Part One
SINCE the Department of Tourism (DOT) launched “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” brand campaign in 2012, many of us have become more aware of the beauty that lies in our countryside. In fact, the amount of money we spend on traveling to local destinations has grown substantially.
According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), domestic travelers spent about P2.1 trillion in 2016, up by 19.1 percent from the P1.77 trillion recorded in 2015. The same data also indicated that domestic tourism expenditure accounted to close to 20 percent of a household’s final consumption expenditure in 2016, compared to 18 percent in 2015, and just 12.7 percent in 2012, the first year of the Philippines “fun” brand campaign.
The affordability of airfare has also made traveling around the Philippines—an archipelago—much easier. One can be in Davao City in the southern island region of Mindanao from Angeles, Pampanga, in Luzon in just under two hours, and for an average of P5,000 round-trip airfare for one.
Also, the construction or improvement of airports in many provinces have made it possible for many of us to check out new and exciting destinations previously unheard of, or were just not accessible enough to visit. For instance, reaching the famous long beach of San Vicente in Palawan, is no longer just a pipedream since its airport was inaugurated in June 2017. While the airport is open just to light aircraft in the meantime, a number of major airlines have intimated the possibility of flying there soon, what with well-known resort brands opening soon, or already in the planning stages.
From deserted island beaches to rocky mountains, deep drops of colorful coral walls and diverse marine life, to heritage churches and cultural icons, there is a wealth of wonder in the Philippines.
We spoke to travel executives and tourism insiders who have recommended a list of eight must-visit destinations in 2018. So plan those vacations, readers, and get packing!
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Jaybanga Rice Terraces in Lobo, Batangas—DOT Director Czarina Zara-Loyola says one need not travel six hours just to see amazing rice terraces. “The Rice Terraces in Barangay Jaybanga is one of the destinations the DOT is promoting as a must-see destination this year,” she said. While the rice terraces in Lobo may not be as far-reaching and as high as Banaue’s, or as old, it is still quite a breathtaking site. Built by hand by the locals, the mini-terraces are lush and green, and as soon as harvest time is near, it gives off a yellowish-gold glint from the ripening palay.
“Beyond the rice terraces, Lobo itself is a pleasant locale to explore,” Loyola added. “It has mangroves, the Ulupong waterfalls, and the Malagundi Coral Wall, which has attracted a number of divers because of its rich and diverse marine life.”
It’s takes about 3.5 hours to get to Barangay Jaybanga from Manila by private car (from SLEX take the San Jose/Ibaan toll road, then turn left going to Lipa). By bus, take the one going to the Batangas Pier and go down at the main bus terminal. From there, take a jeepney ride to Lobo. There are a number of resorts to stay in at Lobo (click https://bit.ly/2C5jKtO), but if you have more days to spare, drop by the beach in San Juan first, hang out at a local resort, then proceed to Lobo the next day.
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Siargao, Surigao del Norte— Our travel experts were unanimous in recommending Siargao as one of the places to be in 2018. It used to be haven for local and a few international surfers, but since the increase in the number of carriers offering direct flights, the destination has attracted a diverse array of travelers longing for secluded white beaches, quiet spaces and a night life reminiscent of the early days of Boracay.
“There’s more to surfing in Siargao,” according to Charo Logarta Lagamon, director for corporate communications of Cebu Pacific. “While the ber months make Siargao any surfers’ paradise, the summer months make Siargao a haven for any beach-lover and nature-trippers with enchanting lagoons, caves, coral reefs and bizarre rock formations. Neighboring Guyam and Naked islands boasts of pristine white-sand beaches and great snorkeling; while the Magpupungko Tidal Pool has bizarre rock formations with a natural pool. It’s separated from the ocean by a large reef.”
Most of the accommodations are located in the municipality of General Luna, but there are other resorts and hotels that offer visitors enough privacy, but still being accessible to the main road. TripAdvisor offers its top 5 list of hotels in Siargao, which fit any traveler’s budget; click https://bit.ly/2q8baZM.
Cebu Pacific flies six times a week between Manila and Siargao; and daily between Cebu and Siargao.
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Masbate—To a people of a certain generation, Masbate was once a place famous for its mythical flying monsters like the aswang. Unknown to many, the province was one of the first areas in the Philippines settled by Spanish colonizers. “People have forgotten that Masbate is rich in Spanish history,” according to Aileen Clemente, president of Rajah Travel Corp. “One of its most famous Spanish-era landmarks, for example, is the Aroroy Lighthouse in Bugui Point, which continues to stand to this day.”
There are also a number of heritage homes designed in the bahay na bato mold prevalent during the Spanish era, which can be found in the city proper (Villa Bayot where a Santo Entierro—the dead Christ—lies encased in glass), as well as in the municipality of Monreal, and on Ticao Island.
Now one of the main cattle raisers in the country, Masbate also hosts a rodeo festival every April, Clemente added. Aside from a parade of horses and cattle, dancers dressed in Western cowboy outfits strut down the main avenue, or participate in cattle wrestling contests. She also said the province is teeming with marine life—“it’s a good place for diving and see manta rays. It is on the migratory path for sea creatures.”
Homestays are available in Masbate, as well as in other islands, as there is only a smattering of adequate accommodations in the city proper. Check out booking.com for a list (https://booki.ng/2lCU8ye), or inquire at the Masbate Provincial Tourism Office. CEB flies from Manila to Masbate once a day, and from Cebu, also once daily. (Pro tip: Flying from Manila to Masbate via Cebu is slightly cheaper, with many flights to Cebu to choose from.) Alternatively, you can take the Isarog bus that leaves from its Edsa or Araneta-Cubao terminals going to Masbate, with fares from P800 to P2,000+one way, depending on the bus type.
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Biri Rock Formations in Northern Samar—One of the destinations DOT is also promoting, the Biri rock formations, is one of those awe-inspiring tourist spots that are, unfortunately, still quite a distance to travel to. For now, only Philippine Airlines flies to Catarman, the capital of Northern Samar, from the Clark International Airport in Angeles, Pampanga (one flight every M-W-F-Su), and even then, one must ride a jeepney (to Lavezares town) then a boat to get to Biri Island.
There are also very few accommodations to stay in on the island, mostly bed and breakfasts, so we’re talking about raw and rustic here. (A few on the list are Glenda’s Bed and Breakfast, Villa Amor and Biri Resort.) But DOT Director Loyola promises that seeing the rock formations up close is worth the long trip. “Shaped by wind and waves, these massive rocks are chiseled in different directions creating unique patterns and colorful designs,” she explained. These natural geological sculptures are to be found along the jagged coastline of this weather-beaten island. She added the island itself is a good spot for diving and a tour of mangrove areas.
Other islands worth exploring in Northern Samar are San Antonio, with its magnificent white beaches, and Capul, which was once the last pitstop for Spanish galleons before making the long trip to Acapulco in Mexico. Capul is known for its centuries-old lighthouse and Capul Church, which was established by the Jesuit Order in the 16th century, according to Loyola. To get to these islands, take a van or jeepney from Catarman to Victoria (if you’re going to San Antonio), or to Allen (if going to Capul), then a boat to your end-destination.
Image credits: DOT photo