slogan

However, it is well understood that it is just a marketing strategy to lure foreign tourist to visit the Philippines and enjoy Philippines’ beautiful tourist attractions or even to invest on the Philippines for the Philippine is such a beautiful place, on scenery landscape sense.

Actually, there is no any country in the world that is so beautiful on moral and economic sense but on geographical sense there are many as many as the grain of sand. For there is no perfect governance; every country is tainted by crimes, sexual perversity, economic depression, corruption, etc. though their countries is rich in geographical gems and treasures. The problem actually is spiritual poverty. Perhaps, the country will only be so very “beautiful” if the country is not only rich in astounding beautiful geographical landscape but also rich in spirituality and economically.

Recently, this new Philippine tourism logo has already been scrap or removed due to heavy downpour or negative criticism about its designs even by lawmakers; especially the issue of plagiarism wherein the new Philippine tourism design or logo was allegedly an imitation of the Poland’s tourism logo. Moreover, the heavy downpour of negative criticism as well the plagiarism issue has led the new Philippine tourism secretary to resign on his office with great disappointment and left the design for the Philippine tourism logo on the Filipino public.

“The “Pilipinas Kay Ganda” slogan has been bitterly criticized by not only tourism industry leaders but also lawmakers.

Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago described it as “ignorant.” Other critics called it bland and unimaginative, and said that its being in the national language, not English, made it incomprehensible to the targeted international market.

Its logo also bore a strong resemblance to Poland’s tourism logo, prompting some critics to cry plagiarism.”

—Asian Journal

PNoy himself have ordered the scrapped of this new Philippine tourism logo and have planned to revert back the former Philippine tourism logo “WOW Philippines” coined by former Philippine Tourism secretary Richard Gordon.

Albay Tour Part 1 - Majestic Mayon Volcano

Albay Tour Part 1 - Majestic Mayon Volcano

by Mich Guevara

I felt that I should have written this entry earlier while she was still a nominee for the New7Wonders of Nature. Nevertheless, with its majestic beauty, it will never be late to talk about Mayon Volcano.

It was Dec 7 of last year when we landed at the Legazpi Airport. I thought I could never ever see the main reason why we visit Albay. They say, even from the airport, you could already spot Mt. Mayon. However, it was not the case when we were there. The cloudy and windy weather conditions made it difficult for us even to catch a sight of the volcano. It was too frustrating especially if you’re just as excited to take pictures of her.

"Mayon Volcano lies at the eastern portion of the province of Albay. And is about 300 km southeast of Manila. Well known for its beauty and near perfect symmetry, this active volcano is one of the tourist attractions of the country. Mayon reaches up to around 2,462 m above sea level and covers an area of 250 sq km. Its base circumference is 62.8 km encompassing the municipalities of Tabaco, Malilipot, Bacacay, Sto. Domingo, Ligao, Guinobatan, Camalig, Daraga, and Legaspi City. Mayon is classified as a strato volcano or composite cone. It consists of deposits formed basically by four major types of volcanic activity; air fall deposition, pyroclastic flows, rai-triggered debris flows, and lava flows. Air fall and pyroclastic flow deposits are composed of unconsolidated materials varying in size from ash to small boulders. These deposits result from the eruption of fragmented rocks from the crater and are transported down slope under the influence of gravity, explosion blast and the prevailing wind. Rainfall during or a long time after an eruption induces debris to flow down the slopes of Mayon Volcano to form debris flow deposits. These lahars are jumbled mixtures of rocks of varying sizes in a matrix of sand, silt and clay. Lava flows accompany most of Mayon’s eruptions. Predominantly blocky in structure, the lava flows issue mostly from the crater and sometimes from fissures that radiate from the cone."
Source: PHIVOLCS

The weather condition was much better the next day. We were both in awe when we finally get to see her on our second day. Paul kept telling me how fascinated he was by the beauty of Mayon. It’s probably one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world, but I’m pretty sure it’s also one of the most magnificent wonders of nature.

Where to Go and What to Do - PLACES OF INTEREST

Where to Go and What to Do - PLACES OF INTEREST With its cool climate and clean air, Tagaytay City is the perfect place for leisure activities like picnics, horseback riding, camping and sightseeing. It makes for an affordable weekend getaway for most Filipino families, if they're astute enough to take advance of the best bargains in Asia, (see below.) For our foreign friends visiting or thinking about visiting, Tagaytay offers a relaxing and safe haven where you can unwind and lay back after your long haul flight. Tagaytay is just a hop, skip and a jump from Manila's NAIA International Airport - Ninoy Aquino International Airport, about 90 minutes away. Taal Volcano , reputed to be the world's smallest volcano, rests on a serene blue lake. From Tagaytay, you can arrange a trip to the volcano island in the middle of Taal Lake. Click here for more details about a boat trip to Taal volcano.  Picnic Groove , where you can rent cottages for an overnight stay or go horseback riding and play on its mini-park. There's something for everyone in the family, regardless of their age! Picnic Groove is located along Aguinaldo Highway on the way towards the Royal Taal Inn and Palace in the Sky . Enchanted Kingdom (pictured below) is definitely for the kids but the entire family will enjoy this as well. It's only a half hour drive from Tagaytay, located nearby in Binan, Laguna. This is the Philippines version of Disneyland, but at far more reasonable prices. Palace in the Sky , the unfinished mansion of former President Ferdinand Marcos, has been converted and renamed the People's Park in the Sky . Without a doubt this offers the most speculator view of Taal volcano, no if, ands or buts about it! The Palace in the Sky was built for the official state visit of the former US President and Mrs. Ronald Reagan, though the Reagan's cancelled their trip due to the general unrest and Marcos' problems at the time. Looking at the shell of the palace today, it's hard to imagine the opulence and splendor it enjoyed during its heyday. Hollywood stars like George Hamilton (seen with Imedla Marcos in the photograph below,) entertained the Marcos' and their cronies with such ostentatious and fragrant displays of wasting money, it became one of the final nails in the Marcos' political coffin. They must have had some wild and outrageous parties there! The middle picture directly above is a rare shot of a small portion of the "Palace" during its heyday. The picture on the right (above) is the sign leading to the "Palace" today. In any event, it's definitely worth the time to visit as the view is amongst the best I've seen; Lake Taal and Taal volcano to the south, Laguna de Bay to the east, and almost as far as Manila to the north. Tagaytay High Lands , There are two 18-hole par 72 golf courses set amidst hilly terrain and ravines.  Tagaytay Highlands is highly rated offering two of the, if not the two best golf courses in the Philippines. Throw in all kinds of facilities like a driving range, movies, bowling, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, plus 29 world class restaurants, and you have a world class establishment that is hard to beat anywhere! As if one great golf course isn't good enough, how about two great courses! Orchard Golf Club opened for play in January 1995 with two Championship layouts designed by golfing legends Arnold Palmer and Gary Player. Both courses are situated in what was formerly a Mango orchard planted some sixty five years ago by Dean Conrado Benitez Sr. Self designated as a bird and wildlife sanctuary, the courses abound with indigenous flora and fauna. Asian Golf Holidays - Golf holidays fit to a TEE! Everything you need to enjoy a fabulous golf holiday at the best courses in Asia! White Cove Resort - Though not located within Tagaytay, an excellent beach resort, just 45 minutes from the Royal Taal Inn, will find you in Nasugbu, Batangas at the White Cove Resort. We were very impressed with the clean white sand and clear waters. We recommend a day visit to this beach resort or for an overnight stay in order to top up your sun tan. In fact a dear friend had their honeymoon at the White Cove and can't stop raving about how great it was. Highly recommended as the White Cove's Beach is far superior to the murky sands and waters found elsewhere at Nasugbu. The Flower Farm , on a windy slope of a hill in Tagaytay City sprawls a flower farm that keeps Manila abloom whole year round. The five-hectare flower farm has many varieties of flowers such as chrysanthemums with assorted colors, gerberas, carnations, roses, and anthuriums. Location : Barangay Guinhawa, Tagaytay City How to get there : From Tagaytay City, the farm is a brief 10-minute drive from the Aguinaldo Highway. St. Anne's Shrine is in Barangay Sungay, Tagaytay City The shrine is a small garden where a grotto of the Virgin Mary stands. The shrubbery and flowers are well-trimmed and well-cared for. There is even a small grass clearing in front of the grotto which is conducive to quite reflection. Gourmet's Cafe , located along Aguinaldo Highway, is a restaurant for the health conscious offering home grown fresh vegetables. Click here for more restaurants and dining pleasures. Hidden Valley , in Laguna province resting at the foot of Mt. Makiling, where a mineral spring flows from the mountain's lush greenery teeming with wild orchids and tropical ferns, is about 2 hours away. Pagsanjan Falls , also in Laguna, takes you on a thrilling ride in its shooting rapids amidst picturesque canyon walls. Caylabne Beach , (among its unique features is a magnetic field) and Puerto Azul Resort (with luxurious accommodations, golf course and fine dining restaurants). Banyan Tree Evercrest situated at Nasugbu Batangas is just 15 minutes away from Casino Filipino-Tagaytay . It boasts of an 18-hole par 72 championship golf course and offers first-class amenities, including a five-star hotel. Banyan Tree Evercrest Hotel and Country Club was designed by golfing legend Arnold Palmer. The course measures 6,702 yards and plays to a par of 72. Casino Filipino Tagaytay : Those who like to try lady luck will not be disappointed with Casino Filipino Tagaytay. You'll find everything you need under one roof in this mountain haven of gaming pleasure with smiling dealers, solicitous attendants and top notch entertainment. Taal Lake Yacht Club was set up primarily as a sailing club. However, the way it is set up, it is now considered one of the best campgrounds within 1 hour from Metro Manila, Luzon, Philippines. Rates are $2/day/person. It costs $3 to pitch a tent for the evening, and very large native style open cabanas surrounded by flowers and soft grass are available for around $8 per day. Fruits are plentiful and the coconuts are fresh, delicious and cheap! The City Market, pictured below, offers delicious fresh fruits and vegetables for a few cents. My personal favorite's are the fresh and sweet pineapples ... 5 for US$1 The Royal Taal Inn from just US$35 per night will get you one of the best bargains in Asia. Visiting Tagaytay will become one of your lifetime travel highlights.

Photo's courtesy of Rommel valerio(bhomekzvalerio01@gmail.com)

Scuba Diving

Scuba Diving

Dive sites are located from 5 to 40 minutes away from the beach by speedboat inside Puerto Princesa Bay. The closest dive sites are White Beach and Red Cliff, both located inside Puerto Princesa Bay. These are preferred sites for open water training dives as they offer slopes and walls that begin 20 (7m) feet from the surface. Colorful reef fish are common and various coral colonies can be observed in one dive. Turtles and rays are usually sighted amongst soft corals and sandy portions of the site. Manta rays, whale sharks, hammerhead sharks and other megafauna have been sighted in these waters. But because these animals are wild and free-swimming, we can not promise you an encounter or set a schedule of their appearance. Suffice it to say – you may be diving with one of nature's most fantastic marine creations in Puerto Princesa!

Dolphin Watching Expedition

Dolphin Watching Expedition

See long-snouted spinner dolphins! These warm-blooded and air-breathing mammals known as "lumba-lumba" are very acrobatic animals with a triangular dorsal fin. Its color is dark gray on the sides and white on the belly. Dolphin watching at Puerto Princesa Bay is the newest water adventure being offered to tourists by the City Tourism Office. See the dolphins at play and enjoy the fun. Chances of seeing a dolphin are best when the seas are flat. Agitated seas, high winds and execessive glare make it more difficult to see them.

Climate

Climate

Rainfall The City has two prevailing type of climate. The type that prevails in the west coast has two distinct seasons: six months dry (November-April), and six months wet (May-October) with the heaviest recorded rainfall in September, While the lowest or driest month occurs in February. Western barangays of the City (New Panggangan, Marufinas, Cabayugan, Tagabinit, Buenavista, Bahile, Macarascas, Simpocan, Bagong Bayan, and Napsan) fall within this type. The type prevailing in the east coast has short dry season with varying heavy rainfall months. Dry months have been recorded during the months of January to April. Recorded rainiest month is September. Temperature Temperature is one of the three most important factors in climate as far as plant growth is concerned. The other two factors are moisture and light. Temperature influences every chemical and physical process connected with plants such as solubility of minerals; absorption of water, gases, etc.; synthesis; growth and reproduction. In the animal world, atmospheric temperatures have profound effect in the reproductive as well as productive efficiency of livestock, like milk production in dairy farming. The City has a uniform high temperature. However, there is no marked difference in temperature between areas falling under the first and second type of climate. Generally the warmest months are March, April and May, the coolest are November, December, January, and February. Humidity The City has more or less uniform as well as high relative humidity. The range is from 79 to 86 percent with an annual mean of 84 percent. Fluctuations in relative humidity affect the rate of evaporation in such a way that if other factors like moisture content of the soil and its temperature and the temperature of the air were momentarily held constant, a lower relative humidity tends to enhance vaporization, while in an extreme case, atmosphere approaches 100 percent, evaporation may cease and condensation induced. Wind The City has two distinct prevailing winds, the northeast (NE) monsoon and the southwest (SW) monsoon. The northeast monsoon generally sets in October and continues until April. The monsoon blows mainly between north and northeast with a tendency towards an easterly direction at the end of the season. It has a velocity ranging from 15 to 25 kilometers per hour at its height and an average of 6 kilometers per hour. Rain clouds during the NE monsoon practically lose all the moisture before reaching the southwest part of the archipelago, thus the City and the province as a whole receive no rainfall towards the end of the northeast monsoon (January-April). The southwest (SW) monsoon or the summer monsoon follows the NE monsoon after a transition period of variable winds and calms. The SW monsoon prevails from June to October. It blows most steadily during July and August although not as steady as the NE monsoon, reaching a maximum velocity of about 35 kilometers per hour. In October or during the close of the SW monsoon, strong winds occur in the southern part of the city. The southwest winds bring torrential rains but with uneven distribution. The NE and SW monsoons affect the eastern and western part of the City. When these winds blow, the seas are very rough. The calm months of the year are from April through June on both the eastern and western side of the City.

White Sand Beaches

White Sand Beaches

Pristine, powdery white sand beaches are found in almost all islands and islets in the province. Strands of white sand beaches hugh the coves and bays of Palawan's coastline, providing a scenic contrast to the green canopies and the emerald or blue waters. The islands on the nearby Honda Bay offer beach lovers unspoilt and uncrowded havens so rarely found anywhere else. There are dozens of white sand beaches beckoning from the clear blue waters; travelers may go to dive, snorkel, or swim in the beautiful still waters of the bay, or just sit on the sand and soak up the sun. Each island offers different attractions, and there are plenty to choose from. Among the most popular are Snake Island, with a sinuous white sand bar, and Bat Island, from which a thick horde of bats can be observed flying out at sundown to feed in the mainland. Nagtabon Beach. A lovely stretct of white sand beach with crystal clear waters offshore. The beach stretches 800 meters long and 15 meters wide and is ideal for sunbathing, swimming and other watersports. Small resorts offer food and lodging facilities for visitors. Bacungan's other natural attractions includes panoramic views of mountains, fruit plantations, and 600 hectares of dense forest. Bacungan is 45 kilometers west of the city proper. Jeeps depart daily from the jeepney and bus terminal in San Jose. Napsan Beach. Nestled on the western coast, two hours south of the city proper, Barangay Napsan offers a tranquil and rustic setting for a beach vacation, with its long stretches of white sand beaches punctuated by rocky promontories.