It's More Fun In The Philippines.

[brockupo]

Here are very good videos by Celine & Guillaume. It involves Sightseeing, Diving and Adventure
Video 1 Busuanga Coron, Philippines


Video 2 Puerto Princessa, Malapascua Cebu, Philippines


Video 3 Moalboal and Twin Lakes Negros, Philippines


Video 4 Dumaguete, Philippines


El Nido, Philippines, Paglugaban Cave Diving by Tony Exall

[dashalvin]

Dakak Park and Beach Resort



Dakak Park and Beach Resort is the closes place to paradise one could ever experience, with it's beauty and serenity. Dakak started operation on 1988, was conveniently positioned in the southern part of the Philippines and surrounded by mountains in its west.



Situated at Taguilon, Dapitan City, ZaNorte, Dakak tactfully eludes the typhoon belt, making it an ideal all-season destination for travelers. Dakak is the first five-star resort in Southern Phippines with an "AAA" accreditation from the Department of Tourism, located along a private 750 meter white sand and beach.



From the original 2 (two) cottages, it has expanded into 64 cottages with 128 fully-furnished rooms in native duplex type bungalows of bamboo and nipa leaves with capiz shell window panels; and three (3) Family Pavillion with 30 family rooms and one (1) Presidential Suite.



Through the years, Dakak recieved various recognition locally and internationally among which are the Kalakbay Award for Resort on 1989 from the Philippine Department of Tourism; 16 International Award for Tourist; Hotel and Catering Industry on 1991 from the Trade Leaders Club and Editorial Office Madrid, Spain; a certificate of excellence by the Prestigious Resorts of the World on 1992; and has participated in the Dream Incentive Contest theme for the Philippines that has won the "Best Showcase 1997" in the Incentive Travel and Conventions, Meetings Asia (IT&CMA) in December 1997.



Dakak Park and Beach Resort continously strive to carry out it's mission - "an abundance of recreational activities and entertainment, warm filipino hospitality and environmental friendly ambiance."


Dakak Park and Beach Resort
Barangay Taguilon, Dapitan City, Philippines
Phone +63 65 213 6813 ‎
Email: support@travelsmart.net
Website: http://www.dakak.org/

The name Dakak comes from the combination of the Visayan words "dapit sa kakahoyan" which means near the woodlands








Luscious green woodland surrounds all over the resort










Diving sites in Dakak

Diving in Dakak is best in the months of March until September.
Dakak dive sites in the beach resort provide a variety of environment from gradual slopes to coral thickets, vertical walls and caves. Marine life is assorted. Some spots are thick with soft coral growth and huge basket sponges, others with schools of jacks, surgeons, and small reef inhabitant.

Liuay Rock
A low dive, sloping bottom, and a good selection of invertebrates, especially soft corals. Unusual nudibranchs and several species of starfish. Good for novices for general poking around. Ideal for check-out dives.

The Caves
Striking walls drop to an average of 60 degrees where there is a sandy bottom and a series of caves occupied by sweepers, soldier fish, puffer fish, and sea plumes. Some nice bushes of black coral are seen here. Night diving is impressive with Spanish dancers, sleeping fish and a wide diversity of nocturnal crustaceans.

Mushrom Wall
At only 10 ft, the shallow roof area turns to a nice wall with fan corals, encrusting sponges, crevices, small ledges and dramatic undercuts, bottoming out at 60 feet. Huge scraps of hard corals (Stag horn, lettuce leaf) with thousands of reef fish separate Mushroom Wall from "The Caves" on its end and to Snapper Ridge to the West.

The Gardens
A sequence of coral gardens, small walls, sandy area with coral heads and slopes with soft corals. Plenty of anthias, hawk fish, and invertebrates. Good for snorkeling and for trainee or beginner in diving.

Cesar's Reef
Tiny reef area with bounded coral covers. Rich with large fish such as napoleon wrasses (Chiefly tropical marine fishes with fleshy lips and powerful teeth; usually brightly colored), tuna and parrot fish. View schools of surgeon fish, barracuda (Any voracious marine fish of the genus Sphyraena having an elongated cylindrical body and large mouth with projecting lower jaw and long strong teeth), snappers, and blue-spotted sting rays. For experienced divers only.

The Wreck
Seven year old sunken passenger liner with bottom depth of 180 feet, and 130 feet at its highest point. Big schools of fish from deck such as black and white snappers, red snapper, jacks, and groupers. Great visibility. For adventurous, experienced divers.

Octopus Wall
Small wall with pretty growth, octopuses, scorpion fish, sponges, tubastrea, continuous into a slope to the north with some strange crinoids covered formations provide a very scenic view of rudderfish, groupers, etc.

Buchok's Reef
A series of large coral mounds with nice selection of marine life: giant reef rays, small white tip sharks, unicorn surgeons, snappers and sweetlips. For experienced divers only.

Challenger Reef
The reef area is almost half the size of Aligua, its top is about 125 feet deep, with soft coral growth. The northern part of the island has short walls and a long narrow opening and a few juvenile fish.
Romy's Reef
Plenty of coral mounds, with enormous basket sponges, a fine and nice selection of reef fish and invertebrates. Sightings have been reported of blue spotted rays and a few turtles. Some coral damage and unfruitful areas though; eastern area though has massive coral thickets and extends through to Escuelahan.

Eskuelahan
Named for the numerous schools of fish (snappers, jacks, rainbow runners, surgeons, etc) and occasional tuna found in the area. It is a center of activity with fish of all sizes feeding. Giant frog fish have been also sighted. Currents may be a problem for novice divers.

Soon to be finished additional holes of Dakak Golf course










Helipad facility of the resort


Extreme sports like rock climbing and rappelling will soon be offered by the resort in this mountain

White sand beach, island resorts with water sports activities and do whale and dolphin watching. For luxurious experience try helicopter tours to Aliguay and Selinog Islands and Mt. Malindang. Soon to come this year also are the extreme adventures of the resort like rock climbing and rappelling, cliff diving, zip line and more only in the premiere 5-star resort in the Southern Phippines, Dakak Park and Beach Resort.

Diving in Dakak

















Tour packages will be offered soon by this tour operators in Guangzhou, China with possible chartered flights from Baiyun International Airport to Dipolog Airport, the gateway to this paradise by China Southern Airlines.

C-trip International Travel Service




Holiday packages offered by ctrip

Ctrip.com International, Ltd. (Nasdaq: CTRP), a leading travel service provider of hotel accommodations, airline tickets, packaged tours and corporate travel management in China.

CITS GUANGDONG CO.,LTD




CITS corporate headquarter in Beijing, China

The building houses CITS Head Office established in 1954. CITS(China International Travel Service) has its Head Office in Beijing and branch or sub-branch offices in all major cities, tourist centres, scenic resorts and ports of entry across the country. CITS is responsible for the reception of foreign tourists in China.

The aim of CITS is by means of tourism to expand the ties and contacts between the peoples of China and other countries, promote friendship, exchange culture, and enhance mutual understanding.

At present, CITS has established business relations with more than 500 foreign tour operators, friendship organizations, airlines, and shipping companies from scores of countries and regions through-out the world. CITS has more than 4,000 professional guide-interpreters who have been well trained.

In addition to branch or sub-branch offices in other parts of the country, China National Tourist Offices in Tokyo, New York, Lon-don, Paris, and Frankfurt have been set up. In Hong Kong, China International Travel Service (Luxingshe) Hong Kong Limited has been established. They provide tourist information and hand out tourist materials on behalf of CITS, and other travel agencies in China.

Comfort International Travel Service


CCT headquarter in Kunming, China

WHO WE ARE: Yunnan and Beyond is a boutique travel group specializing in tours of Yunnan and south west China. It is operated by a grouptravel experts management and is based in Kunming, the capital of beautiful Yunnan province. Our edge is our knowledge of and passion for this part of China as well as understanding what is expected by western travelers.

We provide expert and comfortable guidance through Yunnan and the neighbouring Guizhou, Guangxi and Sichuan. We can also arrange link trips into Tibet, Laos, Vietnam and Myanmar.

Customisation and flexibility are the cornerstones of our business. We do not believe our clients should be herded around like package tourists and be bound by rigid timetables. Our company deals only with individuals, couples and small groups. That way we can map out itineraries that are interesting, suit your expectations and make the most of your precious time. You may choose one of the more established routes or a road less traveled. Transport may be by motor vehicle, horseback or foot. Either way you will marvel at the landscapes and rich cultural diversity of this relatively undiscovered part of the world.

CTS



China Travel Service Head Office Co., Ltd. (CTS) is a wholly-owned travel company under China National Travel Service (HK) Group Corporation. 60 years in travel and tourism business, It boasts to be the biggest and most comprehensive travel company in China. Head quartered in Beijing with a CTS national and CTS international network. The company’s business covers outbound travel, inbound travel, domestic travel, MICE, visa services, hotel reservation and ticketing services. CTS staff is helping thousands of customers from home and abroad everyday. Travel with CTS to the whole world!

[12jairien14]

Originally Posted by chuck23

March 31, 2012
Nightfall at Paseo del Mar and the Musical Fountain

Facing the scenic Basilan strait, Paseo del Mar is a seafront park located near Fort Pilar.

It is said that one of the most marvelous sunsets in the city could be witnessed here.


A view of the city’s busy port could also be seen from Paseo del Mar.

Until it comes more alive at night with live bands, food stalls and colorful decorative lamps lighting up the park.





Paseo del Mar Musically Gyrating Dancing Fountain

It was also a coincidence that during our visit, on the 23rd of March, it was also the city’s launching of their first ever (and probably Philippines’ as I haven’t seen one like it before anywhere else in our country) Dancing Musically Gyrating Fountain. Speak of perfect timing right?














full story here.

Originally Posted by chuck23

credits to the owner of these photos.

Originally Posted by chuck23

credits to the owner of these photos.

Originally Posted by chuck23

credits to the owner of these photos.

Originally Posted by chuck23

March 27, 2012
Exploring Asia’s Latin City: Ciudad de Zamboanga





Exploring Zamboanga City

Zamboanga City is known as the “Latin City of Asia” for its strong Hispanic/Latin influence. Even from the moment we’ve arrived at the city, I was already fascinated by the numerous Spanish looking architecture that lined the streets – from private homes, commercial buildings, and even their government offices.
More fascinating is hearing locals speak in Chavacano or hearing Spanish-sounding conversations … I loved it because it made me feel interested to learn more about the local culture … that’s something that doesn’t happen too often when one travel in the Philippines. Zamboanga exudes a sort of cosmopolitan aura … not in a global sense (obviously) but there are a lot of strong multicultural influences that set it apart from being just like any other city in the Philippines.

I loved walking around the city to see exquisite Spanish-colonial structures still in good condition. I was actually impressed at how the city government had maintained their beautiful heritage and preserve their environment, I hope more cities will make an example out of Zamboanga City.



full story here.

Originally Posted by chuck23

March 30, 2012
Get Wet in Pink: Sta Cruz Island (aka The Pink Island), Zamboanga City

On our second day, we went on a morning trip to the famous pink sand beach of the Santa Cruz islands. To think that this parcel of Paradise is just 10 minutes away from the city proper … who wouldn’t dare visit it?





Zamboanga: Santa Cruz Island and its Pink Sand

A pink sand beach is very rare and there are only a few of them around the globe. They can be found in Horseshoe Bay in Bermuda, 3 islands from the Bahamas, Culebra in Puerto Rico, Maui in Hawaii, Santorini in Greece, Barbuda in the Carribean, Crane Beach in Barbados, and here in The Great Santa Cruz Islands in the Philippines.





So how did this beach got its pink sand qualities? It’s mainly because of these endangered Red Organ-Pipe Corals. From eons of natural surf erosion, these red organ-pipe corals were pulverized and mixed with the white sands resulting to its colorization. These corals are considered rare due to its unique qualities of a soft coral having a hard skeleton.

Here’s a sample:



What I particularly love about the island, aside from its pristine blue waters is the serenity of the place. It’s not as crowded as the ones you’ll find in Boracay or Palawan. And I think if you are like me, who prefers areas where you could find peace of mind and truly say that you’re in a vacation (coz people go for vacations to rest right?), you’ll love it here.



The locals are also very friendly. You could find a bunch of them here selling souvenir items (mostly sea shells, rock stones and authentic pearls carved and made into necklaces, bracelets, keychains for very affordable prices). There are also swimming goggles and snorkeling sets for rent for those who’d like to view the underwater.







Some locals would also offer to cook food for you, just in time coz we actually didn’t bring any ‘baon’ (the Filipino way of calling packed meals). The one we’ve talked to offered to cook us a kilogram of rice for a hundred pesos and crabs (as seen in the image below) 6 big pieces (almost 2kg) I think for just 100php. Imagine that?! Yummy!!





full story here.

[12jairien14]

Originally Posted by chuck23

March 29, 2012
Looking Back: A Visit at Fort Pilar and the National Museum of Zamboanga City

Just before sunset, we’ve decided to complete our historical visit at Zamboanga City by taking a peek at the Fort Pilar and the National Museum.





Fort Pilar

Founded in 1635 as a garrison during the Spanish period, Fort Pilar serves as a present day open-air shrine. Originally named as La Fuerza Real de San Jose, the fort is named after and dedicated to Our Lady of the Pilar, the patroness of the Archdiocese of Zamboanga.







Carved stone walls in a well landscape picturesque is what awaits you upon entering the grounds of the Fort.





A secluded area at the right wing of the grounds where a mini garden with the same ancient wall can be found.



Fort Pilar also houses a National Museum branch inside the fort. One can access it with a minimal fee of 10 pesos for the registration.





National Museum of Zamboanga City

National Museum of Zamboanga City – The establishment of a museum branch in Zamboanga City was made possible by Presidential Decree 260. declaring Fort Pilar as a National Cultural Treasure on August 1, 1973. Situated within the historic Fort Pilar, the museum is named in honor of Nuestra Señora del Pilar, patroness of Zamboanga.

Below are some of the artifacts that could be found inside. Actually a sign infront of the museum says that “Picture taking is not allowed” but after seeking permission from the guard, Kuya guard allowed me. Yay! Thanks!















Yakan and Subanun Exhibit

Another spot that could be found inside the Fort is the Yakan and Subanun exhibit.



Here you will find various artifacts used by the Yakans and Subanuns – from their clothing to their utensils in their day to day living.









A tour around the Fort and the city’s Museum made me acquainted with its rich history and culture amidst its highly urbanized setting. Truly, this is a must-do activity when you’re in Zamboanga City.

Gracias Ciudad de Zamboanga!


full story here.

[dashalvin]

Dakak Five-Star/AAA Resort in the Philippines















Accommodations

Dakak's accommodation consists of 158 fully furnished rooms built in native duplex bungalows made of bamboo and with capiz shell window panes and family pavilion rooms. There 64 Bungalows with 100 Deluxe Rooms; 16 Prime Deluxe Rooms; 12 Beachfront roomsl there Family Pavilion with 30 rooms and one Presidential Suite.

Each room is equipped with individually controlled air conditioner, colour television, intercom phone, mini bar, shower/bath with hot and cold running water, dressing area and main bedroom. In-house movies, local channels are available in all rooms.





























Dining and Entertainment

Bamboo Cafe, al fresco coffe shop serving ala carte and buffet meals 24 hours. Cockpit Bar, open 24 hours Pirates Disco Bar with in-house band and Ballroom Dancing. Tai Restaurant, serving Chinese Cuisine and Buffet Meals. Fishpond Seafood Restaurant, serving the freshet seafood cuisine. Karaoke Beer House, with billiards and bowling alley. Cultural shows staging five times a week.

















Aqua Sports

Aqua Sports Center - Scuba Diving, Jetskiing, Kayaking, Banana Boat and Hobie Cat















Cultural shows















Marina



Diving in Dakak and Aliguay Seafloor



Dakak Beach, the diving mecca of Southern Philippines

For diving enthusiasts, Dakak beach has 11 diving sites namely:

Eskuelahan



Romy’s Reef



Challenger Reef



Buchok’s Reef



Octopus Wall



The Wreck



Cesar’s Reef



The Gardens

No photo available

Mushroom wall



The Caves



Liuay Rock



1994 Ms. Universe held in Dakak, Cebu and Pearl Farm



View video at 1:30 to 2:08 for Dakak.

[red_jasper]

[the glimpser]

What lures ‘Yachties’ to stay happy in Negros bay

SLOW BOAT TO HAVEN. Boats from all over the world, of all shapes and sizes find refuge in Tambobo Bay in Siaton, Negros Oriental, backdropped by the majesty of mountains. Forested by extensive mangroves, the bay is one hour from the capital Dumaguete City. LYN RILLON

Siaton, Negros Oriental—Michael Prader, a retired artist from Austria, was travelling in Asia in search of the simple life when he heard about the Philippines where “even people in the villages speak English.”

His journey brought him to the Tambobo Bay, a beautiful cove in the quiet town of Siaton in Negros Oriental. With an extensive mangrove forest and a rich marine life, it is an ecological sanctuary situated at the southern end of Negros island, almost facing the Sulu Sea.

He totally fell in love with the place that he lost no time renting a bamboo house to start building his dream boat.

That was 10 years ago.

Now building a second sailboat, Michael, 60, is just one of the many foreign travelers who have found a safe haven in Tambobo and have chosen to live in boats moored in the bay’s still waters.

With the majestic Mt. Talinis and the Cuernos de Negros mountain range for backdrop, it is not surprising that many world travelers have found a home in Tambobo Bay. Schooners, sloops, catboats, sunfish (a type of sailboat), catamarans, ketches and yawls—name it, they can be found in Tambobo.

So comfortable and enchanting is the place that some sailors, finding the exotic girls of their dreams, have settled down and raised a family.

Cruisers are particularly attracted to the cove, an hour’s travel from the capital city of Dumaguete, because it shelters their boats from typhoons.

Couple aboard Pilar

Diane, a graphic artist-designer, and her husband Bill, a forensic geologist in the United States, arrived in Tambobo Bay in 2000 on board a 35-foot Atkins sailboat called “Pilar,” which was named after the heroine in Hemingway’s “For whom the Bell Tolls.”

It took them nine years to launch Pilar and seven more before they left San Francisco, California, in 1991 to see the world. Asked why it took them so long to build Pilar, they said it was because they put more importance to the process of building it together than just sailing it and reaching the goal.

In their sailing adventures, they were able to visit the remote islands of Mangareva, Caroline Island and Kapingamarangi, to name a few. It was while on the Solomon Islands that they learned about Tambobo from other cruisers.

“We were attracted to Tambobo immediately because there are not a lot of places in the world that are safe for boats; even expensive when there’s a marina,” Diane said.

“Here in Tambobo, we can leave our boats because it’s safe. This is not a tourist thing like in the Caribbean or Hawaii; we see Tambobo as our little paradise.”

It turned out to be an extended stay for them in Tambobo. They eventually acquired a small space along the shore which became a studio and workshop.

Like Michael, Diane said she and her husband were enjoying the simple life, including the sheer pleasure of having time to read a book.

One local even asked Diane how the Yachties live and if they have a table in their boat.

Life in a boat

Pilar has a two-cylinder engine, which runs an average of 24 hours on 27 gallons of fuel for 100 nautical miles at five knots. It has berths for four people to sleep on, a toilet and bath, a galley with a sink, an oven, a stove fueled by wood, and a canning machine, 90 gallons of water that could last her a month and a storage for everything.

They have a table but no refrigerator, electric fans, hot water or GPS. “Bill and I are dinosaurs,” Diane jested.

Upon their arrival in Tambobo in 2000, Diane offered to teach one child how to read on weekends. “Then many came,” and the One Candle Schoolhouse was born.

The couple taught the children to translate English storybooks into Cebuano or weave an original story based on a picture storybook.

Bill built a carpentry shop, and began teaching locals how to repair and build boats.

Budget lessons

At first, they had kids aged 5 to 15 years. They would take them to the market to teach them how to budget money; each would be given some amount to buy ingredients for a recipe they were going to cook.

They would also take the kids for a tour of Dumaguete. “We took them to the bookstore, an Internet cafe, an art show along the boulevard, and took them for a ride on the escalator at the local store.”

Other cruisers volunteered to teach the children sailing, pottery or painting or donate good-quality musical instruments.

Others would drive their motorbikes from their home in Dumaguete or Valencia to Tambobo twice a week to teach the children literature or computer applications like Photoshop and Excel.

“I feel good simply being with the local residents of Tambobo because I feel that we’re all connected, and that we can help each other to get better together,” Diane said. “Being in a community like Tambobo puts depth in my life.”

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/176881/...-in-negros-bay

[hakz2007]

Featuring Philippine festivals and traditions in ABS-CBN Summer Station ID 2012!

[brockupo]

Mactan Island, Lapu-Lapu City, CEBU, Philippines
all photos from http://www.aboitizland.com/industria...zone_mez2.html

The rightful place for Lapu-lapu's monument from Rizal Park:



More Mactan pictures:

[brockupo]

[brockupo]

[brockupo]

Guitars Made in Mactan Island, Cebu




all photos from http://www.aboitizland.com/industria...zone_mez2.html

[reign]

Originally posted by SNPKLSDMBLDR

Basilica de San Martin de Tours, Taal, Batangas

Basilica de San Martin de Tours is a Minor Basilica in the town of Taal, Batangas in the Philippines. It is considered to be the largest church in the Philippines and in Asia, standing 96 metres (315 ft) long and 45 metres (148 ft) wide.















source

[hakz2007]

Batanes


Coron, Palawan


by Aicelle Constantino- Verdillo

[joks_25]

[italiano_pellicano]

wow amazing

[Yellow Fever]

image hosted on flickr

Whale shark by alastair.pollock, on Flickr

image hosted on flickr

19 by cebudivecentre, on Flickr

image hosted on flickr

http://www.flickr.com/photos/themagicmoment/7140506309/

image hosted on flickr

http://www.flickr.com/photos/themagi...n/photostream/

image hosted on flickr

http://www.flickr.com/photos/themagi...n/photostream/

image hosted on flickr

http://www.flickr.com/photos/themagi...n/photostream/

image hosted on flickr

http://www.flickr.com/photos/themagi...n/photostream/

[italiano_pellicano]

wow amazing country and nice pics

[AJ215]

I will travel to philippines few months from now with my girlfriend to visit her family there.

[marlowe_cano]

Originally Posted by hakz2007

Photo credits - by bag-iw08

wow!!