Getting around!

Here's a rgional city map which I found very useful using while trying to spot tourists attractions and other places of interest to get to them. Also useful for seeing which is near what other places so you can map out your journey for the day in the best way! Have fun!

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Ifugao Rice Terraces

In 1995, Ifugao Rice Terraces or Hagdan-hagdang Palayan ng Banaue (in tagalog) was inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage list because of its great beauty that expresses conquered and conserved harmony between humankind and the the environment. These rice terraces located in the Philippines were carved out 2000 years ago by the ancestors of the Batad indigenous people. It seems an easy feat today to carve out such terraces, but 2000 years ago when there was no machinery, these terraces were carved out step by step using hands. It is said that if the steps are put end to end, it would encircle half the globe! As a tourist, I understand from the locals that this is their pride and joy! In fact, they regard it as the "eighth wonder of the world". How privilege to be able to see for myself the fusion of man's workmanship on nature....

Philippine's "Garden of Eden" : Camiguin Island

In the bible, the garden of Eden is equivalent to paradise on earth. Camiguin Island, rhyming with "come again", has been regarded by many as Philippines' Garden of Eden, because it could be regarded as that perfect island in the country.

Although I have yet to visit this place, reading about it has made me plan it to be one of my must-go destinations. Camiguin is a pear-shaped volcanic island in the northern tip of Mindanao. Besides the majestic waterfalls that create both hot and cold springs, there is the beautiful beach and the volcanoes surrounding the island that makes any visitor mesmerized by the natural landscape and yearn to go back again.

The Ideal Beach Destination: Boracay Island

Over the weekend, I had the privilege to visit Boracay Islands. If you are looking for that perfect beach getaway destination, this is the place! Widely known as one of the finest swimming destinations in the world, Boracay is blessed with unsullied fine talcum power-sand beaches, the magnificent blue sky and the crystal clear waters.

Top tip: Be sure to make your way to the best part of the island, a 4km White Beach hailed as the "finest beach in the world". The surrounding water is shallow and the sand is finer and brighter than most beaches in the archipelago.

Its also not difficult to make your way there. To get to Boracay, just book a flight into Kalibo, the capital of Aklan province.

Business Hub : Cebu City

If you thought Makati City was the sole business nerve of the Philippines, then you are gravely wrong. With 7,107 islands, this vast country cannot afford to only have one business centre. Hence, beyond Manila, if I shift to the south, there is Cebu City, dubbed the Queen City of the South. Why you may ask? The reason is simple, because outside the capital, this is the next most important centre of commerce, trade and industry in the Visayas and Mindanao region.

Cebu City has also aggressively promoted themselves as the following:

1) The country's main domestic shipping hub, with more than 80% of the country's inter0-island shipping companies located here.

2) An investment destination

3) The education center of Center Visayas. It has been highly recommended that if one is looking for a talented and educated supply of manpower, this will be the place you are looking at!

Business Hub : Makati City

Like in every city in the world, Philippine's main business centre is located near the capital Manila and in the region Metro Manila. Makati City is considered the major financial, commerical and economic hub in the Philippines. It is often referred to as Wall Street of Philippines or the Central Business District. With 84% of the country's private commerical banks and 9/10 of the largest life insurance companies maintaining their headquarters at Makati, there is no questioning of its importance as the business nerve of the Philippines. Also, other global companies have their offices here as well.

Besides Makati City, I also found out that Cebu City (Visayas region) and Davao City (Mindanao) are two other business hubs beyond the capital. Enough about business, the city dwellers in Makati not only work hard, but they also party hard. Yes! Makati City is also known to be the centre of social and entertainment activities with a vibrant night life, pub scene, food and shopping malls. If I may add, the night scene in this business city is absolutely gorgeous!

Manila, the Cosmopolitan Capital

I am sooo excited today to finally reach Manila, the capital of the Philippines. Although its only my first day, this place is simply beautiful and a must-go destination for anyone who intends to visit the Philippines!

Located in the Luzon Region, it is one of the 17 cities that and municipalities that make up Metro Manila. Labeled the Cosmopolitan Capital, it is a blend of history, culture, and modernism which offers an endless number of places to visit and will definitely leave you with an unforgettable experience.

Now who ever said you need to be in Europe to enjoy European architecture? Without travelling all the way to Europe, you can find such works here at Manila!

1) The Intramuros : Constructed in 1571 during the period of Spain's colonization, it is one of the world's most well preserved medieval cities. It will be difficult to miss because it is located right in the heart of Manila. Intramuros is a literal translation of "within the walls" from the Spanish language, because the Spanish wanted this place to considered Manila and the city.

2) The Manila Cathedral: Located right at the center of Intramuros, this cathedral was the seat of the Archbishop during the Spanish colonial period, and still remains the exxlesiastical seat of the Archdiscese of Manila. With Catholism being the main religion in the Philippines, going to the most important church in the Manila is a definite must!

3) Malacañang Palace is the official residence of the President (currently Gloria Arroyo) and has one of the most historic structures in the Philippines. If you look at the present-day 20-peso bill, you will be able to see the picture of the palace depicted on the verso (back) side.

Even as I end, I must remind myself to snap as many photos of this culturally and historically rich cosmopolitan capital!