Backpacking Philippines, Budget Travel in Philippines

What Makes Pinoy Different From Others?

noreply@blogger.com (rayter) — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 05:13:18 PST

'Pinoy' (pinay as the feminine form) is usually the slang term that refers to the Filipino people from the Philippines. The word originated by taking the last four letter of Filipino and adding 'Y' to form the word "Pinoy." There are a lot of things that makes Filipino differ from other ethic group in the world. Here are some of the things that separate Pinoy from the rest of the world:

1. Philippine Culture - This is the one thing that separates us from the rest of the world - the colorful and lively culture that makes one distinctly Filipino. This includes the traditions, language and arts that are found in museums, churches and galleries, located within the heart of the key cities. Most of the places in the coutry have their own identifying folk dances wherein showing the beauty and elegance of the way Filipino do things. From the way they dress and see things as shown in different paintings, That's not all. In the Philippines, Fiesta are celebrated almost everyday.

2. Languages - According to ethnologue, the Philippines has about 180 different languages. That includes Cebuano, Ilokano, Hiligaynon, Kapampangan, Waray, Bikol, Pangasinan, Tausug, Maguindanao, Maranao, Kinaray-a, Chavacano and Spanish.

3. Tribal Groups - There are known 100 different tribal groups in the country which include the Cordillerano (Igorot), who live in the highlands of Luzon; the Mangyan of Mindoro; the scattered Negritos including the Aeta in Luzon and the Ati of Panay; the tribes of Palawan; the Lumad of Mindanao (including the Manobo, Tasaday, Mamanwa, Mandaya, and Kalagan); and the Bajau of the Sulu Archipelago.

4. Pinoy Cuisine - Traditionally Filipino eats 3 meals a day, agahan (breakfast), tanghalian (lunch), and hapunan (dinner) plus an afternoon snack called merienda. Popular food in the country are lechon (whole roasted pig), longganisa (sausage), tapa (cured beef), adobo, kaldereta, kare-kare, mechado, pancit, lumpia and among others. Pinoy are also known for practicing the traditional way of eating with the hands specially if the food are dry dishes such as prito (fried) or inihaw (grilled over coal).

Now, these are just some of the things that made Pinoy different from other ethnic group in Asia and in the world.

Local Philippines - Batanes Islands

noreply@blogger.com (rayter) — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 05:12:45 PST

Batanes is a place that is hard to forget, a place so mesmerizing that going back home would be difficult. With its captivating beauty and magnificence Batanes is truly a feast for the senses. In Batanes, there is always that feeling of calmness and relaxation and the comforting fact that it is a place where time is not important and everything stands still. Need to get away from the world for a while? Batanes is your place.

Location
The Batanes Islands lie at the northernmost tip of the Philippines, where the Pacific Ocean merges with the South China Sea. Batanes is the smallest province in terms of population and land area, and is composed of three major islands: Batan, which contains the capital town of Basco; Sabtang, and Itbayat.

Best Times to Go
December to May are the best times to visit Batanes. It does rain most months of the year though, so be prepared with your rain gear.

Batanes Attractions
Whether you want to see the natural wonders or explore bits of religious history, Batanes has these sites to offer even the most discerning tourist.

Natural Sites

Sabtang Island
This island southwest of Batan Island remains undisturbed and unspoiled. It has intermittent white sand beaches, steep mountains, and deep canyons with small level areas sporadically found along the coastline, accessible by falowa (an oval-shaped motorized passenger boat without the outrigger) from Radiwan Port in Ivana. This island is also the take-off point for Ivuhos Island from Barangay Nakanmuan.

Itbayat Island
Located north of Batan Island, it is surrounded by massive boulders and cliffs rising 20-70 feet above sea level and has no shoreline. It has a dirt airstrip for light aircraft. Ferries also run the Batan-Itbayat route, with a travel time of about four hours by falowa from the Basco Seaport. Light planes fly from Basco Airport to Itbayat in 12-minute trips at PhP700.00 per person.

Batan Island
Batan Island is the most populated of all the islands in the province, and is also where the center of commerce and seat of the provincial government lie.

Mount Iraya
A dormant volcano standing at 1,517 meters whose last eruption was recorded in 505 AD. This peak is ideal for mountaineering, trekking, and trailblazing. It is located walking distance from Basco and can be climbed to the top in about three hours.

Mavudis Island
Mavudis is the northernmost island of Batanes. Coconut crabs (called "Tatus" by the locals) are bountiful on this island, which is surrounded by rich marine life. Chawa Cave Chawa is believed to be an enchanted cave. It has a natural salt bed and a mouth that opens to the South China Sea, which is also is accessible through the boulders of Chawa Point in Mahatao. This cave lies about 4 kilometers from Basco.

White Beach
As testament to the province's natural beauty, this white beautiful white beach can be found in Vatang Hapnit and Mavatuy Point at Mahatao.

Bird Watching at Cuyab
Observe the migratory birds from China that flock the islands in search of a warmer climate every October.

Religious Sites

San Jose Church (Ivana)
Built in 1814 (although its foundation dates back to 1795), this church is truly unique among all the old churches in Batanes as it is the only one not built in the espadana style of the day. It has a crenellated fortress-like campanile or belltower that gives the appearance of a fortification. San Jose Church fronts the Ivana Seaport and offers a commanding view of the sea and surrounding countryside due to its elevation. It is 14 kilometers from Basco.

San Carlos Borromeo Church & Convent (Mahatao)
Founded in 1789 and built in 1873, it has a facade modeled after that of Basco Cathedral, with two round arches at roof level for the bells. On its outer walls are massive buttresses that used to serve as stairways to the roof - a thing of convenience in the olden days when frequent repairs had to be made to the cogon grass roofing. The church still retains its centuries-old features. Located six kilometers from Basco. Church of Sto. Domingo de Basco (Basco Cathedral) Established in 1783, it is the oldest and most important church in Batanes. To give the facade stability and strength against earthquakes and typhoon winds, the church walls were buttressed with massive pilasters from foundation to top. The church is dedicated to the Immaculate Conception, patroness of Batanes.

San Vicente Ferrer Church (Sabtang Island)
Another church modeled after the one in Basco. Following an unfortunate incident in 1790, when Spanish emissaries sent to procure goods from the parish were killed by some natives, the people of Sabtang were forcibly resettled across the channel to Ivana and not allowed to return until 1844 when the foundations of the present church were laid.

Other Attractions

Kanyuyan Beach & Port (Baluarte Bay, Basco). The port of call of the cargo ships bringing goods from Manila.

Sitio Jura at Racujaide The fishermens village at Mananoy Bay. Fishing season is marked by a festival in mid-March called Payvanuvanuan during which visitors are treated with fresh fish delicacies from the Pacific Ocean. Within the area is the legendary spring of Youth and a living cave with crystal limestone formations. Mananoy Bay is nine kilometers from Basco proper.

Batanes Day (June 26) Marked with playground demonstrations, parades, the Palu-palo Festival, and other cultural events.

Feast of Three Kings (January 6) On this day, the image of the Sto. Nino (Holy Child) is venerated in every home in Batanes.

Ruins of Songsong A ghost barangay which is really a cluster of roofless shells of old stone houses abandoned after a tidal wave that hit the island of Batan in the 1950s. The area has a long stretch of beach. Located 23 kilometers from Basco.

Radiwan Point Located at Ivana Seaport, this is the landing site of the Katipuneros on September 18, 1898, thus making it a very historical location. The falowas plying the islands of Sabtang and Itbayat are also stationed here.

Other Places of interest in Batanes:
● House of Dakay (1887) a UNESCO heritage building.
● Lighthouses of Batanes
● St. Dominic de Guzman Parish Cathedral
● Mt. Iraya - A 1008-meter mountain on Batan Island.
● Mahatao View Deck
● Burial Caves - Pre-historic burial caves in the town of Itbayat.
● Sumhao Wind Power Plant
● Nakaboang Beach, Ark & Cave
● Beaches - Chadpidan Beach, White Beach and more.
● Payaman - known as "Marlboro Country", a pasture overlooking farm fields & the Pacific Ocean.

Accommodations in Batanes With the emergent interest in this part of the country, regular visitors to Batanes have witnessed a marked improvement in the available accommodations. There are also additional places to stay, which goes to saying that Batanes has truly emerged as a top Philippine destination. Most travelers to Batanes stay in pension- or lodge-type accommodations which are plentiful in the area. These places are very inexpensive, clean, well-maintained, and are near the top attractions of the area. Most of these pension houses are even installing wi-fi for their tech-savvy lodgers. More luxurious accommodations are also available, as Batanes aims to cater to every type of tourist and vacationer.

Local Philippines is your travel buddy. We have information about the destinations, how to get there, what to do while in the area and more! Destinations in the beaches or in the mountains, destinations under water, destinations right at the middle of the urban hub, name it and LocalPhilippines will most likely feature it.

Liee Lozano works for LocalPhilippines, the most comprehensive online directory of Philippine destinations, events, and attractions. The aim of LocalPhilippines is to take you to over 7,107 destinations, which will give you that WOW experience only the Philippines and Filipinos can give.

Philippines K1 Visa in Manila: What Can Go wrong?

noreply@blogger.com (rayter) — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 05:10:15 PST

On a normal day at the US Embassy, a consular officer usually interviews around 150 applicants or more. Thus, with this figure, each applicant is allotted a mere average of three (3) minutes to convince the interviewer that he or she is qualified for a US K1 fiancée visa.

The fully-accomplished application form is the main basis used by the consul officer in probing the qualifications of the fiancée visa applicant. The said form contains sufficient data to establish whether the applicant is eligible to enter the US or not.

Usually, the consul interviewer would resort to the supporting documents only to clarify certain matters not completely clear or established in the application form.

On the day of the interview, the applicant must be confident that the requirements have all been complied with and must likewise be prepared for any questions which the interviewer may ask.

Make it a point to always remember that the interviewer shall be asking only questions which will tend to prove that the relation between the alleged future spouses is authentic and that there is a bona fide intention to marry each other within ninety days upon entry to the US by the applicant. Thus think of every possible question on this topic and be ready to answer it.

Based on the experience of other applicants for a K1 visa Philippines, whose interview went awry, everything just fell into pieces when they realized that some of their documents were missing. At this point, the composure starts to crumble and a sudden feeling of nervousness overwhelms the applicant.

This situation could have definitely been avoided had they been more prepared and meticulous in organizing the documentary requirements.

Another usual reason for the automatic denial of the application is the legal impediment to marry by either or both parties.

Since there is no divorce in the Philippines, the consular officer's only basis for determining the dissolution of a marriage are the death certificate, or a court ruling nullifying the prior marriage. A mere affidavit attesting to this fact is not valid, hence will cause the instant rejection of the application.

Thus, in every interview for a Philippines K1 Visa, preparation and confidence is the key to an almost assured approval of the application.

Dennis Ramm is the Managing Partner for Siam Legal International, Thailand's largest legal service network with offices in Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya, Hua Hin, Chiang Mai and Samui. The firm has international locations in London and Los Angeles. Siam Legal is a full-service law firm and provides a wide range of legal and Thailand visa services. Reach Siam Legal at +(66) 2-253-8100, or info@siam-legal.com.

How to Plan Your Retirement in the Philippines

noreply@blogger.com (rayter) — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 05:09:25 PST

Do you plan to retire in the Philippines? If that is so, you must put into consideration several factors in order to have a happy, peaceful, and comfortable retirement in the near future. Retirement itself may or may not be that complicated, depending on how a person plans and prepares for it. It entails an adequate preparation and a good decision-making in order to guarantee a successful retirement. Otherwise, you'll end up empty-handed and full of regrets. Everyone is looking forward to a very comfortable life after retirement. When your working days have come to an end, then all you want to do is just to sit back and relax, you will feel relieved with the thought that all things concerning your retirement has been planned well and good.

The first thing to be done is an adequate planning for retirement. You must start thinking about your retirement at the earliest possible time. As they always say, "the earlier, the better". The moment you receive your first salary, you must contemplate on how to do with your retirement in the future. Would your salary be enough so that it would be easy for you when you retire? Well, it would really depend on the kind of lifestyle you have. Again, better start planning while you are still young.

Secondly, you must have an assessment of your income and expenditures. Make a list of all your income minus expenditures. At times, you will need some money for urgent and emergency situations. In that case, you also have to make reservations for such unavoidable contingencies. Moreover, what are the things you want to own or dreaming of? It may be a car, a house, or anything you wish to have. Just bear in mind that necessities come first than purely luxurious things. You must focus on your priorities in life and try to balance things before making a move because life is such a gamble. At times you win, or at times you lose. You may consult a financial adviser who will help you develop a practical and workable plan.

Another thing to consider when planning a Philippine Retirement is the visa that will allow the retiree to stay in the country for the said purpose. There are immigration firms and agencies that can help you assist process the Philippine Retirement Visa to avoid the hassle of going to Philippine government offices which are normally located quite afar from each other.

Retiring in the Philippines can be a very rewarding choice for retirees. You can have a high quality of living for a lower cost compared to the U.S. or some other countries. Besides, the elderly people here in this country are very much respected unlike in the U.S. whereby they are isolated in the homes for the aged. In other words, those who have retired in the Philippines felt the kindness and concern of the Filipinos towards them, and not that they are already useless or helpless even at such age.

Dennis Ramm is the Managing Partner for Siam Legal International, Thailand's largest legal service network with offices in Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya, Hua Hin, Chiang Mai and Samui. The firm has international locations in London and Los Angeles. Siam Legal is a full-service law firm and provides a wide range of legal and Thailand visa services. Reach Siam Legal at +(66) 2-253-8100, or info@siam-legal.com.

Travel Blog in the Philippines

noreply@blogger.com (rayter) — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 05:06:11 PST

A blog about a traveler wandering the famous and not-so-famous tourist spots in the Philippine archipelago.

Just recently, the blog http://lakbaydiva.com has just been published for online consumption. It talks about the traveler's adventures in the different places of the Philippines - from Davao to Cagayan de Oro, sidestepping to Siargao; to Bohol and Cebu with shortstops in Negros towns and cities; going up to Sorsogon, Legaspi, and finally Manila.

Tips can be found about those places; how to get there, where to stay, and the author's disposition about the place.

So if you plan to travel in the Philippines, try to check out this site!

Siquijor Beach Resort

noreply@blogger.com (rayter) — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 05:05:20 PST

Don’t miss the spectatular sunsets from your own private patio at the Danish Lagoon in Siquijor. Lodging at The Danish Lagoon in Siquijor will allow you to enjoy breathtaking views while you enjoy your morning coffee from your own private patio overlooking the seaside cliff in Siquijor.

The Danish Lagoon Luxury Beach Resort and Steakhouse features international luxurious accomodation and an international menu for discerning travellers on Siquijor, Philippines. Located on Siquijor Island, in Paliton - along Siquijor's golden strip of San Juan Siquijor. The Danish Lagoon features Siquijor best lodging and dining experience.

For those seeking a less rustic getaway, The Danish Lagoon luxury beach resort located in Siquijor, Philippines will exceed the needs of even the most discerning traveler.
Dining on Siquijor at The Danish Lagoon Luxury Beach resort and steakhouse is a royal pleasure. Imported beef and fresh fish dishes adorn a menu sure to please the most discerning pallet.

When visiting Siquijor you must not leave without trying a hamburger at The Danish Lagoon. The Danish Lagoon Luxury Beach Resort and Steakhouse is provides excellent lodging on Siquijor and superb meals. If you are not lucky enough to book into one of the Danish Lagoon’s 6 luxury cottages for your lodging on Siquijor, then you must treat yourself to a meal at the Danish Lagoon Steakhouse. Siquijor dining can be somewhat rustic – but now that The Danish Lagoon Luxury Beach Resort and Steakhouse has arrived – international cuisine is available at surprisingly affordable prices. A nice accompaniment of wines and spirits are available as well. Siquijor restaurants have a new icon to behold: The Danish Lagoon Luxury Beach Resort and Steakhouse.

The Danish Lagoon Luxury Beach Resort and Steakhouse features international luxurious accomodation and an international menu for discerning travellers on Siquijor, Philippines. Located on Siquijor Island, in Paliton - along Siquijor's golden strip of San Juan Siquijor. The Danish Lagoon features Siquijor best lodging and dining experience. http://www.thedanishlagoon.com

Scuba Diving in the Philippines - 6 Top Spots

noreply@blogger.com (rayter) — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 19:54:13 PST

Walls, canyons, wrecks and coral gardens can be found in many of the 7000 plus tropical islands which make up the Philippines. There are hundreds of dive centers, some very remote, spread throughout the nation. Philippine sites are famous for the diversity and range of marine life of the small to medium sized variety. They are among the world's best, both for the experienced and novice divers.

The best time to dive in the Philippines is during the months of November through May. The wet season for most of the country is July to September, and should be avoided, as this time corresponds with typhoon season. Beginning in November and ending in May is what is considered the dry season. At this time, the sea becomes flat, calm and a brilliant azure, with incredible visibility especially during April and May.

Here are some of the most sought after dive sites in the Philippines, locations that I consider to be the 6 Top Spots for scuba diving in the Philippines.

1. Apo Island

This is a small volcanic island off the southeastern tip of Negros Island. This site is considered to be the best site in all of the Philippines - the Mother of all dive sites in the Philippines. It is also home of one of the most successful and best - run marine sanctuaries in the Philippines. It is a favorite among divers for its excellent visibility. It is home to big fish, mantas, white tip, hammerhead and whale sharks. However, currents are strong so it is not for a novice beginner.

Apo Island is available by a one hour flight from Manila to Dumaguete City, the capital of Negros Oriental, or by a 40 minute flight from Cebu City in the Visayas. Apo Island is about 25 km south of Dumaguete. The departure point to Apo Island, which is only 7 km offshore, is Malatapay Beach. It takes about 30 minutes to get to Apo from Malatapay Beach by way of a charter boat.

2. Anilao

This site is a small 13 km peninsula in the Batangas province, easily accessible by car or bus from Manila. This is a very popular weekend dive site due to its close proximity to Manila, but it offers a wide variety of corals and marine life. The most famous dive site in Anilao, and perhaps in the country is Cathedral Rock, a marine sanctuary just offshore the Dive 7000 Resort.

However, for those looking for night life to go with your diving, there is not much to keep you entertained. In recent years, It has been overtaken in popularity by places like Puerto Galera and Alona Beach on Bohol Island. However, for a dive easily accessible to Manila, Anilao is the place to go.

3. Puerto Galera

Located in Mindoro Oriental province, this location not only has some of the most diverse coral reefs and marine life diving, it also is known for its sun, sand and wild nightlife. Diving is king, with drinking coming in a close second. There are many dive options, with plenty of intermediate and beginning dive sites, frequently used for certification purpose, as well as plenty of advanced dive site.

Getting there is by way of a tourist coach (bus) from Manila to Batangas, from which you then catch a ferry to Puerto Galera. The total trip takes about 4 -- 5 hours.

4. Camiguin

Camiguin is a small volcanic island off the central north coast of Mindanao. Drop it down in the water next to the big island of Hawaii or next to Maui and it wouldn't look out of place. This is due to its imposing volcanic silhouette. It has more volcanoes per square meter than any other island on earth. There is also lots of white sand beaches and hot springs on the island.

Camiguin is accessible by air from both Manila and Cebu City by flying into Cagayan De Oro in Misamis Oriental Province (which is on the North coast of Mindanao). There is now a fast craft ferry service from Cagayan De Oro to Camiguin. There is also a daily boat from Camiguin to Bohol and a Super Shuttle ferry from Camiguin to Cebu every Sunday.

5. Coron Bay

This is one of the most famous dive sites in the Philippines. It is located on Palawan. What makes it so famous are the great number of famous wrecks. Wreck diving is the name of the game at this site. Coron Bay is a world-class destination for wreck diving. The visibility is awesome and the sunken Japanese WWII fleet of ships are known around the world. There are at least 10 of them available to wreck divers.

Coron is accessible by air from Manila by way of Busuanga, and by sea with Superferry and Negros Navigation. Air Phlippines, Cebu Pacific, PAL Express and SEAIR airlines all service Coron.

6. Panglao Island

Located near Cebu City, in the Visayas, is Bohol's Panglao island, where the action is concentrated around Alona Beach. The entire area is full of great dive sites, but the highlight is Balicasag Island, which is 45 minute boat ride from Alona Beach. It has a marine sanctuary, where impressive submarine cliffs drop as deep as 50 meters. Both soft and hard corals can be found around the cliffs. Many diving veterans consider it the best dive site in the country, after the remote reef systems of Apo Reef National park (see 1 above).

Both Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific have two daily one hour flights between Manila and Tagbilaran, the main city on Bohol. Panglao Island is on the southern side of Bohol, across a short bridge from the Bohol mainland. All the major resort on Panglao has transportation available from Tagbilaran airport to their property. Alternatively, you can catch a cab or a van for hire at the airport.

Do you want to learn more about diving in the Philippines? I have just completed my new book on "Retirement Living in the Philippines", which has a section dedicated to diving and other sports activities. Download it at www.retirementlivinginthephilippines.com

Commuting in the Philippines

noreply@blogger.com (rayter) — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 19:53:11 PST

This article provides information to anyone who wants to travel to the Philippines. If you plan on visiting the Philippines and would like to go around and want to know the Public Transport Systems (PTS), then this article is for you.

So what are the available PTS in the Philippines?

1. Planes - There are numerous domestic airlines in the Philippines but 2 of them stand out among the rest. These are Philippine Airlines (PAL) and Cebu Pacific Airlines. Philippine Airlines uses both the NAIA 2 and NAIA 3 Terminals in Manila while Cebu Pacific only uses NAIA 3 in Manila. They routes include most of the major cities in the Philippines

2. Ferries - Since the Philippines is an archipelago (surrounded by bodies of water), taking the ferry is an alternative way to travel the different regions in the Philippines. Famous among the ferry companies are the SuperFerry ferry company, Ocean Jet, Weesam Express, and Cebu Ferries.

3. Buses - If you want to take the more scenic route, take the bus. There are a lot of buses in the Philippines that have provincial routes. Major Bus Terminals in Manila are in Pasay City, Cubao in Quezon City, and Sampaloc, Manila.

4. Trains - There are 4 major Train lines in Manila. MRT, LRT1, LRT2 and PNR. MRT, LRT1 and LRT2 service commuters that would only want to travel around Metro Manila. PNR have stations up to Bicutan which is a town outside of Metro Manila.

5. Taxicabs - Taxicabs can be found only in Major Cities in the Philippines. This is probably the most convenient form of transportation to go around.

6. Jeepneys - Jeepneys are the most common and cheapest forms of transportation in the Philippines. These can be found in all parts of the country.

7. Tricycles - Tricycles are used to travel short distances in the Philippines.

For more information on Commuting in the Philippines, please visit my site: http://komyuter.com. It is a complete source for Bus, Ferry and Train Schedules in the Philippines.

Search the Best Cheap Airfares to Cebu

noreply@blogger.com (rayter) — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 04:06:17 PST

Planning a vacation is not a difficult task, but to get cheap flights and cheap airfares can be. It is not necessary every time to get the low airfares for the destination to which you are traveling. If you have planned your travel to Cebu City in the Philippines in South East Asia, then you are in a right way. Cebu is one of the biggest cities in the Visayas and it is the ultimate trade city of the south Philippines.

Airfares to Cebu city were never so cheap earlier, but rising competition among airlines have made it possible. A large number of leading airlines are providing low airfares and cheap flights for your travel to Cebu. Getting the best deal of cheap airfares to Cebu is not a difficult task, it just need a little bit patience and lots of research. Many travel consolidators from UK are offering cheap flights to Cebu with direct and indirect airlines. Flights to Cebu are available from all major airports of UK that include London Heathrow, Manchester, Edinburgh, New Castle, Birmingham and many others.

Known as the Queen City of the South, it is one of the most popular destinations in all of the Philippines for foreign tourists. It is one of the most important cities in the Philippines. Cebu ranked no.4 among Asian island destinations with best hotels, airlines, cruises in islands and cities all over the world. Lechon Festival is the main festival in the city, which is celebrated in month of October every year. Land Cebu and enjoy roasted pig with stuffed spices, herbs, dip of vinegar and garlic. Sinulog is other major festival in Cebu city which falls in month of January. Sinulog is a dance ritual in honor of the miraculous image of the Santo Niño.

Cebu has something for absolutely any type of person. The city has a great nightlife with many clubs that will keep your heart pumping all night long on your holiday. It contains countless white sand beaches, historical sites and vestiges of American colonization of the Philippines. Its best-known landmark is the Cross of Magellan. Cebu Mactan International Airport serves here for both international and domestic airlines. There are also many sandy beaches where you can sit back and enjoy the sun and the sea breeze.

Planning ahead of your holidays will help you to get cheap airfares to Cebu for your vacation. If you are an avid diver you can check out the magnificent diving spots off the coast of the many small islands off Cebu.

Filipino Food and Beverage Exporters and Products

noreply@blogger.com (rayter) — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 04:04:41 PST

In the Philippines, there are so many food and beverage exporters and exporting companies. Aside from the fact that there are many Filipinos looking for the local products from where they are working in a country, far from their own. Filipinos are really fond of their local or native products and with this as the case, different countries today where there are OFWs or overseas Filipino workers put up their own business where local Philippine products are sold for personal consumption.

Nations where Filipinos and local nationals are working even both like some of the local food and beverage products that the Filipinos buy from local Filipino Food Stores. One good example would be the best beer in the Philippines which is San Miguel Beer. Filipinos like this beer so much more than other beers they can buy from any country and some foreign nationals even have learned to like and drink this beer and would buy regularly, making it not just good to sell to Filipinos but also to foreign nationals in that country.

Not just these kinds of local Filipino food and beverage commodities but also some of the best local buys from liquor to biscuits and even down to the local delicacies that you can find in the Philippines were now being sold at a much higher price than the usual in the native country, Philippines. Even if this is the case, Filipinos have learned to like the feeling of being close to their families in this small way so the result is that these local delicacies from the Philippines become one of the most popular Philippine products that exporters look to present and export in many countries all over the world where Filipinos work.

Some good examples of great promotional items and Philippines products that were made available by Filipino food and beverage exporting companies today were, the local “bagoong” (shrimp paste, San Miguel Brewery products - San Miguel Beer, Mama Sita’s - mixes and sauces, M.Y. San Biscuits, Rebisco Biscuits, Nestle products, La Tondena products and more. There are really a lot of Philippine products that don’t just make the Filipinos happy when they work abroad and have learned to like and buy whatever country in the world they may be. The reason is because these same export products were their own small way of allowing themselves to feel comfort tasting local food and beverages.

There is also a big market share for different food and beverage exporting companies when we talk in terms of market distribution for these products, making the life of a Filipino better in any country they are available for purchase. Foreigners have also learned to love some of these products and this made a big sale for local distributors, proof that Philippine products have a market not just for Filipinos but also for other people in the world.

The Bakery for the Filipino People

noreply@blogger.com (rayter) — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 04:03:44 PST

In the Philippines, when it comes to offering some of the most unique and delectable collection of cakes, the Red Ribbon Bakery and its premium collection of Red Ribbon Cake is always the preferred cake of many Filipinos, locally and globally.

Since the time when Jollibee food Corporation, a conglomerate of popular fast-food chains in the Philippines, acquired the Red Ribbon Bakery, its unique collection of delectable Red Ribbon Cake has become more and more scrumptious.

Red Ribbon Bakery and its Red Ribbon Cake is one of the most popular bakeshop here in the Philippines and in the United States. Every Filipino in the world, perfectly knows what the Red Ribbon Bakeshop is and what unique tastes its Red Ribbon Cake has.

But other than that, what else do we know about the Red Ribbon Bakeshop? Other than its scrumptious Red Ribbon Cake and delectable dishes, what was behind the foundation of the Red Ribbon Bakery?

The Red Ribbon Bakery is a popular fast-food chain and bakery in the Philippines and the United States, offering a wide range of Red Ribbon Cake and pastries. The chain first served us with their scrumptious Red Ribbon Cake in 1979 in Quezon City along Timog Avenue and started franchising in 1999.

In 1984, the Red Ribbon Bakery first served its cakes in its US branch in West Covina, California. And on 2005, the Red Ribbon Bakery was acquired by one of the most popular fast food chain here in the Philippines, the Jollibee Food Corporation.

Today, there are now 170 branches of Red Ribbon Bakery serving their unique Red Ribbon Cake all over the Philippines, and there are also 19 Red Ribbon Bakeshop branches across the United States.

The Red Ribbon Bakery is the only bakeshop that can offer their customers with some of the most unique and delicious Red Ribbon Cake and pastries nation wide. But if you’re thinking of sending some Red Ribbon Caketo your loved one back home, then your best bet would be with Express Regalo’s services.

Express Regalo was developed and launched to provide Filipinos abroad a fast, reliable, convenient and hassle-free way to shop and send gifts to their loved ones in the Philippines. Express Regalo is owned and operated by eLBC Direct, Inc., an LBC company that is dedicated to providing Filipinos overseas access to products and services apart from the traditional products offered by LBC.

For more information about the Red Red Ribbon Bakery and its Red Ribbon Cake, then visit Express Regalo at www.expressregalo.com.

Eating Filipino

noreply@blogger.com (rayter) — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 04:03:20 PST

Filipinos love to eat. A source of comfort, togetherness and pride, it is fair to say that food dominates our lives. Many a foreigner have remarked on our unique ability to be already planning for the next meal in between bites of the spread currently laid out in front of us. Eating is so constant in fact, that Filipinos frequently use “Kumain ka na?” (Have you eaten yet?) as a way of greeting one another. Food is not served in courses at the Filipino dining table. All dishes – meat, rice, vegetables and soup are artfully arranged on the table at the same time so that the diners can pick and eat from all dishes simultaneously.

Known for our hospitality and warmth, entertaining is a much-loved past time for Filipinos, with food at the center of all social activities. And we never run out of occasions to celebrate and showcase our wide variety of dishes. No doubt, we are proud of our cuisine and all its splendor. Nothing hits the spot quite like a plate of tapsilog (cured beef and fried egg) served with garlic rice and atchara (pickled papaya strips) in the morning, a steaming bowl of sinigang (sour tamarind soup) or dinuguan (a spicy stew made with pork blood) and pu-to (steamed rice flour cakes) on a rainy day, a helping of sizzling sisig (chopped pig’s face) while enjoying a cold beer, or a nice warm ensaymada (buttery sweet roll covered with cheese) just about anytime.

Why then, is Filipino food not popular outside the country? Even the restaurant mecca that is New York City, with its unlimited options for culinary adventures is home to a but a smattering of Filipino restaurants, despite having the fourth largest Filipino American population in a U.S. metropolitan region.

According to Bayan Café owner Carol Kohtiao, it is the aesthetic; simply the way the food looks that seems to turn off foreigners from eagerly diving into a bowl of pork adobo (stew). “Filipino food is very saucy and soupy. It doesn’t look particularly appetizing.” Bayan Café, a Midtown joint which serves up down-home Filipino food that is part turo-turo, is popular among the Filipino lunch crowd especially because of its proximity to the U.N. “There are over 700 Filipinos working the U.N., which is precisely why I decided to set up shop here. 90% of our customers are Filipino.”

It is a shame that our food is not as highly regarded in the United States as other Asian cuisines. There is a Vietnamese craze now sweeping the city of Manhattan, with Pho bars and Bahn Mi sandwich places cropping up in every neighborhood. Those who have sampled our fare will attest to the fact that in terms of taste, Filipino food is right up there with any popular Asian cuisine. There is so much variety and uniqueness of flavor that will delight any palate; it is just a matter of changing the public perception. Filipino chefs in New York have been trying to do just that. Chef Romy Dorotan, former owner of the beloved Filipino Soho spot Cendrillon has reincarnated it as Purple Yam in Brooklyn, featuring a rich selection of Filipino and pan-Asian bites. He was one of the first Filipino chefs in New York who succeeded in appealing to a wider set of diners by adding an elegantly modern twist to down home Filipino cooking. Another chef making waves in the Filipino culinary world is King Phojanakong, a half-Thai, half-Filipino chef who opened the funky Kuma Inn in the Lower East Side and Umi Nom in Brooklyn, serving up upscale Filipino tapas with a little Thai flair thrown in. It is this kind of revolutionizing that Filipino cuisine needs.

As Christmas looms closer, the merry festivities evoke memories of favorite dishes from home. What is the best way to get a taste of the Philippine cooking you know and love? Re-create your favorite dishes at home. Browse through recipes and cookbooks at FilipinoVillage.com and share the wonderful secrets of Filipino food with good friends.

For more information, visit FilipinoVillage.com. Source: http://www.filipinovillage.com/Press_Releases/FV-Eating Filipino.pdf

Luxury Travel In The Philippines

noreply@blogger.com (rayter) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 05:47:01 PST

There are 7,000 plus islands in the Philippines. Travel in the archipelago is considered to be both unique and challenging. Philippine vacation travel includes visit in so many beaches, unspoiled sceneries and hotel hopping. For picky travelers, a luxury travel in the Philippines may mean total exposure to the country's beauty and natural resources. Unfortunately, some bad publicity has dogged the Philippine travel and tourist industry in recent years, which has understandably put a damper on most people's travel. However, it's well worth the experience for the forward-looking vacationer.

Language barrier is not an issue during your travel because about 85% of the local residents at least understand English, and a good majority speaks it well enough to make it one of the premier call center outsourcing countries for the English-speaking community. Even in far-flung areas, an English-speaker will have no problems being understood, especially in luxury resorts that cater to foreigners who are on vacation. Travel to the beaches may provide you the chance to experience the hospitality of the people, which makes it a preferred destination for many tourists. Philippine travel is one great experience you can't afford to miss especially if you are on the verge of looking great places.

Further, the favorable exchange rate, accommodations at even luxury hotels and service apartments are affordable. A tourist enjoying his/her travel can pay as low as $30 a night in Southern Leyte, in the southern part of the country. The amenities at such hotels and resorts include a wide variety of cuisines, from the famous adobo to Italian fare orchestrated by foreign chefs. Spa facilities jostle for prominence with diving options, as the reefs along the Philippine coastline are considered to be among the best in the world.

One of the most popular destinations is Boracay Island. This place offers luxury travel for all tourists with full accommodation, luxury resorts to the basic hut on the beach. Adventurous travelers can enjoy their travel on the white beaches and clear blue waters.

Other destinations include Davao and Cebu, cosmopolitan and best types of vacation travel. In the island of Luzon, options are varied from the beach holiday to cultural immersion with a travel tour of the many historical landmarks such as Bataan and Corregidor, not to mention the attractions of Manila and Cavite. Private islands for the weary travelers are available like Pamalican, an island situated 200 miles from Palawan. The Amanpoulo capitalizes on the tropical beauty, providing guests with casitas, hut-like structures that mask the modern facilities of the interior. Surrounded by coral reefs, your luxury travel in the Philippines can be a reality when you visit Amanpoulo, this place can be reached by charter plane from Manila at $300 per person. Once at Amanpoulo, a guest can enjoy all amenities for $850 per person for seven days. It is always fully booked so if you want to spend your vacation at Amanpoulo, book ahead through your travel agency.

Alex J Smith writes for Datravelers.com It's a website where travelers can host their own travel blogs, upload photos and find unbiased travel information.

Cagayan De Oro City: My Home

noreply@blogger.com (rayter) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 05:45:53 PST

Cagayan de Oro City Philippines is the “City of Golden Friendship.”

In my younger years, I often found myself wondering why my city was called such. Back in the 1970s, people in Cagayan de Oro City Philippines knew each other. Well, almost. In my young and seemingly innocent mind, that was the reason I had. Every time I walked the streets of Divisoria, I would meet people I knew. Someone would always stop by to chat with me. A few would even call out my name. I enjoyed those walks.

When my family moved to Manila, I had to adjust to almost everything; the people, the places, the culture. Suddenly, I was in an entirely new environment. There were no more afternoon walks in Divisoria. In short, I missed my home: Cagayan de Oro City Philippines.

We lived in Manila for 12 years. I don’t know how I would have survived if I didn’t spend my summers here in Cagayan de Oro. At the end of every school year, my sister and I would always try to find a way to come home. Even when we started working, we always found a way to spend our summers in Cagayan de Oro City Philippines.

Manila was not bad. In fact, I learned a lot there. I formed lasting friendships. I have endless memories and a thousand and one meaningful experiences. But it isn’t quite like my hometown. There’s nothing like Cagayan de Oro City Philippines where the people smile at you in the streets, no matter what time of day.

Although traffic in Cagayan de Oro City is not really free flowing, it is nothing compared to the terrible chaos in Manila roads and highways. If I leave home 30 or 45 minutes before a meeting, I can still get to the venue on time. In Manila, you’ll have to leave at least an hour and a half or two before an appointment.

There’s no fresh air in Manila. Cagayan de Oro City Philippines, though not entirely pollution-free, is way, way cleaner.

More than the sights and attractions; more than the excitement of the weekly night cafes; more than the thrill and adventure of White Water Rafting, Cagayan de Oro City Philippines is proud of the friendly Cagay-anon. The simple charm of the Cagay-anon is the secret behind the city’s golden glow.

My young and innocent mind was right all along, Cagayan de Oro City Philippines is really the “City of Golden Friendship” because its people are simply friendly.

Bon Ryan shares his unique adventure experiences traveling in Cagayan de Oro City Philippines. For more information visit http://www.cdokay.com for great deals on White Water Rafting, Hotels, Restaurants, Buy and Sell Real Estate Home, and Food and Recipes.

Camiguin Island, Philippines

noreply@blogger.com (rayter) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 05:45:08 PST

Located at the northern part of Mindanao, Camiguin Island is the second smallest province in the Philippines just next to the Batanes group of islands. Geographically it is located north off the coast of Misamis Oriental. Politically the island province has 58 barangays and belongs to Region 10 along with Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon.

The people of Camiguin are known locally as “Camiguingnon,” and much like the rest of the Filipinos came from Malay stock. The main dialects spoken in the island are Visayan and Hiligaynon. Most of the locals also know how to speak English.

The main livelihood in the island is agriculture, with abaca, rice, mangoes, lanzones and fruit trees as the main crops. With the burgeoning tourist scene in the island, an increasing number of locals earn their living through tourism directly or in part.
Camiguin island may just be a spec in the southern part of the Philippines but to travelers it is a gem waiting to be discovered with the myriad of sights and activities it offers.

Much like the rest of the Philippines, the culture of Camiguin was influenced by Spanish and American colonizers. Vestiges of the colonial era can be found through the churches and the ancestral homes all over Camiguin. One of the notable Spanish era churches is the Santo Rosario church in Sagay built in 1882. Other religious sites are the Baylao church and the ruins of San Roque church in barangay bonbon.

The beaches of the Philippines are among the best in the world ---and Camiguin's beaches are no exception. You get to enjoy white sand, warm waters and good amount of sunlight.

Further into the seas you could snorkel and dive to your heart's content with the abundance of aquatic life around the island. Other water activities include windsurfing, para sailing, wake boarding, surfing and skim boarding.

One of the most famous spots of Camiguin is the sunken cemetery marker, a stone cross off the shores of Camiguin, which was built on top of the cemetery now submerged underwater when a volcano erupted in 1871.

Camiguin is known to have the highest density of volcanoes per square meter world, therefore the monicker “Island Born of Fire.” With its volcanic terrain, you can have a bevy of activities that are suited to anyone, from the beginner to the extreme thrill-seeker. You can ask a local company, called the Camiguin Action Geckoes, to acompany you in trekking, mountain climbing, canyoning and rappelling.

Every October, the island transforms from a sleepy coastal town into a party destination. The reason for this merrymaking is the harvest of round citrus fruit called Lanzones, that can also be found on Camiguin's provincial seal. During this festival the island's main avenue is festooned in merry buntings and decorations where the colorful annual parade is held.

Camiguin as a tourist destination has several resorts that cater to every budget. Some of the resorts are the Camiguin secret cove resort, Paras beach resort, Camiguin highland resort and the agohay beach resort.

Camiguin is reachable by boat and the usual route is from Cagayan de Oro city. Taking this route requires you catch a plane to Cagayan de Oro and from there ride a ferry to Camiguin. You can also fly directly to Camiguin from Cebu.

Banaue Philippines - Home of One of the Great World Wonders

noreply@blogger.com (rayter) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 05:43:37 PST

The mere mention of Banaue immediately brings to mind the world-famous rice terraces, a 20,000-hectare engineering marvel built more than 2,000 years ago by Ifugao tribes people, using only their bare hands and crude implements.

The terraces, which have drawn awe-struck tourists from all over the globe, have merited a place in the World Heritage List and are touted, with good reason, as the Eight Wonder of the World. A long hard trek through the "Stairway to the Sky" is best rewarded by a refreshing dip in the spring-fed stream of Guihob or the magnificent Tappiya Waterfalls, which has an enormous basin for swimming.

Bontoc, not to be outdone features such picturesque attractions as Tucucan, with its hanging bridges of vines and logs, Mainit Hot Springs, and its medicinal sulphuric waters, and the petroglyphs of Alab, which have been declared as a national cultural treasure.

Sagada is the country's answer to Shangri-la. The long, arduous journey on the Halsema Highway, is well worth what awaits: sylvan landscapes, natural marvels, and some of the most friendly people this side of the archipelago.

It's no surprise that many visitors have decided to forego the wearying return trip and make this quiet mountain town their new home. the morbidly attractive "hanging coffins," the astonishing limestone formations of Sumaguing Cave, and the invigorating waters of Bokong Falls are just a handful of reasons to explore this areas but the chilly mountain weather, irresistible mountain brew, and pleasant company of the laid-back townsfolk and travelers are equally good reasons to stay in town and watch the day lazily crawl by.

BRIEF HISTORY

Mountain Province became a special province of the Philippines in 1907. It was made up of the sub-provinces of Bontoc-Lepanto, Amburayan, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao and Kalinga. The Provincial Supervisor, Samuel Kane, was appointed Governor of the province and Bontoc was then the capital town.

In February 1942, the dreaded Japanese Army arrived in Bontoc via the Nueva Viscaya and Kalinga route. A garrison was established in the town. The Anglican Mission dormitories were served as quarters for the officers. Dr. Hillary Clapp was made governor of Mountain Province and during his term, the people were spared from so much suffering from the Japanese colonizers.

On January 9, 1945, the American Forces landed in Lingayen and the Japanese forces retreated northwards. In February of the same year, American planes dropped incendiary bombs in Bontoc and bombed again the place the following month. It razed the town so the people fled to the mountains for cover while the Japanese troops arrived daily fleeing towards Aparri and Kiangan to join the troops of General Yamashita.

In August 1945, USAFE troops arrived and the people came out from their hiding. Peace came earlier in Bontoc than the rest of the country.

On July 4, 1945, the Philippine Republic was born. Bontoc slowly rose from the ruins of the war and the following years marked the changes and developments. Being the provincial capital, people flocked to Bontoc and business flourished. Hotels, lodging houses, restaurants, stores and houses sprouted.

The Baguio-Bontoc road was rehabilitated with the assistance of Lepanto Mining Corporation and the Dangwa Development Corporation. Mountain Province became an independent province on March 25, 1967 when President Ferdinand E. Marcos officially appointed and inducted into office the first set of provincial officials: Alfredo Lamen as Governor; Victor Dominguez as Vice-Governor; and Pablo Felva and Alejo Manao as Board Members. On April 7, 1967, the new Mountain Province came into operation.

This date was unanimously adopted by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan on their regular meeting held on June 10, 1980 as the Mountain Province Day.

To date, Mt. Province is growing in popularity as a "Spelunkers Delight and Weavers Paradise". It is becoming a favorite destination of both local and foreign visitors.

LANGUAGE/DIALECT

The inhabitants are generally speaking Kankanaey with Bontoc as their major dialect. Others speak Gaddang and Kalinga. English and Ilocano are widely spoken and understood.

HOW TO GET THERE

From Manila, the quickest way to Banaue is by bus 9 hours. From Banaue to Sagada take a jeepney to Bontoc (2.5 hrs) and connect with another jeepney to Sagada (40 minutes).

Source: The Philippine Department of Tourism

Retire Abroad – Have You Considered the Philippines?

noreply@blogger.com (rayter) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 05:43:00 PST

Are you an American and are the thoughts about leaving the rat race to retire abroad in a tropical paradise growing in your mind every day? Many Americans want to retire abroad but few do. Those that do take the plunge tend to stick to Mexico, Panama or the Carribean. Few consider the Philippines and that is a damn shame to be honest. Let me tell you why.

How much do you need to retire in the US? You could probably survive on a few thousand dollars a month, but would that be a life worth living? Do you really want to turn every penny and deprive yourself of what should be your golden years? How much do you get for $1000 in America today? Not much, right?

Now.. Take that $1000 to the Philippines and it’s a whole different world. The average monthly income for a family of two working adults is less than $200. A top army general makes $600. $1000 a month means you belong to the top 10% bracket of society. Do you have a house you can cash in on? A better retirement plan? You could live like a king and I mean that literally.

One man’s king is another mans pauper of course, but consider these benefits:

How would you like having a maid, chef and driver taking care of business for you while you sleep late in bed with your much younger Filipina woman?

Did I day something about Filipina women? You bet I did. I have travelled all over the world and I still believe that the Filipana’s are the most beautiful, most feminine, most caring women in the world. And they are not agist, they do not think a man should zip his pants and settle for masturbation because he reaches a certain age. In the Philippines you can easily find a stunning beautiful Filipina 20 or 30 years your junior.

But won’t I be taking advantange of their poverty? What will my friends back home think?

Let me be honest with you. Once you move to the Philippines and start dating Filipina women, you won’t give a rat’s ass about what your friends and feminazis back home think about you. You will be too busy having fun and enjoying life.

As for the poverty part; Yes, the Philippines is a poor country and many women would like to meet an American man to support them. Can you blame them for wanting a better life? In fact, unless many of these women meet someone like you, then they will live their lives working 12 hour shifts earning next to nothing. You are helping her tremendously. Never feel guilty about having more money.

To learn more about how to make the move to the Philippines and how to meet good Filipina women I highly recommend you get Perry Gamsby’s book “Philippine Dreams”, it contains everything you need to make your dreams come true. Also check out FilipinaHeart, the biggest matchmaking and dating site in the Philippines.

Registration of Foreign Corporation in the Philippines

noreply@blogger.com (rayter) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 05:41:56 PST

Registration of Foreign Corporation in the Philippines

The Executive Branch of the Philippine Government has various agencies, instrumentalities, departments, bureaus and entities that are under the control and supervision of the Philippine President. The different heads of the agencies and departments are considered as an alter-ego of the President. The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) and Board of Investment (BOI) are instrumentalities under the Executive Department of the Philippine Government.

It is a well-settled rule that a corporation established under foreign laws is considered a foreign corporation. In this jurisdiction, a foreign corporation duly registered in or licensed by government entities like the PEZA and the BOI can acquire legal personality, engage in internal trade, and is obliged to respect the Principle of Reciprocity among nations.

Legal Personality

Registration of a foreign corporation in the appropriate departments and government entities vest legal title or personality to foreign corporation to engage business inside the Philippine jurisdiction.

A duly licensed or registered foreign corporation has the power to sue and can be sued in Philippine courts. Absence of licensed or registration will not entitle the foreign corporation to sue but can be sued instead. However, a foreign corporation is authorized to sue even if not licensed or registered when it only engages in isolated transactions and when the law specifically provides.

Under the Philippine law, a court can obtain jurisdiction over foreign corporation by the proper service of summons. Service of summons to foreign corporation which has transacted business in the Philippines whether licensed/ registered or in an isolated transaction maybe made on its resident agent designated by law for that purpose, or in case there is no agent, the government official designated by law, such as the Insurance Commissioner (in cases of foreign insurance corporation), the Superintendent of Banks (in cases of Foreign banks) and the Security and Exchange Commission (for other foreign corporation registered or licensed to do business in the Philippines).

Whenever service of Summons is so made to the government official, the government official shall be obliged to transmit the same by mail or other legal process to the corporation concerned.

Internal Trade

Foreign Corporation registered in PEZA and BOI can carry on substantial internal trade. The foreign corporation can also direct and develop operations and enterprises of domestic corporations. Furthermore, it can invest a considerable amount of capital to certain enterprises.

Moreover, the corporation can also purchase shares of stocks in a legitimate stock market for a minimum share authorized by law. Thus, registration in PEZA and BOI authorizes the foreign corporation to freely engage in business ventures with in the Philippine jurisdiction.

Under the law, the President of the Philippines may allow entry of foreign corporation when warranted by public interest, such as oil drilling companies, Board of Investments, registered enterprises and Philippine Economic Zone Authority registered enterprises.

Principle of Reciprocity

The principle of reciprocity speaks of mutuality among the party states. Benefits given by a state to citizens of another state who are found within the country of the granting state shall also be granted to the citizens found within the partner state. Usually, the Principle of Reciprocity is in a form of a treaty, signed by different representatives of party states. In this jurisdiction, the legislative departments can enact laws that can be favorable to a registered foreign corporation, provided such is also granted to the Filipino citizens who are within the jurisdiction of the grantee state.

The President of the Philippines can issue Executive Orders, and Presidential Decrees that are favorable to the conduct of foreign corporation. Some of these favor personnel of offshore banking units which is provided under Presidential Decree 1034 and Required Area headquarters of Multinational Companies under Executive Order 226, wherein they are entitled for Multiple Entry Special Visa to the Philippines. Also, their respective spouses and minor dependents below 21 years old are benefited. The multiple entry special visas are valid for 1 year and can be extended based on legal or meritorious grounds. Holders of this visa type are exempted from immigration fees and registration apart from all clearances from any form of government agency before final departure.

Dennis Ramm is the Managing Partner for Siam Legal International, Thailand's largest legal service network with offices in Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya, Hua Hin, Chiang Mai and Samui. The firm has international locations in London and Los Angeles. Siam Legal is a full-service law firm and provides a wide range of legal and visa services. Reach Siam Legal at +(66) 2-253-8100, or info@siam-legal.com

Privacy Policy

noreply@blogger.com (rayter) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 23:27:39 PST

The privacy of our visitors to http://philippines--paradise.blogspot.com is important to us.

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For questions regarding our Privacy Policy, contact us at mrandreismith@yahoo.com.

Top 3 Destinations in the Philippines

noreply@blogger.com (rayter) — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 06:26:57 PST

The Philippines is an archipelago, having 7, 107 islands, and is abundant in nature, warm people, natural wonders, and filled with pleasant discoveries. Philippines is now considered as one of the top destination in the world, having 1.5 million distant tourist arrivals for the first semester this year.

With hundreds of destinations in the country, the top 3 on my directory are the following:

1. Boracay

Boracay is located in the northwest corner of Panay Island that belongs to the Visayas island board of central Philippines in the Pacific. It is one of the country's most popular tourist destinations, and now, became an international destination too. The White Beach and Bulabog Beach are just the two chief tourism beaches, which are located on opposite sides of the island.

Aside from taking dip of the crystal red water, you can also take a boat around the island, hire a motorbike or scooter to explore the place, or go horse returning riding, and experience the native villages and sceneries that usual visitors do not do.

And, did I inform you that Boracay has one of the most beautiful sunsets? Well, you don't surely like to miss it. And, the fun doesn't end there yet, since Boracay nightlife is pulsating amongst so many bars and restaurants available that will give you fun until dawn.

2. Bohol

Located in the Central Visayas region, Bohol is the home of hospitable and warm people. Boholanos, as what the natives are called, are very proud of the usual wonders which are bestowed in the island. To name a few, it is the property of the renowned Chocolate Hills! Imagine seeing no less than 1268 hills, that are uniform in shape and will turn chocolate brown during summer, and from which the name was derived. You can also see the Tarsiers, one of the smallest renowned primates and be amazed when they turned the heads by 180 degrees.

Bohol is also blessed with a numerous white sand beaches, and Panglao Island is one of the famous destinations, having powdery sand. It has a enormous number of top school diving sites, which both international and local divers are able to consider it as diver's haven.

3. Palawan

Palawan is located in the Western Visayas Region and the islands stretches from what i read in Mindoro to Borneo in the southwest. The place is for adventure seekers and nature lovers and its famous for its marine sanctuaries, white sand beaches, and exotic wildlife.

One of the must-see in Palawan is the Tabon Cave. It is a 138-hectares, of rugged cliffs and deep slopes. Because of its importance to Philippine History and heritage, the site was declared a Museum Reservation Site by virtue by the Philippine Government.

Another is the El Nido marine reserve. The scenic landscapes, crystal clear waters and the isolation from the big crowd of the city usually attracts and fascinates the travelers of the place. Kayaking, snorkeling, diving, hiking to the peak of the island, bird watching, sunbathing in a grey beach are just some of the activities you can enjoy.

There are significantly a lot of things that Philippines offers, and it is recently there, waiting to be discovered. So, travel in the Philippines now!

Did you find this article useful? For more useful tips, hints, points to ponder and keep in mind, do please browse for more information at our websites. http://www.phil-islands.com | Need beautiful high quality wallpapers for your desktop? visit: http://www.desktopwallpapers8.com

The Beautiful City of Baguio, Philippines

noreply@blogger.com (rayter) — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 06:25:09 PST

One of the cleanest and greenest cities in the country, Baguio is made for sightseeing. And for strolls and boat rides and gentle trots around the park. And for golf. Kennon Road, completed in 1905, opened Baguio to tourism.

The zigzagging path previews the scenic highlights of the city. Along the 32-kilometer highway are the Bridal Veil and Colorado waterfalls. Synonymous with Baguio is Burnham Park. Located in the heart of the city, the park's features include a man-made lagoon ideal for boat rides, a skating rink, an athletic field and stadium, basketball and tennis courts, a biking zone, tree-and-flower lined promenades, and a plant market.

A popular golfing destination, the city takes pride in its Baguio Country Club and Camp John Hay. What used to be the rest-and-recreation base of American military personnel, the Camp is being transformed into a world-class resort and is also Baguio's biggest pine tree conservation area. Its newly refurbished 18-hole golf course rivals that of the Country Club which has pretty garden-patched cottages surrounding its fairways.

Ornate iron gates open to the Mansion House, the official summer residence of Philippine presidents. It offers tourists with great photo opportunities with its rectangular reflecting pool along a tree-lined walkway. It also houses a museum of presidential memorabilia. Near the Mansion House is Wright Park where neophyte riders can trot around an oval track guided by trainers who lead horses with a hand-held leash. At the Mines View Park, tourists can have a panoramic view of the old mines of Benguet. At the park entrance is a flea market for souvenir items.

Sitting on top of a hill in Upper Session Road is the twin-spire Baguio Cathedral, a city landmark. Another pilgrimage site is the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes which sits on top of Dominican Hill. Devotees prefer to climb the 252-step ascent than drive through a winding road to reach the shrine. Bell Church holds a religious service of mixed Buddhist, Taoist, Confucian and Christian dogmas but tourists come here to have their fortunes told.

Located on an elevated pine-forested ground is the Philippine Military Academy, the country's foremost military learning institution. Its Saturday morning Parade in Review by cadets in full regalia never fails to attract visitors. Also within campus is a Military Museum. A cultural haven established by noted Baguio artist BenCab, Tam-awan Village recreates a typical ethnic village in the Cordilleras with authentic tribal homes uprooted from their original locations and re-set on similar terrain. There is also an art gallery-cum-coffee shop.

It has been said that there is only one kind of lucrative business in Baguio, and that is dining. This, of course, is overly exaggerated but then who can question this wisdom with the proliferation of food places offering all kinds of eats in this tiny city!

Star Cafe along Lower Session Road is noted for its excellent breads and pies and fine Chinese cuisine while the adjoining Dainty Restaurant has the best coffee in town and good noodles, too. For really great old-fashioned breakfasts, check out Casa Vallejo at the Upper Session Road. New Bonuan at the Happy Glen Loop, Jade Restaurant along Marcos Highway and Barrio Fiesta at the Upper Session Road are where you can partake of home-cooked native cooking.

Kalapaw Restaurant in Chuntug Street specializes in grilled squids and tuna jaws. Inn Rocio in Kisad Road dishes out Continental food, Mario's Restaurant in Upper Session Road has good steaks, great Caesar's Salad, and decadent cakes. And the artsy Cafe by the Ruins in Chuntug Street serves eclectic, seasonal dishes.

At the Hotel Monticello in Kennon Road, Hakuun Sanso Restaurant serves authentic Japanese cuisine while 50's Diner specializes in traditional American staples. Rose Bowl Steak House and Restaurant in Harrison Road offers an international fare of Chinese, American and Filipino dishes. The local food chain Don Henrico's has its beginnings at the Upper Session Road and serves yummy pastas and pizzas. (Source: The Philippine Department of Tourism)

Philippine Jeepney - King of Philippine Roads

noreply@blogger.com (rayter) — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 06:24:04 PST

When you are in the Philippines, you will never miss seeing one of them. They are these bulky, silver metal-plated, roaring vehicles that ply the roads of the Philippines serving as the primary means of land transport of Filipinos. The ominous look of these vehicles is tempered by their colorful stickers and labels - in different style and forms - attached to their heavy frames. They symbolize the Filipino's ingenuity to create something extraordinary out of simple objects.

The Philippine Jeepney

Hours before dawn, they may serve as your alarm clock (if you don't have one), especially if your house is near a major thoroughfare as their often thunderous, roaring engines fill the morning air; each jeepney racing with each other to get their seats with passengers, young and old, professional employee or street vagabond. The jeepneys' moist morning air is filled with the whiff o cheap perfumes, colognes, cigarette smoke, and even body odor. The driver turns on the radio with a blast of 80's rock music that awakens the still lethargic passenger. Colorful blinking lights dance with the music to give the air a disco vibe. This is a normal jeepney ride while one plies every streets in the Philippines; pathways, avenues, decrepit roads and major highways.

Passenger fees are cheap sometimes causing each jeepney to overflow with passengers. Accidents sometimes happen for the reason that passengers fall with a slight nudge of the jeep due to boulders in the road, because all that the passengers cling to are slippery metal railings on the sides and front ends of the jeepneys. Of course, it's not always a hustle riding one because there's some kind of a relaxing allure to it. In the late evening in the Philippine provinces, you get to feel the cool wind caressing your face and shoulders as the jeepney's frame allows for the entry of big amounts of wind drafts.

The Philippine Jeepney's history dates back to the 1940's. The vehicle's predecessors are the ones used by the American soldiers as troop carriers during World War II in the Philippine setting. Since then, the Filipino jeepney's style and design have undergone revisions, innovations reflecting the style and taste whoever has a hand in designing one.

With the advent of newer vehicle designs, the King of the Road remains a classic. Sometimes, it is a contrast to the backdrop of Philippine highways where newer cars and vehicles ply. Yet, the Philippine Jeepney evokes a feeling of nostalgia and remains an integral part of Filipino society and national identity.

Philippine Tourism on the Upswing!

noreply@blogger.com (rayter) — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 18:10:11 PST

Philippine tourism has never received such encouraging news after the Pearl of the Orient has seen increasing tourist arrival trends. From various reports, the Philippines are polishing up to be a hit maker in the travel industry for years to come.

A positive sign that gave an enthusiastic gush for travel industry analysts is the booming leisure travel of U.S. citizens to Asia, in which the Philippines is taking a substantial chunk of visitors. In the last two to three years, the Philippines has been the favorite tourist destination spot because of the tourist sense of looking for unique and exotic travel experiences beyond the casual sun and beach theme. The Philippines offers great value for American and European tourists compared to other destination because of favorable currency exchange rates. Tourists are just rediscovering the Philippines and their exotic food, friendly people, rich culture and tradition, and great accommodation. Various government policies also helped in promoting the Philippines as a choice travel destination for American residents.

Another inspiring news story about Philippine tourism is the reputation of Boracay as one of the top ten beaches in the world by Yahoo! and Askmen.com. As the most popular beach in the Philippines, Boracay ranked seventh in the top ten best beaches in a Yahoo! survey while it ranked eighth in a survey by AskMen.com. Boracay is the only Asian beach in a list dominated by resorts from Hawaii and California. Boracayâ€™s beaches are known for their powdery white sand, clear waters, and exotic forests. This internet exposure will only cause positive trends for the tourism industry in the Philippines.

These two positive news stories in Philippine tourism go hand-in-hand with the ever increasing tourist receipts from around the world. In the first half of 2007, about 468,281 foreign tourists arrived in the Philippines, which is up 6% from foreign tourist arrivals for the same period of 2006.

To accommodate new and returning tourists willing to extend their stay in the country, the Philippine government has increased the length of tourist visa to two years or 24 months. This means that if a foreign tourist wishes to stay more than two months in the country for tourism activities, he can submit an extension every two months until he reaches 24 months. The government policy on tourist arrivals is indeed great news for the Philippine tourism industry and travelers alike.

One main reason for this government policy on tourism is due to the number of foreign tourist willing to extend their stay in the country. In the year 2007, the number of foreigners who have applied for extensions rose 21 percent from 2006; another sign of the growing interest of foreign travelers to the Philippines.

For Philippine residents, this should not come as shocking news as they fully know the beauty of the Philippines. With great hideaways that features, the best beaches, the richest source of marine biodiversity for tourist divers, exotic wildlife, long standing cultural and historic traditions, and corporate golfing destinations, it stand that the Philippines is deservingly catching a great tourism windfall.

Such interest in the Philippines is so vibrant that even the island of Mindanao has more problems with tourist arrivals than domestic insurgencies. In a press release, it is said that the tourists still hold great interest on Mindanao as a tourist destination because of tourist spots such as Camiguin, Zamboanga, Davao, and Palawan.

Truly, Philippine tourism is benefiting from these great news stories that will sustain the excitement of foreign travelers and the travel industry for years to come. The Philippines is slowly reinforcing its image as a land of the People Power, the nation of 7,107 islands, and a land with most hospitable people in the world. With these trends, everyone is coming and going to the Philippines with a positive feeling that will make people end up coming back for more.

Jose Maria Abada writes for Philippine-Travel-Guide.com. Check it out to learn more about the Philippine Resorts, Philippine Beaches, and Philippine News Links.

The Flower Central of Metro Manila

noreply@blogger.com (rayter) — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 18:08:37 PST

Valentines Day is a special day in which every flower shops anticipate. This is also the special day in which the Dangwa Flower Market in Manila Philippines gets in hyper drive. Dangwa Flower Market, or also known as the Bulaklakan ng Maynila (Flower Market of Manila), is a flower market found in the center of Manila that became very popular because of its number of flower shops congregated together to offer manilenyos a wide variety of Philippine flowers.

In 2004 it was home to 50 flower vendors. About 70 flower vendors are members of Dangwa Flower Market Association. The market derives its name from the Dangwa Transport Inc. bus station beside it. During the 80's and the 90's, the market has surpassed the fame of competitors in Quiapo, Manila and Baclaran.

Dangwa became very popular across Metro Manila because this is the only place in which manilenyos can choose from a wide variety of v coming from every part of the country such as Baguio City, Davao City, Tagaytay City, Cotabato City and Laguna. Some of the flowers sold in the market includes mums, roses, gerberas and asters.

But other than flowers local from the Philippines, Dangwa can also offer a wide variety of foreign flowers coming from other countries like Thailand, Holland and Ecuador.

Dangwa Flower Market gets very busy when peak season arrives like the Valentine's Day, All Saints Day, Mother's Day, and December. Sometimes customers flock the market until 11 pm on Valentine's Day.

Other than the Philippine flowers they offer, Dangwa Flower Market is also a historical place. It is said that the market's golden years is during the time when Imelda Marcos was the First Lady. At that time the market provided flowers for big flower shops which in turn decorated the Malacanang Palace.

The advent of modern technology, specifically Short message service or "texting" has improved communication and efficiency in transporting the flowers from rural farmers. SMS is also used to prevent losses since the flower dealers can tip the farmers to what flowers would be in demand.

So whenever a manilenyo needs to buy a flower, the Dangwa Flower Market is the only place that they can get the widest and the cheapest flowers around the whole Metro Manila.

Recommended Hotels in Baguio City

noreply@blogger.com (rayter) — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 18:07:39 PST

Baguio City is situated in the northern part of Luzon, Philippines. In fact, this city is considered as highly urbanized and is also known as the Summer Capital of the Philippines and the City of Pines. Different industries allow Baguio City to be prosperous, but it is known for its main industry which is tourism. During summer season, it is believed that the population in Baguio doubles due to the presence of local and international tourists. And that is the reason why the sales of hotels also rise up during this season. Both local and international tourists check in different hotels, which is what we are discussing. We would like to mention some recommended hotels in Baguio City,

The Philippines is indeed very proud of Baguio City because its main attractions do not stop in historical places. Instead, even hotels in this city are also considered as tourist attractions. Let us name some that will surely entice readers to take a vacation in this beautiful city located in the Philippines.

Camp John Hay Manor Hotel used to be a recreational facility of Americans before it was transformed into a resort that is described as world-class. Among the feature of this Baguio hotel are a mini golf course, a picnic area, a skating rink, and a golf course. To accommodate visitors, 177 units were built which all consist of modern amenities that would result to a comfortable stay of visitors. Aside from the cozy interiors and architecture being offered by Camp John Hay, the entire Philippines is proud to say that this Baguio hotel offers spectacular views of mount Cordillera.

Another hotel that the Philippines is proud of is Microtel Inn & Suites. Views of the Benguet mountains may be seen from Microtel Inn & Suites as it is situated 5,000 feet above sea level. The staff in Microtel Inn & Suites is very accommodating, the bed is comfortable, and the amenities are excellent. Microtel Inn & Suites is also recommended for coffee-lovers because this Baguio hotel offers unlimited delicious coffee.

Another highly recommended hotel is El Cielito Inn, exactly located in 50 North Drive, Baguio City, Philippines. Rooms being offered in El Cielito Inn total to thirty which are in different sizes, such as suite rooms, deluxe, and standard. All rooms, regardless of the size, feature telephones, bathrooms, and a comfortable stay. The restaurant of El Cielito Inn is called The Voyager and it offers different kinds of dishes from snacks to dinners. El Cielito Inn also offers services for functions such as meetings or family gatherings. It features a multi-purpose hall that has a capacity of 125 pax.

These are just three hotels in Baguio that allow the Philippines to be proud of.