Philippines Travel Guide

San Agustin Church & Museum

2006-11-09T21:38:00.000-08:00

I really enjoyed my walk around the San Agustin Church in Manila. In fact it is in Intramuros, the old walled city.

Ajoining the San Agustin Church is the San Agustin Museum, which is steeped in rich history, the buildings are made of solid stone and is a relief from the heat and humidity.

I have done a review and a photo tour on these pages:

San Agustin Church Manila

San Agustin Church and Museum Photos

Best regards,

Brett
Philippines Travel Guide

Philippines Videos

2006-11-08T22:44:00.000-08:00

I'm starting to put together some videos on the Philippines. There is a lot of videos out there on the web and a lot of them are pretty ordinary. I will be using some of my own

and others that I find that will be of relevance to you.

So far these are what I have found:

I will be ading more as time goes by. If you have any that may be useful to others or you have discovered some that are worth viewing, let me know here.

Enjoy them.

Best regards,

Brett
Philippines Travel Guide

Money Changers in Manila

2006-11-06T22:49:00.000-08:00

There are plenty of people who are more than happy to take your money and I don't just mean the pickpockets and thiefs on the streets, have you seen the absurd exchange

rates the major hotels and banks will give you?

Don't go there.

Have a look here for my recommendation on money changers in Manila.

Best regards,

Brett
Philippines Travel Guide

Zoobic Safari

2006-05-24T21:10:00.000-07:00

Now this place is different.

Only in the Philippines I guess, I'm sure Western countries would not allow it!

Have a look here to find out what happens.

Or you can check out the Photo Gallery.

Best regards,

Brett
Philippines Travel Guide

Ocean Adventure Subic Bay

2006-05-24T21:04:00.000-07:00

The Ocean Adventure Subic Bay is must see. Kids of all ages including adults will love it. Everyone loves animals that perform and here sea lions, whales and dolphins will be able to provide you with lots of entertainment.

When you go, see if can guess the underlying message?

If you cannot go, have a look at this Photo Gallery it will give you an idea of what you are missing.

Best regards,

Brett
Philippines Travel Guide

Manila American Cemetery

2006-05-24T05:20:00.000-07:00

It seem a bit odd to recommend a cemetery as a tourist attraction, but the Manila American Cemetery is quite special. The grounds are immaculate, there is no noise, which is absolute bliss.

It also gives you a bit of a history lesson on the battle of the Pacific during World War 2.

I have also put a photo gallery up on the Manila American Cemetery here.

Do have a look.

Best regards,

Brett
Philippines Travel Guide

Manila Hotels

2006-05-23T21:51:00.000-07:00

Whenever I stay in Manila, I either stay in one of two hotels that are my favourites. i guess my favourites are determined by my budget at the time.

For accommodation when I'm on a budget I always stay at the Iseya Hotel. It is very good value and close in the heart of Ermita.

Now if I have a few dollars to spare I stay a bit more upmarket at the Heritage Hotel. The Heritage is great because it is nice and close to the airport if you have an early morning flight.

Best regards,

Brett
Philippines Travel
Guide

Coconut Palace Manila

2006-05-23T16:13:00.000-07:00

I had never visited the Coconut Palace in Manila, it was for no particular reason other than I didn't think there would be to much to see.

How wrong was I. I like it when my initial perception of something turns out to be wrong for the better!

Have a look here for information on the Coconut Palace in Manila and if you want to have a look at some photos of Coconut Palace, don't miss these.

Best regards,

Brett
Philippines Travel
Guide

Aboitiz SuperFerry - International Certification

2006-02-17T04:38:00.000-08:00

Congratulatoins must be extended to the Aboitiz Group. The SuperFerry has been awarded the ISM or International Ship Management Code. This is a certification of compliance that the SuperFerry meets a certain level of international safety management, environmental protection, emergency systems, shedule of maintenance, qualified crew and operational management standards.

It is the first shipping company in the Philippines to receive such an honour.

If you would like to travel on one of there 12 ferries, have a look here. You will also find other ferry timetables and destinations.

Brett
Philippines Travel
Guide

Philippines Climate

2006-02-11T03:23:00.000-08:00

When is the best time to travel to the Philippines?

The Philippine Islands are drenched in sunshine but can I expect to see the sun everyday all year round?

Well not exactly, it never gets cold, unless you are in the mountains and you can expect rain, lets face it the Philippines are in the tropics, but when is the best time to go.

I think you should have a look here. Then you can choose between the Wet and Dry seasons, because they can both be positive.

Brett
Philippines Travel
Guide

Have you thought of Retiring in the Philippines??

2005-10-23T03:54:00.000-07:00

A lot of people contact me asking about retiring in the Philippines. They ask the usual questions, which is kind of difficult to answer by email.

Recently an ebook has been published called Streetwise Philippines which is one of the best publications I have read on retiring in the Philippines.

I have just put a page up on Retirement in the Philippines you can have a look here.

I have also done a review of Streetwise Philippines, have a look and tell me what you think, Streetwise Philippines.

Bohol Philippines perfect for tourists!

2005-09-05T14:58:00.000-07:00

If you wanted somewhere to take the family, where there is beautiful white sand beaches then you should come and have a look at Bohol Philippines.

It has more to offer than you can imagine. Go and have a look at the Chocolate Hills or visit the Philippine Tarsier research sanctuary. The Philippine Tarsier is the worlds smallest primate.

Or if you want to go snorkelling or scuba diving then you will not be disappointed Bohol Scuba Diving is some of the best in the Philippines.

Whatever you would like to do when you are on holidays is here.

Brett

Anyone for any Filipino?

2005-07-14T17:25:00.000-07:00

Both Filipino and English are the National Languages of the Philippines. Filipino is based around a number of languages, there are numerous dialects throughout the Philippine Islands. The basis of the language is Tagalog.

I have added a few pages on the Filipino Language and some useful Filipino Phrases to help you make your travel even easier.

You do not need to worry though as most Filipinos speak very good English.

Brett
Philippines Travel Guide

Air Philippines Expanding!

2005-06-30T19:58:00.000-07:00

It is interesting to note that Air Philippines, the third largest domestic carrier in the Philippines is on a program to grow their operations from now through to 2009. They have purchased 6 x Boeing 747's and next month will purchase a further 4 , Boeing 737's.

Air Philippines has recently expanded its regional geographic with entry into China - Shenzhen and Canton and South Korea - Daigu, Kwangu and Ichon.

Air Philippines will continue to grow there flights, with an intention to fly Manado Indonesia via Davao. Also increase the routes from Zamboanga to Sandakan and Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia.

In additition to the existing flight destinations, have a look
here for flight information, Air Philippines wil also increase the frequency of the strong Cebu arm. Adding a Cebu - Zamboanga route, Cabu - Cotabato and increase the flights for the Cebu - Davao route.

Brett
Philippines Travel Guide

Western Visayas Region in the Philippines.

2005-06-28T02:51:00.000-07:00

Western Visayas is also known as Region 6. It is right in the centre of the Philippines Archipelago and is home to 6 provinces, one of them an island and countless islands.

Have a look here, come and discover the beautiful pristine beaches and taste the juiciest mangoes in the world. You will not be disappointed.

Brett
Philippines Travel Guide

Manila Cathedral – Still standing and looking fantastic!

2005-06-17T04:03:00.000-07:00

Manila Cathedral has been hit and destroyed by numerous earthquakes, typhoons, burnt to the ground and bombed beond recognition during World War II.

Have a look here for information on Manila Cathedral.

You will be fascinated to discover the history of this icon building in the capital city of the Philippines, Manila.

Brett
Philippines Travel Guide

Malacanang Palace – home for the elite!

2005-06-06T05:03:00.000-07:00

Malacanang Palace, was built in 1802, sold to the Spanish and endured just about everything mother nature could throw at it. Earthquake, fire and the bombs from World War 2.

Malacanang Palace has housed diplomats, heads of state, and was the official palace of the President of the Philippines. Ferdinand Marcos and his wife lived in royalty there until the Filipinos had had enough and literally chased them into helicopters as they fled.

Read here about Malacanang Palace.

Brett
Philippines Travel Guide

Deep Diving Record in the Philippines!

2005-06-03T03:21:00.000-07:00

On the 29th May 2005 a world record deep dive on open circuit scuba was completed. The record itself however was not the driving force behind the world record dive, but rather the opportunity to lay a memorial plaque on the USS Cooper, in honour of the 191 lost US service men after they were torpedoed by the Imperial Japanese Navy, in the Battle of Ormoc Bay off the Philippine Island of Leyte.

The dive itself, to a depth of 193 metres (630 feet), is an extremely technical dive taking months of preparation. Congratulations to Rob Lalumiere and all the support crew, vessels and logistics to a fantastic effort!

Ormoc Bay in the Philippines was the scene of some of the fiercest sea battles during World War 2. Ormoc Bay is situated on the west coast of the island of Leyte south of Manila.

There are numerous, yet to be discovered, shipwrecks in Philippine waters. It will probably take pioneers like Rob Lalumiere to find them.

Have a look here for more diving sites around the Philippines.

Brett
Philippines Travel Guide

Tiger Airways fly’s daily to the Philippines!

2005-05-27T04:13:00.000-07:00

Due to popular demand, Tiger Airways has increased its flights to Clark Field, about 80 km north of Manila, from 5 times per week to daily.
Tiger Airways is a budget airline carrier owned 49% by Singapore Airlines.
Buses will take passengers from Clark Field to Manila where you can link up with other domestic airlines.

Tiger Airways will now transport about 180,000 passengers to the Philippines.
Brett
Philippines Travel Guide.

Don’t stand, at your peril – Philippine Flag.

2005-05-23T03:49:00.000-07:00

It was reported in the Philippine Daily Inquirer that a British man and his Filipino wife refused to stand up and give there respects during a Philippines Flag raising ceremony.

The Mimosa Golf & Country Club Association Inc in the Clark Special Economic Zone is where the couple ignored protocol.

It was just the couple’s luck that four Filipino lawyers are also members of the Golf Club and are representing the club in suing them. It is alleged that despite being asked to stand and join the ceremony they stayed seated and ate their food.

Brett
Philippines Travel Guide

Philippine History

2005-05-18T19:24:00.000-07:00

Some new pages on my website will give some information on the history of the Philippines.

They are broken down into sections.

Spanish Colonial Period.

The Philippine Revolution

The Commonwealth Era

The Japanese Occupation.

Independent Philippines.

The Marcos Era

Present Manila History

If you want any further clarification, drop me a comment.

Brett
Philippines Travel Guide.

Where is Manila Philippines?

2005-05-15T04:54:00.000-07:00

Manila in the Philippines is a big city which is the gateway to reach some of the bost beautiful islands in the world.

If you have ever wondered where Manila in the Philippines is, then have a look here.

Brett
Philippines Travel Guide

Biri Island Philippines Anyone?

2005-05-11T19:45:00.000-07:00

For the intrepid traveller, who really really wants to get off the beaten track, my recommendation would be to get yourself to Biri Island.

There are no maddening crowds here, in fact you will probably have the beach to yourself, or you may have to share it with the local village children.

Enjoy the sunsets on Biri Island they will last with you forever!

Brett
Philippines Travel Guide

Philippines Transport Fares go up!

2005-05-09T23:09:00.000-07:00

From the 26th May 2005 fares on Jeepneys and ordinary buses will be increased.

Jeepneys will increase from P5.50 to P7.50 for the first 4km.
Ordinary Buses will increase from P6.00 to P8.00 for the first 5km.

These inceases have been approved by the Philippines Regulators to help the transport industry cope with inceased oil prices.

Have a look here for transportation around the Philippines.

Brett
Philippines Travel Guide

Scuba Diving Philippines.

2005-05-09T05:26:00.000-07:00

Scuba diving in the Philippines is really adventurous, it has some of the best scuba diving in the world.

Here is just a small sample of what you can expect whilst Scuba Diving in the Philippines.

Diving Puerto Galera.

Subic Bay scuba diving.

Sorsogon diving.

Apo Reef diving.

Verde Island diving.

Have a look at the above locations, you will not be disappointed!

Brett
Philippines Travel Guide

Philippines Festivals.

2005-05-08T05:28:00.000-07:00

I have just added another page to my site.

One of the few people in the world, Filipinos are generous beyond belief and this is all the more evident during Philippines Festivals.

Enjoy!

Brett
Philippines Travel Guide

Cebu Pacific Air looking to replace fleet!

2005-05-07T03:46:00.000-07:00

INQ7 has reported that Cebu Pacific Air has asked three European export credit companies to guarantee a $300 million bank loan.

The loan would be used to purchase 12 Airbus 319’s and 2 320’s, which will have a larger seating capacity. They will eventually phase out the existing DC9’s and Boeing 757’s.

This upgrade in fleet capacity is a further positive indication of strong future tourism.

The article also stated that Cebu Pacific Air has increased its revenue by 21.6% to P7.41 billion.

Brett
Philippines Travel Guide

More Flights into the Philippines!

2005-05-05T03:10:00.000-07:00

Flight numbers are increasing, tourists are slowly discovering the hidden secrets of the Philippines and airlines are making sure they are not going to miss out!

Both Tiger Airlines (budget airline based in Singapore) and Asiana Airlines (based in South Korea) have increased there weekly flights by an additional two. I also here on the grape vine that more airlines want to increase there flights as well.

All looks good for the tourist, more flights in, more competition equals cheaper, affordable flights!

Now once your in the Philippines how do you get around? Your best bet is to start here. This webpage will help you with your decisions.

Brett
Philippines Travel Guide

Philippines for a Holiday?

2005-05-04T03:25:00.000-07:00

Most people overlook the Philippines as a holiday destination, which is a pity for them because there are more than 7,100 islands to explore. When I say islands I mean tropical, the sort that have powdery white sand and crystal clear water, have a look here for more information.

Brett
Philippines Travel Guide

Puerto Galera has won the 2005 Most Beautiful Bay Award!

2005-05-03T19:53:00.000-07:00

It is fantastic to see some of the many beautiful places in the Philippines getting some international recognition. Boracay for one has had an enormous amount of recognition, but beyond that it is fairly sparse.

Whilst the award is not particularly well known it is still a fantastic result. Competing against 80 other member countries for the title of Most Beautiful Bays in the World. Puerto Galera was awarded the winner in 2005.

This is a great step for Puerto Galera which is a very popular tourist destination. I know my first trip to Puerto Galera was just mind blowing, the bay and surrounding beaches are breathtaking. The Spanish used the bay as a safe mooring for there galleons during the typhoon season. For more information on Puerto Galera and how to get to Pureto Galera, what to do and where to stay, these links will definitely help you.

Just remember that Puerto Galera is also is a world renowned scuba diving spot. If Puerto Galera cannot get you in the holiday mood, I'm not sure what will.

US$60 Million Hotel complex for Boracay

2005-05-03T12:49:00.000-07:00

The Shangri-La Resort and Spa complex on Boracay will be the newest resort on the beautiful island of Boracay. It is to have 150 rooms and 50 beachfront vilas spreadout over 198 acres.

It is due to open in 2007, we'll see....

Have a look here if you are not familiar with the island of Boracay:

http://ww.philippines-travel-guide.com/white-beaches-boracay.html

http://www.philippines-travel-guide.com/boracay-philippines.html

http://www.philippines-travel-guide.com/travel-to-boracay.html

http://www.philippines-travel-guide.com/boracay-golf.html