The Philippines a first-time Vacation

A FIRST-TIME VISIT TO THE PEARL OF THE ORIENT SEAS- PHILIPPINES

The Philippines, a tropical country in the Pacific ocean is indeed magnificent as it is blessed with beautiful natural landscapes such as scenic mountains, wonderful beaches, and vast oceans and seas; delicious food; a highly admirable culture and amazing people.

I had learned about the beauty of the Philippines from one of my friends-Stephen. After listening to the magnificent Philippines, I did not doubt going to the Philippines in the upcoming vacation.

So, I booked the flight ticket to Manila(the capital city of the Philippines) and the hotel room in Manila as well, days before.

When the time of the vacation came, I packed my bag enthusiastically and went straight to the Washington Dulles International Airport and took my flight to Manila. It was an exhausting 24 hours flight. Now the time had come to step on the fabulous country of the Philippines. I checked in at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila and stayed in the Belmont Hotel near the airport. The next day, it was my turn to explore the capital of fun, Manila.

1.MANILA 

Manila, the city of extensive commerce and the seat of the executive and judicial branches of the Philippine national government, is home to architectural and cultural landmarks dating from the Spanish colonial period.

EXPLORATION

I took my time to explore the magnificent city of Manila. I visited the majestic Intramuros, which is a 64 hectare stone citadel. It was just amazing. After that, I visited the Rizal Park (also known as Luneta Park), which is dedicated to the great Filipino nationalist and freedom fighter, Jose Rizal. It consists of the Rizal monument, 

which is the highlight of the park. Here, I experienced greenery along with playing various games such as kite flying, badminton, chess, etc.

Now, it was time to know about the history of the Philippines. And who could tell me better than the National Museum? The National Museum successfully documents the ethnographic, anthropological, archaeological, and natural history and visual arts of the Philippines ever since. It is a hub of extra-ordinary Filipino art.

SHOPPING

Now, it was the time to do some shopping, so I visited Divisoria Market, also known by the name ” Mother of all Markets” in Manila. I bought some clothes, bags, home decor items, and many more things.

Here, the goods are available at very cheap prices when compared to the US.

LOCAL FOOD 

The delicious local food of the Philippines adds on to the marvelous sites and tourist places. Philippine cuisine has evolved over many years. It is a mixture of many cuisines such as Malay, Indian, Spanish, American, Chinese and many other cuisines. The local people love it, I love it and you will love it too. The most famous food in Manila is Adobo, which is basically marinated fried chicken. It is available all over the city in various food complexes and restaurants.

LANGUAGES

The official languages of Manila are Tagalog and English. English is the language of the government. Here, people speak excellent English. The visitors like me who understand English will not have any language problem here.

Now it was the time to visit the “Queen City of the south”- ‘Cebu’ which is a wonderful tourist destination. I took a flight from Manila to Cebu. I reached Cebu in about 2 hours. I could feel the energy of this fantastic tourist destination.

2.CEBU 

Cebu is one of the fastest developing cities in the Philippines. Cebu is known for its amazing white beaches and fabulous tourist destinations. This place is full of energy and pace. It has also various churches and marvelous monuments to offer.

EXPLORATION

Here, in Cebu, there are infinite tourist destinations to choose from. But I started with the churches such as Magellan’s Cross and Basilica of Santo Nino. Then I visited Lapu-Lapu’s monument which has been built in the memory of revolutionary Lapu-Lapu. 

Then I visited Sogod, one of the most beautiful places in the Philippines.

 It contains beautiful beaches along with some rare aquatic animals. I got to see the giant sea turtles there. Interestingly I found them very cute. I also saw houses, dating back to 17th-century architecture. It was historic. Then, I saw a beautiful sunset while building a castle on the beach.

SHOPPING

Now it was time to do some shopping. When it comes to Cebu, shopping is something which you can get hold of. Cebu is famous for handicrafts, the most famous being the Rattan work. I bought some of them at very cheap prices. I bought some ornaments along with some utensils also. I also bought a guitar as this place is famous for guitar production. Moreover, I raided various shopping malls and bought many things such as clothes, sunglasses, hats, and many more things.

LOCAL FOOD

The local food in Cebu is quite diverse as it is a mix of various cuisines such as 

American, Australian, Chinese as well as Japanese cuisines. You would love the local food, I can guarantee that. Well, almost all food served here is dipped in vinegar or fish oil which is absolutely delicious.

LANGUAGES

The local people in Cebu speak the Cebuano language. In some of the market regions, people speak Tagalog. So, if you want to bargain in the market a bit, you need to brush up on these language skills. Some younger people in Cebu speak English along with the Cebuano accent to it.

Now it was time to experience beauty and romance, so I packed off to Boracay, an island that depicts serenity.

3.BORACAY 

Boracay, a magnificent island in the Philippines, has many things to offer to tourists. The beautiful beaches, the white sand as well as the deep blue-indigo sea give the tourists a very pleasant and cheerful feeling.

EXPLORATION

I was sure of exploring the white beaches first, in Boracay. Then I did all sorts of adventurous activities such as parasailing, snorkeling, banana boat riding, etc. I visited various islands in Boracay. The must-visit islands are Crystal Cave Island, Crocodile Island and Ariel’s Point.

SHOPPING

I visited various malls in Boracay which sell different products ranging from daily wears to some of the greatest collections of art as well as souvenirs. I bought these at very cheap rates. I tested my bargaining skills here also.

LOCAL FOOD 

The local food here is the same as in Cebu. The local food is a mix of various cuisines such as American, Australian, Chinese as well as Japanese cuisines. Some dishes are quite simplistic such as rice along with salted fish. But I found the food quite a mouth-watering and delicious as well.

LANGUAGES

Most of the people here speak English and so travelers like me don’t have any issues in talking to anyone. However, some people speak Tagalog in market areas. Therefore, if you want to bargain, you need to brush up on these language skills.

Then I wanted to explore the west. I planned to go to Puerto Princesa, located on the western coast of the Philippines. I took a flight from Boracay and reached Puerto Princesa in just one hour.

4.PUERTO PRINCESA

Puerto Princesa, the cleanest and greenest city in the Philippines, is known for its lush greenery and gorgeous white sand beaches. Here, in Puerto Princesa, one of the UNESCO heritage sites- ‘ The Underground River’ attracts many tourists from all over the world and I was one of them.

EXPLORATION

I started my journey from the Underground River National Park. I can’t describe its beauty in words. It’s so amazing that it is one of the 7 modern wonders of the world and the pride of the Philippines. Then I visited the Honda Bay, which is rich in many species of starfishes. I took a breather here and enjoyed the scenic beauty of the white sand and the blue-indigo sea.

And finally, I visited Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center, which protects many endangered species, including ostriches. It is also the home of many species of crocodiles.

SHOPPING

Shopping is definitely one of the things to do in Puerto Princesa. I enjoyed shopping in the various malls in Puerto Princesa. I bought many things, ranging from clothing apparel to local handicrafts, all at very low prices. I also tested my bargaining skills in the markets of Puerto Princesa.

LOCAL FOOD 

The food in the Palawan region is a mix of Chinese, American and Spanish cuisines. Indian and Mediterranean food is scarce. Seafood is mainly consumed, along with chicken, pork and crocodile.

LANGUAGES

Here, in Puerto Princesa, the predominant language is Tagalog although Cuyonon is widely spoken and used throughout the whole city. Some people also understand and speak English, but the majority of them don’t speak English. So you might face some language issues there.

After that, I made my way to reach the town of Angels, the Angeles city.

5. THE ANGELES CITY

The Angeles city, the hub of entertainment and modernity, is quickly gaining popularity in Asia as a prime spot for nightlife. It is matching with the tourist pull of the capital city, Manila. It also serves as a blend of culture, being populated by the Filipinos, Americans, and Koreans.

EXPLORATION

I started with the Zoocobia Fun Zoo. As the name suggests, I definitely had fun in that zoo. Then, I visited Dinosaur Island followed by the Aqua Planet.

Then it was the time to get spiritual. So I went straight to the Holy Rosary Parish Church. After that, I visited several museums such as Nayong Pilipino Clark and Clark Museum.

SHOPPING

Angeles city is a hub of various shopping malls, the most famous being the Marquee Mall. I did all sorts of shopping here as I was loving the things in Angeles city, be it the smooth textiles or decent boutiques, the classy sunglasses or traditional hats or anything. Angeles city had everything to shop and be glad and cheerful.

LOCAL FOOD 

You can get mouth-watering food in Angeles City such as the Armando’s Pizza (the local Pizza here), fermented rice with fish or small shrimps, Adobo and many more. You will find the local cuisines to be a mix of Spanish, American and Chinese cuisines. The local food makers here have enough experience to serve you with delicious food and make your day a pleasant one.

LANGUAGES

Here, the languages spoken by the local people are Kapampangan and Filipino. But don’t worry! Many people speak English as well. So, if you are a traveler like me, you could communicate with the local people in English with ease. However, if you know some phrases in the local languages, it might be beneficial for you as you could test your bargaining skills. Also, it could help you to win friends in Angeles City.

Well after such a tour, now it was the time to depart. I took a flight from Angeles city and returned back to Washington in about a day.

But I cannot forget the stunning islands, the beautiful landmarks and the wonderful people of the Philippines. The amazing culture and its unbelievable incredibility had deeply touched my heart. Even after returning to the US, I yearn to back to the Philippines on every vacation.