Fri 15 Sep 2006
Looking for a unique place to visit in the Philippines? You may want to check Sampaguita Gardens out. The resort is located in New Washington, Kalibo, Aklan and is owned by Mr. Samuel Butcher, creator of Precious Moments. Precious Moments refer to those cute, wide-eyed angel-looking figurines in light, pastel colors.
Wed 13 Sep 2006
Bacolod City can be reached via a one-hour flight from Manila. Palmas del Mar Resort is located in Bacolod City, about 10 minutes away from the Bacolod Domestic Airport. Bacolod is known for good food, good pastries and the local government unit (LGU) itself has been cited as one of the LGUs with the best “quality of life.”
Tue 12 Sep 2006
Cherinicole Beach Resort is located in General Luna, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte. You’ll have to take a plane ride to Surigao although I think there are some airlines now that fly directly to Siargao. It is best to inquire from the resort on transfers from Siargao to the resort itself.
Tue 5 Sep 2006
Pandan Island is located in Occidental Mindoro. It is described as a place for people who want to relax, away from cars and television.
While at Pandan, visitors or guests can enjoy the beaches, scuba diving, or getting a massage. There are several types of bungalows to choose from, all facing the sea. There are also budget rooms.
Mon 4 Sep 2006
Another destination that can be reached after a few hours’ drive from Metro Manila is Subic Park Hotel. The hotel is located at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone at Moon Bay Marina in Olongapo.
Fri 1 Sep 2006
Balai Resort is located in Batangas, about 3 hours by land, from Manila. You can choose from two resorts: Anilao and Laiya. From the pictures in the website, the Anilao resort appears more romantic and dreamy, with its sunset boat rides; the colorful sealife; and trips to Sombrero Island (so-called because the island looks like a hat).
Sun 27 Aug 2006
Another place that you can reach by land from Metro Manila is Matabungkay Beach Resort and Hotel located in Lian, Batangas. The resort offers shuttle service from Makati.
The place offers white beaches, adult and kiddie pools (with slide), various water sports facilities, a floating spa, a sauna, a ropes course and boat trips to Fortune Island. It likewise has 5 food outlets.
Mon 21 Aug 2006
For Manila-based residents or travellers, here’s a resort that you do not have to ride a plane to get to: the Lago de Oro Resort in Calatagan, Batangas which is located about 2 hours from Makati. What might you do there?
Sat 19 Aug 2006
Pansukian Resort is located on Siargao Island in Surigao. Siargao Island faces the Pacific Ocean and the Philippine Deep. It offers white sand beaches, clear lagoons, cliffs and caves. You can choose from different villas and cottages where the rate per person per day (full board) can range from USD 130 to USD 290.
Children aged 2-12 are given a 25-50% discount. While in Siargao, you can go on island tours, go surfing (the spot is said to be one of the best places for surfing in the Philippines), try scuba diving, fishing, or try shell collecting.
To get to Siargao, you will have to take a 1 hour 20 minute flight to Surigao on Asian Spirit and then take a connecting 20 minute flight to Siargao. There is a 2-3 hour wait in between those flights. Transfers to the resort are not included in the package rates so it is best to inquire directly from them.
For more details on the resort, you may visit: www.pansukian.com
Sat 12 Aug 2006
When in Tacloban City in Leyte, you may want to stay in Leyte Park Resort Hotel. My officemates have stayed there previously and they say accommodations are okay and clean although the facility is quite old already.
You can enjoy the various amenities at the hotel. I’m sure my kids will enjoy the pool with the slide.