to country music played by local bands who are amazingly good at it. A traveler simply has to know that the Philippines is the leading exporter of talents in the entertainment field, virtually unaffected by the ups and down of the global economy.

You Never Grow Tired of TAGAYTAY

from the travel blogs of Liliram, newest supporter of OMP, as originally posted from travelblog.org

It took this long for me to think of blogging about one of my favorite places in my own country. Perhaps because I visit it too often, or I took its beauty so much for granted. Tagaytay holds many happy childhood memories for me and my family. Both my parents are from Cavite where Tagaytay is. And many weekends were spent here, in a neighboring town called Silang, Cavite where my grandmother used to live, long before it became a favorite tourist destination. From Manila, it would take about an hour and a half traveling south for 60 km to reach Tagaytay to view the "volcano island" inside a lake called Taal Lake, or Lake Taal.

As a child, my ears got so used to many old folks' stories about Taal Volcano where one finds a lake within a volcano within a lake within a volcano. Yeah, I know, it sounds redundant. Can you imagine me listening to all these stories and this line which has now become an adjective to describe Taal Volcano back when I was still of pre-school age? It appears Taal Volcano made up for its size by always threatening to erupt, as if drawing attention all the time. Records show it is the smallest active volcano in the world. And for good measure, the old folks back in the province recount to this day all their experiences with Taal Volcano's mini-eruptions in the past until it was no longer news.

The story goes that Tagaytay Ridge where one gets a perfect view of Taal Lake and Volcano was actually part of a bigger volcano until a major eruption hundreds or thousands of years ago. Originally a huge volcano towering 18,000 feet, many people don't realize that it used to be one of the largest volcanoes in the world. Tagaytay Ridge is the rim of the volcano! Before it was "reduced" to its present size, Tagaytay ridge would have been only about a sixth of the way to the top of the volcano!! This caldera is now fringed with many tourist inns, hotels, restaurants and picnic groves. A major golf course (Tagaytay Highlands) and a casino (near Taal Vista Lodge Hotel) can also be found along this ridge. Most tourists make day trips from Manila to this place, missing out on an unhurried day of adventure which may include a boat journey through the lake to reach the volcano island (about 1,500 pesos or US $30 for the entire boat so you can split it among the 3 or 4 of you), a trek to the top of the volcano on a donkey (most recommended, unless you are very very fit but be ready to shed another US$20 per person), as well as trying out the many fine-dining and local restaurants in the area.
Many years back when Tagaytay only had picnic huts available for rent to locals bringing in their own picnic baskets, the place was famous for its many retreat houses and prayer centers. The cool climate and the now-lost "rustic innocence" of the place made for a very meaningful weekend of prayers and meditation. The retreat houses are still there. And many retreat weekends are still held there. The popularity of the place has also resulted in many foreigners deciding to stay permanently and setting up their own restaurants and shops there. These days, one can make trips to Tagaytay to try out this new Vietnamese restaurant (Bawai), or this Austrian-German bistro called Chateau Hestia, a greek taverna, or a lovely garden restaurant called Moon Garden run by a Belgian. Taal Vista Lodge Hotel is a newly renovated hotel complex , Josephine's Restaurant with its seafood delicacies still stands attracting both local and foreign patrons, the Discovery chain of serviced apartments run Country Suites and I must say, serves the best lamb chops, and of course there is Sonya's Garden and Antonio's - 2 of the fine dining establishments in the area. My personal favorite is Antonio's though that will set you back a good US$30 to $50 per pax. For local food, one can try Josephine's (their buffet is a steal at only US$7) and Leslie's (try their "bulalo" which is beef stew). As for the kids, there is Residence Inn and Zoo where you can spend an entire afternoon with small children. Lunch is also served in this place, a good way to spend an hour or two after checking out the zoo. Restless kids can go to a nearby playground while the adults enjoy their coffee after lunch, or simply wait out for the sunset while viewing the volcano.

There is always something to do in Tagaytay other than just taking in the view. The more adventurous go for the boat ride and donkey trek. The prayerful spend their

retreat weekends there and head back to Manila with emptied minds, restful spirits and re-energized bodies. The hedonists spend time in their favorite spas while their husbands play a round of golf in Tagaytay Highlands. The foodies try out the many food establishments, where the variety caters to every pocket range. The kids can check out the tigers, crocs, gorillas, etc in the zoo. Or simply rent out bikes or go horseback riding in the park.

I live in Makati, the financial center of Manila. This urban jungle has its advantages and disadvantages. Thank God for Tagaytay. In under 2 hours, we can enjoy its breeze and open spaces. There is just no way we will ever grow tired of Tagaytay!

Backpackers Accommodation in Makati by OGGIE RAMOS

Photos and write-up are courtesy of Oggie Ramos

Nothing drab about this hostel - bold colors, cozy lounging area

I paced several streets along Makati Avenue a number of times in broad daylight looking for the place. My friend and fellow backpacker, Dong Ho, said the backpacker hostel was just in front of the A-venue mall cum event place so it's impossible to miss. Still, I wondered where it was exactly. A friendly European must've read my confused mind, showing me that the steel door of what seemed to be a deserted building, is open. Turns out he's one of the transients and by luck, I'm showed to the old-fashioned elevator (hey, the sign even said it's a lift) to the fourth floor and a hall littered with footwear.

I step inside and is greeted by the sight of a warmly-lit living room, the faint smell of fresh paint trailing me. The dining room with its long table is just adjacent to the sala and the round-the-clock reception desk, looking very, very homey.

Warm and inviting living area

The hostel is Our Melting Pot, newly-relocated to its third site in a little over two years of operation. As a backpacker, I've stayed in my share of inns and hostels during trips overseas and have always wondered why there seems to be a dearth of similar accommodations here in the Philippines. Our Melting Pot was inspired by a similar line of thinking of its backpacking owners who see that with our brand of Pinoy hospitality, there's no reason why it can't be replicated here.

Inexpensive options. Accommodations is one big expense for budget travelers. Personally, it's also a dilemma. Get something downright cheap and I may have to sacrifice some un-negotiable points like baggage security (as a photographer always traveling with gear, this is a constant concern). Get something costly and nice and I may want to stay indoors longer than I ought to. Having seen the rooms on offer here, my impressions were: inexpensive but they sure didn't scrimp on the facilities. There's a private room for those who want well, privacy (P1,100/night with free breakfast).

 

this photo courtesy of Ferdz Decena

 

Our group got billeted in the 6-person dorm room (P600/pax/night also with breakfast included) so we can experience firsthand the hostel concept. The mattress was firm, the sheets very clean, the pillow eminently huggable. The blanket can use more thickness though that's partly because of the aircon's efficiency. There were swinging curtains for privacy and ample number of outlets for plugging mobile devices. For the snore-prone, special pillows are available. A word of caution though for the noise-averse: this side of Makati Avenue can become noisy during Friday and weekend nights so you can either bring earplugs or opt for the private rooms located at the interior of the place.

 

Surfing and enjoying the the six-bed dorm room

Kitchen musical. Pardon my use of a catchy blurb but there's a reason why the dining room seems to be a focal point of the hostel. The area becomes a place to congregate and to know the other guests in the way backpackers are familiar with. Far removed from the formality of a hotel setting, the long table with its long benches become a venue for sharing stories and perhaps, creating new friendships. We got hosted to a Filipino-themed dinner (the laing or Taro Leaves stewed in coconut milk was particularly memorable) but the breakfast fare of pan de sal (local bread) and different variety of Filipino spreads such as coco jam (coconut jam) was a very inspired way of introducing foreign guests to Pinoy fare.

Chilling out. The sala with its comfy couches can be irresistible after a hearty dinner or maybe just to read or surf. There are also two personal computers for checking emails if the WiFi signal fluctuates in-room. The rooftop lounging area is not yet completed but climbing up for a look-see, we found that it offers a rather nice view of the Makati cityscape especially at night.

Individual storage cabinets

Clean T&Bs. Now, this comes as a real surprise -- the toilet and bath areas including the handwashing areas are very clean not just by hostel standards. No mildew, no spots, no scurrying insects. I really hope they keep it this way as the hostel matures (I read past reviews at TripAdvisor and the cleanliness is no doubt a reaction to past feedback).

Luggage storage and other really useful stuff. Now, one thing a backpacker can appreciate is being able to leave stuff for safekeeping so he/she can travel lighter across the country. I've seen it many times elsewhere and it's a delight to find it here. Another is the valuable info the staff shares with all its guests. There maybe volumes of guide books on the bookshelf but personally, I prefer the locals' knowledge of the place any day.

Other mention-worthy touches. The barefoot policy is good for keeping the rooms clean. Ditto the no-eating in the room rule (obviously, a lesson learned from the hostel's previous incarnations). The staff's personalized way of greeting and attending to every guest is commendable, really reflective of the Pinoy hospitality which I thought was overran by modernity but happily finds itself very much at home here. It's not usual nowadays to find Pinoys who are willing to go out of their way to help guests but the staff here seems genuinely interested in doing just that. I find a kinship with the owners as they share the idea that the best way to promote the Philippines is by opening them up to our kind of warmth and hospitality.

Wall of memories

Makati nightscape from the rooftop

Info: Location: Our Melting Pot is now located at 4/F Mavenue Building, 7844 Makati Avenue corner Guerrero Street, Makati City right across the A-venue, the location is very strategic, walking distance or a short jeepney ride to attractions such as the Ayala and Greenbelt Malls, banks, restaurants, etc. The building looks deserted but it won't stay that way for long as a renowned fastfood chain and a call center are set to occupy the first three floors.

Cheap Manila Accommodation: Our Melting Pot Hostel

Cheap accommodation in manila is finally possible when you book a bed in Our Melting Pot. The hostel offers a bed & breakfast accommodation in a MIXED-DORM setting where you can book one of its 7 beds. You can find this place in the cozy central district of Barangay Bel-Air, Makati City. It has recently been set up by a group of young professionals who are both passionate and fascinated about traveling. The new, comfortable, friendly and trendy backpacking joint called OUR MELTING POT is nested in Unit 5-K, Azotea de Bel-ar Condo, Polaris St., Makati City, Philippines. Contact numbers are: ☎ (+63 2)393-9189 c/o Liza, or (+63 2)897-0809 local 119, outside office hours and on weekends, or anytime thru mobile (+63 917)832-8539 c/o Lani, (+63 917)803-9248 c/o Kidz.


For only about US$16 for an individual overnight stay, Our Melting Pot is truly a cheap accommodation in Manila. Nowhere can you find in this part of Makati City, a budget room that costs less than US$30 per person, per night. More than that, the hostel lives up to the true sense of backpacking where opportunity to meet and bond with other travelers is facilitated. Further, the place is literally at the center of many things, less than 30 minutes from the airport, 10 minutes to the Ayala Center where you find the Glorietta and the Greenbelt Malls, close to the Metro trains, US$2-taxi-ride away from major tourist attractions, etc. It is a strategic and practical jump-off point to the prime tourist destinations of this country’s 7,107 islands.

Our Melting Pot is run by a group of young entrepreneurs whose combined travel experiences have brought them to various corners of the world including Southeast Asia and the Pacific, Western Europe and the U.S. They have extensive experience of staying in hostels, homestays or backpackers joints which they gladly bring with them in this endeavor in the hope of contributing to the Philippines’ bid to be the next preferred destination for budget travelers.

Kudos then to these young enterprising people and the rest of the gang as Our Melting Pot is born at last in no better place but the hippiest financial and entertainment hub of the Philippines. If you are the lucky guest who finds out first about the hostel, its modern atmosphere and peaceful vibe will greet you, aptly complementing the vibrant and diverse character of Bel-air, Makati, which has been for the last few years slowly giving birth to many forms and signs of life in the area, from the mundane to spiritual, laid-back to upbeat, western to oriental, including the very basic need of finding a cheap accommodation in Manila.

Facilities & Rates

DORMITORY ROOMS

FEATURES

Comfortable Beds
Fully Air Conditioned
Hot Water in Shower
Individual Curtains for Privacy
Individual Cabinet with Lockers
Wi-fi Ready
Individual Bathroom for Each Dormitory Rooms
RATES:
6 Bed Dormitory - P750.00 
4 Bed Dormitory - P800.00
2 Bed Dormitory - P850.00

PRIVATE ROOMS

Private Single

Common Bathroom

Common Area (Private Rooms)

RATES
Single: P 1,000.00
Double: P 1,600.00


SERVICE AMENITIES

Free breakfast

Free Access to the Swimming Pool and Gym

Free Internet Access

24-hour check-in
Reception staff available from 7am - 11pm
Laundry Services
Cable TV
Mailing Services
BUILDING FEATURES

24-hour security
Automatic fire alarm and sprinkler system
Basement Parking
Centralized garbage disposal and collection system
OTHER SERVICES IN THE VICINITY
Bars, Pubs
Food Delivery
Restaurants (Korean, Japanese, Spanish, Mexican, Thai, Indian, Chinese, Arab, American, etc.)
Convenience Stores
Drug Stores

Cheap Manila Accommodation: How To Locate Us

Your cheap manila accommodation can actually be found in the heart of Makati City!

It is a new hostel which is easy to reach or locate.
The maps shown hereunder will make things even easier for you.
We hope to see you very soon!

We're located at the Northern part of Makati Central Business District. It is a convenient 15-minute drive from the NAIA Airport.

4^th Floor Mavenue Building
#7844 Makati Avenue corner Guerrero Street

1209 Makati City, Manila, Philippines

Contact # (+63 2) 659-5443 (anytime, anyday)
+63.917.5860107+63.932.9500255

DIRECTIONS

In general, Our Melting Pot should be accessible from any part of Metro Manila. It is located right on the corner of Makati Avenue and Guerrero St., directly across the A-Venue Mall parking lot.

From Manila Airport (approx 30 minutes)

From the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) airport, take a cab to the hostel. If you wish to avoid the stress of bargaining with taxi drivers, ride an airport taxi (yellow) instead of the regular metered taxi (white). Your safeguard when using ordinary metered taxis is to choose more reliable taxi operators such as those that you can find in note #2 below.

Tell the cab driver that you are headed for Makati Avenue, to Mavenue building across the A-Venue Mall parking lot. This area is known to most taxi drivers but just in case you are asked for more information, A-Venue Mall comes after the intersection of Makati Avenue and Gil Puyat, even past Kalayaan Avenue and closer to JP Rizal Street.

Please note that the taxi driver will not know anything about Our Melting Pot Hostel especially since we just moved in to this new location/building effective December 1, 2011. OMP signages still have to be put up when the renovation of the entire building is done.

Additional Instructions:

1. For changes in your ETA in the hostel, kindly update your reservation details or email us in advance (ourmeltingpotbackpackers@gmail.com). While we do receive guests anytime of the day/night, it would work well for both you and the hostel management if the NEW or ACTUAL time of your arrival is known, other than the default time found in the system.

2. It is still an option to take a metered taxi from the Manila airport, especially if you are arriving in broad daylight. Upon arrival at NAIA, metered taxis are easier (cheaper) to find if you go up the departure area, where taxi drivers unload departing passengers. However, if your ETA is beyond 21:00, just queue up to get a coupon taxi right outside the arrival hall. The company names of more reliable metered taxi operators are: R&E, E&E, MGE, N&S, P&A, 24/7, Munich, Tai, Sturdy, Basic, D'Avis, and Dollar. In general, you don't have to bargain with their drivers to put down their meters, although of course there are always some exceptions.

3. From the NAIA to the hostel, the fare should be around P200.00 to P250.00 on regular metered taxis and around P350.00 to P450.00 on coupon / airport taxi. The taxi driver normally takes the main avenue called EDSA, where the Metro Rail Transit runs. After about 5-10 minutes on that highway, it makes a left on AYALA AVENUE, then right on MAKATI AVE. When you have come past Mandarin Hotel along Makati Avenue, you're at most 5 minutes away from the hostel. Once you see St. Giles Hotel, two more blocks you will find Mavenue building on your right, at the corner of Guerrero Street.

From Clark Airport (approx 2 hours)

Buy a bus ticket to Manila (Pasay bus station) at the counter near the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (Clark) airport exit. The fare should cost you from P300 to P350. From Pasay bus station, take an ordinary metered taxi to the hostel. Tell the cab driver that you are headed for Makati Avenue, to Mavenue building across the A-Venue Mall parking lot.