Travel Philippines! ( part 1 : Loving Luzon )

Canyon Cove in Nasugbu, Batangas has been one of my (our) recent, pleasant discoveries. Though not a certified beach lover, this place however, has given me the throb.

It boasts of its clean, white sands and a beach that summons you to dip in its cool, inviting, refreshing waters.

It is equipped with competitive rooms, comparative to those of 4-star hotels, and a dining café that serves a variety of dishes to choose from.

Quite affordable for day tours, one does not have to fly to feel the semblance of boracay, bohol, or even Palawan. All it takes would be a two-hour easy driving, if you are coming from Manila.

Tagaytay. Right smack in the middle of Cavite & Batangas. Tagaytay will always be a place of respite for me, my husband and even my three lovely, grown-up daughters.

Refreshing, calming, unwiding. This is where one can wine & dine ( Antonio’s, Taal Vista Hotel, Sonya’s Garden) or relax over a cup of good coffee ( Mochablends, Figaro, Starbucks, Pancake House). One can even straddle between good Italian food ( Carlo’s Pizza, Sanctuario or Yellow Cab) or the home-grown bulalo at Leslie’s, Dencio’s or Max’s Restaurant.

Heading back home, one can take a halt and check out the nearby pasalubong stands ( Collette’s or Rowena’s) for the much-anticipated Buko pie or Mango tart.)

Remember to pick some fresh roses or Malaysian mums along the road and give your living room back home that much-needed perk this summer.

Tagaytay Hi-lands. A must-try place anytime of the year. If you haven’t experienced yet, being in a different place at the present time, then chances are, you haven’t set foot on Tagaytay Hi-lands.

Its like being transported to a place far from your own home. Dining at the famous steakhouse alone would get you confused for 1 minute. The warm cabinlog setting, with an honest-to-goodness-fireplace makes one feel being situated in a cold country somewhere across the globe.

Chose among the authentic (and I mean authentic) restaurants and dining and wining there gives you the feeling of having won in a lottery! (Lifestyle of the rich and famous is the more apt description to it ) Spanish cuisines, Italian food, Japanese, Chinese…everything is there waiting to be discovered.

Cable cars, Ice cream parlors, swimming pools, a mini-zoo, semi-race track driving …name it, all these are up for grabs at the Tagaytay Hi-lands.

Just a caution, though. Never forget to bring a jacket. It gets really cold at night specially during the months of November, December, January and February.

Have a feast!

Subic. Where its clean and green. ( Aside from Singapore) I just love the way things are going there in subic – I mean, the beaches, the “duty-free-shops!” the restaurants, the zoo. It just beckons me to go back.

I always feel proud that somewhere in the Philippines, people do observe traffic rules, huh. ( Its just unbelievable sometimes specially when you’re so used to the city-style-of-driving)

Summer is a good time to go to Subic. Summer is the best time to go shopping!!!

BaguioThe summer capital of the Philippines, the home of strawberries & fresh flowers.

While traveling up to Baguio, one can’t thelp but marvel at the beautiful scenaries one's eyes can feast upon. Up the mountains, and down the valleys, Baguio will always be a wonderful place to spend your vacation in – summer or Christmas vacation, it doesn’t matter.

Baguio boasts of Penagbenga ( or the feast of flowers) every early February, and having experienced that feast, I would recommend that you go, and experience it at least once in your lifetime.

The flower floats are unbelievably beautiful. The street dancing is just too liberating, unwinding for the high-stressed people ( like me.)

Of course, one shouldn’t leave Baguio without having breakfast or lunch at “The ruins.” ( good healthy food to your delight)

If you happen to be lucky, staying at John Hay or at the Baguio Country Club would definitely be an A+. Surrounded by pines everywhere, one can wish he could stay up in Baguio a little more longer.

If its your first time, then I suggest you drop by Mine’s view park for an exquisite full view of the city. Then, there’s burnham park and “the Palace” to choose from. There’s trinidad valley for your “strawberry-fields-forever-kind-of-feel.”

Oh, and the fun part doesn’t really stop there. Good Shepherd is a must!-must!, but I must warn you to check on those calories! ( Ube and strawberry jam is non-negotiable.! You’ve got to bring home a bottle of each or two!)

Don’t forget the “walis” ( broom) and everlasting!!!!

Keep cool!

Palawan Impeccably, extra-ordinarily gorgeous. Landing at Puerto Princesa, its clean environment was first to catch my attention. Polite and courteous people everywhere, our stay in Palawan was one unforgettable experience.

Cruising through the beautiful waters of Palawan, via Honda Bay, we were treated to several tourists spots. With numeruous white sandy beaches, Palawan also boasts about its great food - fresh fish, fresh fruits & vegetables...fresh everything.

You may want to save up a little more for kayaking, jet-skiing and the underground (cave) experience. You simply must!

(When in Palawan, I'd recommend visiting El Nido or Club Noah.)

(Part 2 : Visayas ; Part 3: Mindanao)