Philippines Insights on Politics, Economic,and Entertainment

The War at Home - Calling Philippines as Nation Servants

noreply@blogger.com (Virtual Homeworks) — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 16:24:52 PDT

The Russians sank a Hong Kong freighter last month, killing the seven Chinese seamen on board. We can live with that—Lenin and Stalin were once the ideological mentors of all Chinese people. The Japanese planted a flag on Diàoyú Island. That’s no big problem—we Hong Kong Chinese love Japanese cartoons, Hello Kitty, and shopping in Shinjuku, let alone our round-the-clock obsession with karaoke.

But hold on—even the Filipinos? Manila has just claimed sovereignty over the scattered rocks in the South China Sea called the Spratly Islands, complete with a blatant threat from its congress to send gunboats to the South China Sea to defend the islands from China if necessary. This is beyond reproach. The reason: there are more than 130,000 Filipina maids working as $3,580-a-month cheap labor in Hong Kong. As a nation of servants, you don’t flex your muscles at your master, from whom you earn most of your bread and butter.... read more

Best Job in the World Ever

noreply@blogger.com (Virtual Homeworks) — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 12:54:01 PST

It is a tough time this year for everybody. Many companies sought bail outs, others just got out of business and the worst people lost their jobs...But do you know that there is the recently buzzed best job in the world?

Yes, that's right. Despite of economic downturn and closure of known corporations it seemed that there is a shocking job opportunity of Tourism Queensland. They called it Best Job in the World. For a period of 6 months the successful applicant will be paid 150,000 Australian Dollar.

This is quite an easy job really. Because your responsibility for this job will just be taking photos and video of the island, making blogs and reporting to the Tourism Queensland.

Feel like a Hollywood star as you will often be interviewed by the press regarding your experience in the island. Minor task includes feeding fish, collecting mails, swimming, snorkeling, diving, kayaking, and water sports. Is that easy for you? Apply now!

The “Irresistible” Davao

noreply@blogger.com (Virtual Homeworks) — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 19:41:17 PST

DAVAO CITY - PHILIPPINES

Courtesy of Davao City Tourism Operations Office

THE RIVER WILD!
Want some real fun? Try rafting!
It's just one of the many adventures waiting for you in Davao.

WAKE BOARDING FUN
Wakeboarding is one of the more popular
beach-related activities in Davao City.

SCENIC MT. APO
No matter how many times you've visited this place,
the majestic Mt. Apo never ceases to amaze.

ORCHID FARMS
Davao City is the home of the famous "Waling-Waling".

ALMOST THE TOP OF THE WORLD
Mt. Apo is the highest peak in the country,
and is the subject of mountain trekkers' itineraries every year.

Davao City is a modern metropolis bustling with life, verve and color, situated in a typhoon-free zone with a land area of 244,000 hectares touted as one of the world’s largest.
From its fertile mountain ranges and valleys, down to the rich blue waters of the gulf, Davao City is abundant with natural wealth and wonders. Its potable water is considered second cleanest water in the world according to the World Health Organization.
This city is a progressive hub of commerce, education, tourism, arts, culture and wellness in Southern Philippines. Read more...

Visit Guimaras

noreply@blogger.com (Virtual Homeworks) — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 22:49:00 PST

GUIMARAS -Philippines

courtesy of Enjoy Philippines & Paradise Philippines

The island paradise of Guimaras formerly known as Himal-us is famous for its beaches with clear blue waters, clean white sand and magnificent marine life rivalling the other more popular spots in the Philippines. Guimaras was once a province of Iloilo but is now and independent island and just a 15 minute ferry ride away. Read more

TUBBATAHA REEFS - A Nominee for the New 7 Wonders of Nature

noreply@blogger.com (Virtual Homeworks) — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 22:49:52 PST

TUBBATAHA REEF - Philippines

courtesy of Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park

Click HERE and Make Tubbataha Reef as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature

Tubbataha is a reef ecosystem made up of two atolls located in the middle of the Sulu Sea. It is a sanctuary for marine life. The reefs lie on the Cagayan Ridge, a line of extinct underwater volcanoes which starts from the north at the Sultana Shoal and ends in the south at the San Miguel Islands. It is located 92 nautical miles southeast of Puerto Princesa City, Palawan and 80 nautical miles southwest of Cagayancillo, the municipality that exercises political jurisdiction over it. It was proclaimed as a National Marine Park on August 11, 1988 and inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage in 1993, in recognition of its outstanding universal value in terms of marine life species diversity and richness. Read more...

The Aura of Aurora

noreply@blogger.com (Virtual Homeworks) — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 23:35:07 PST

AURORA - Philippines

courtesy of Discover Aurora Philippines

Digisit Beach

Casapsapan Bay

Baler Bay

Dicasalarin Beach

Dikasalarin Cove

Cemento Cove

Aurora is a province blessed with an abundance of tourist attractions. It has its share of historical sights such as the home and resthouse of former Philippine President Manuel L. Quezon. The province also has a beautiful Catholic church and several historical markers. Its natural attractions include picturesque waterfalls, lush greenery on mountainsides, and panoramic beaches. Surfing, snorkeling, scuba diving, mountain climbing and trekking are only some of the activities a tourist can enjoy in Aurora. Read more...

Discover Another Island of the Philippine Archipelago

noreply@blogger.com (Virtual Homeworks) — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 23:35:51 PST

CALICOAN ISLAND - EASTERN SAMAR
courtesy of The Surf Camp

Calicoan Island

Calicoan is an island bounded by the Pacific Ocean on the East, and Leyte Gulf on the West. With its rugged landscape, virgin tropical forests, unspoiled white sand beaches, crystal clear water and surf, Calicoan is a must-see for the adventurous traveler or intrepid surfer.

Discover the Luxury of the Lost Paradise

noreply@blogger.com (Virtual Homeworks) — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 23:36:39 PST

DUMAGUETE MARINE LIFE - Philippines

courtesy of Atlantis Dive Resorts

Porcelain Crab

Spider Crab

Nudibranch

Clown Fish and Anemone

Lance Blenny

ATLANTIS DUMAGUETE

Just a twenty minute drive from the local airport (just a sixty minute flight from Manila), on a long peaceful stretch of beach, lies the lush and luxurious Atlantis Dive Resort. Surrounded by an amazing tropical garden with some of the rarest plants to be found in the Philippines it is just a short trip to some of the most renowned dive sites in Asia - Apo Island, Balicasag reef and of course the local Dauin Marine Sanctuaries

The Philippine Surfing Capital

noreply@blogger.com (Virtual Homeworks) — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 23:37:15 PST

SIARGAO ISLAND - Hidden Tropical Jewel

courtesy of Philippine Travel Guide

Siargao is a tear-drop shaped island situated 800 kilometers southeast of Manila in the province of Surigao del Norte. It has a land mass of approximately 437 kilometers. It has a land mass of approximately 437 kilometers. The east coast is relatively straight with one deep inlet-Port Pilar with a coastline marked by a succession of reefs, small points and white sandy beaches. There are similar neighboring islands and islets with similar landforms. The reefs and points are excellent for picking up any swell that comes along turning into clean, fast waves. The Island's Pacific-facing reefs are situated on the edge of the Philippine Trench, and the extremely deep offshore waters guarantee the ocean swells have undiluted power when they encounter the many coral and rock reefs, giving Siargao excellent surfing conditions, particularly during the southwest "habagat" monsoon from August to November, when the prevailing wind is offshore. READ MORE...

The Shining Paradise in Asia

noreply@blogger.com (Virtual Homeworks) — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 23:37:58 PST

BANTAYAN ISLAND - Philippines

courtesy of Philippine Country Guide

Bantayan island, the shining tropical paradise in Asia is commonly known as an island paradise in Philippines. Tourists as far as Europe fall in love with its fine white sand and crystal clear blue waters. Many of these foreigners even settled down on the island to spend the rest of their lives. They build single-cottage beach houses along the shore but as time went by, construct a couple of new cottages instead to accommodate the growing number of tourists who seeks safe haven on the splendid island paradise. Two of the main attraction of the island is its crystal-clear waters and it's long stretch of powdery white sand. The stunning sunset will really spice those romantic walks on the beach. One of the reasons the island is famous is its peacefulness, the way a resort should be. Unsaturated beauty and a combination of sweet smiling natives made the island as it is now. Read more...

The Enchanted Beauty of Batanes Island

noreply@blogger.com (Virtual Homeworks) — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 23:39:08 PST

BATANES - Philippines

courtesy of Philippine Travel Guide

The Batanes island group is the smallest province in the Philippines in terms of population and land area. The capital of Batanes, Basco is 280 kilometers north of Apari, Cagayan (the tip of main island of Luzon) while it is only 190 kilometers south of Taiwan. Batanes lies in the vast waters of the Pacific ocean where the Pacific meets China sea. An area that for generations is almost isolated from the rest of the Philippines. Batanes consist of 10 tiny islands and islets namely: Batan, Sabtang, Itbayat, Mavudis, Siayan, Diogo, North Island and Y'ami. Only the first three islands are inhabited.

The wind swept islands of Batanes are beautiful and enchanting and they are like no other in the Philippines. Since Batanes is separated from the country by miles of rough waters, the Ivatans (the name of the people of Batanes) have developed a different culture. Ivatans are honest, gentle and polite but brave and robust. They are proud of their their heritage and their land.
The landscape of Batanes is also distinct from other Philippine provinces - steep cliffs, rolling hills, deep canyons and boulder-lined shores - not unlike New Zealand in some way. But the most noticeable of all features of Batanes is the architecture of the houses - stone walled and thick thatched roofs to withstand the battering of typhoons.

The weather of Batanes is cool and windy. And it rains any month of the year. It has an almost temperate temperature from December to February where temperatures dip as low as 7 degrees centigrade. Although Batanes lies along the typhoon belt and gets hit by strong typhoons, it get it's fare share just like other provinces on the north. But in spite of the reputation of Batanes as a backward region, it now has modern conveniences like mobile phones (cell sites by Smart & Globe Telecoms), electricity and cable television but hardly any vehicles.

There are a lot of things to do and see in Batanes, swim on the many beaches, see the fishing villages, the churches and lighthouses, island hop, but best of all, it is a beautiful place to reflect and admire nature.

A trip to Batanes bestows one a feeling timelessness...an experience that will linger long after arriving back home. It makes one appreciate the simple things in life, but in a deeper sense. But be forewarned though, once you've experienced Batanes, it will haunt you to come back...

Enigmatic Charm of BOHOL

noreply@blogger.com (Virtual Homeworks) — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 22:08:40 PST

BOHOL - Another Gem of the PHILIPPINES
courtesy of DOT

Scenic Bohol casts an enigmatic charm drawn from the many archaic mementos spread throughout the oval-shaped island: from the Chocolate Hills and the tarsier to 16th century watchtowers and Jesuit Baroque mission churches. The Chocolate Hills, all of 1,268 perfectly cone-shaped hills, are undoubtedly the most famous tourist attraction in the province. Among these hills that abound in Central Bohol, two have been developed into top-class resorts.

One of the rare faunas found in the Philippine archipelago, the Tarsier is the smallest primate in the world. It is a nocturnal primate measuring from four to five inches, with a tail that is longer than its body. Those interested in tarsier watching are always welcomed by the Boholanos to see the famous primate in its natural abode up the hills in the town of Corella.

A tropical haven of natural beauty, the coastline of the province is skimmed by gentle coves and white sand beaches. You can find some of the country’s great dive sights here. Balicasag in Bohol is one of the very best and most popular dives in the Visayas. A black coral forest is among its main attractions but virtually anywhere you drop in is sure to be rewarding. Another major attraction, Cabilao is renowned for the hammerhead sharks that shoal around the clear waters. Large pelagics are very common here, and if you are really lucky, you can find yourself swimming with a passing school of dolphins.

Discover BORACAY - PHILIPPINES

noreply@blogger.com (Virtual Homeworks) — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 17:50:52 PST

There is NO other place like BORACAY
courtesy of DOT

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

Attractions

The most famous part of Boracay is its 4 kilometer stretch of the finest, most pristine white sand beaches, White Beach, where the color of the sea blends with that of the sky during the day and the white sands glimmer at night. So awesome is the Island that the best descriptions cannot give justice to Boracay's natural beauty. Boracay's attractions do not stop at its natural beauty. A wide range of accommodation serving every visitor's lifestyles is available on the Island. To satisfy every palate and for night-lovers, Boracay's beachfront is lined with varied international restaurants, open-air bars, karaokes bars and discos. In addition to relaxing and lazing by the beach, Boracay also offers countless activities for water sport lovers, e.g. scuba diving (diving lessons taught in German, French and other languages), snorkeling, wind surfing, sailing, parasailing, water skiing, banana riding, and many others. For golf-lovers, Boracay also offers an 18-hole golf course.

For more info visit: www.boracay.com or www.tourism.gov.ph.

Explore Puerto Galera - PHILIPPINES

noreply@blogger.com (Virtual Homeworks) — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 21:49:56 PST

Taken from WOW Philippines Homepage

Puerto Galera is blessed with one of the world’s most beautiful natural harbors. Known as the Pearl of Mindoro, it is world-famous for splendid beaches, coral reefs, and exquisite dive sites for new and experienced divers alike.

Puerto Galera is a 3rd class municipality in the province of Oriental Mindoro, Philippines. According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 21,925 people in 4,424 households. It is the northwesternmost municipality in Oriental Mindoro.

Puerto Galera is only three and a half hours away from Manila first by bus to the port at Batangas City and then by boat. Tourists can also take the high-speed ferry service (popularly known as the Supercat) from the Batangas City port to Calapan, Mindoro and then by jeepney to Puerto Galera.

Visit Palawan, Philippines

noreply@blogger.com (Virtual Homeworks) — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 21:52:09 PST

Photos are taken from the Department of Tourism site. And to know more about Palawan click here or visit the Department of Tourism website.

Must See in Philippines

noreply@blogger.com (Virtual Homeworks) — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 23:54:00 PST

Banaue Rice Terraces
Photo taken from the Site of Department of Tourism